“Of course we have a variety of incense, imported and local. Do you have a favored fragrance for find familiar?”
A gnome, with an eight-pointed cap of soft fabric, complete with tassel, springs with surprising — nay, impossible — alacrity to land lightly on his toes atop one of the nearby tables to bring himself to your eye level.
“Do you need a brazier as well, for we have a number on hand for a range of budgets.”
He awaits your answer with a grin, head tilted confidently.
"Oh.. hello kind sir. Yes, incense and a brazier. As long as it is in my budget," Bell tries to cover her moment of confusion. "Pardon. I am Bell Wheather, one of Candlekeep's Scholars' Shield. Lately arrived in Baldur's Gate. This establishment is marvelous and a bit overwhelming."
Meredith breaks away and looks about for another assistant....preferably one quite removed from Bell and Erudisia....
If she locates one she has a whispered conversation with them....
Meredith recalls a brooch her mentor wore ( brooch of shielding though she doesn't know that and is seeking anything vaguely 'protective' ) that he intimated gave some measure of protection to the wearer.......she is trying to find out if they have something similar within the store, how much it would set her back and if the sale could be done somewhat circumspectly as it is intended as a 'gift'.
Bell paused, a breath catching in her throat. The air inside was thick with the fragrance of exotic spices and dried herbs, overlaid with something sharp and electric, like static charge right before a storm. Tiny, luminous motes of light drifted through the air like lazy fireflies, their soft glow illuminating towering shelves crammed with peculiar objects.
To her left, intricately carved wooden boxes lay open, revealing vibrant, shimmering powders that hummed with a low, resonant energy. To her right, glassware filled with swirling, colored liquids pulsed with an inner light, each vial seemingly containing a miniature galaxy. She saw cloaks woven from what looked like moonlight and shadows, their fabric rustling softly on invisible breezes. She ran a hand over a leather-bound tome on a nearby table, the leather feeling cool and ancient under his touch, smelling faintly of incense and forgotten secrets - until a spark of energy stung her fingertips. "Look, don't touch... when will I learn."
The store was not totally silent; beyond the gentle hum of the magical items, she could hear the faint, melodious tinkling of unseen wind chimes, and the rustling of something delicate in the shadows and the hushed whispers of shoppers moving among the islands of wonderment. And as she stepped further into the shop, the air grew warmer, like walking into a sunbeam, and the scent of magic became even more evocative, stirring something deep within her, something she had not realized was there before. This was not just a shop; it was a promise. A promise of the impossible, whispered in a language older than time itself.
"How does one find what they need in such a place?"
“Of course we have a variety of incense, imported and local. Do you have a favored fragrance for find familiar?”
A gnome, with an eight-pointed cap of soft fabric, complete with tassel, springs with surprising — nay, impossible — alacrity to land lightly on his toes atop one of the nearby tables to bring himself to your eye level.
“Do you need a brazier as well, for we have a number on hand for a range of budgets.”
He awaits your answer with a grin, head tilted confidently.
"Oh.. hello kind sir. Yes, incense and a brazier. As long as it is in my budget," Bell tries to cover her moment of confusion. "Pardon. I am Bell Wheather, one of Candlekeep's Scholars' Shield. Lately arrived in Baldur's Gate. This establishment is marvelous and a bit overwhelming."
The gnome shows Bell to the braziers section and helps her find just the kind of incense she is looking for (and can go ahead and purchase for standard prices. Care to describe what Bell finds?)
Meredith breaks away and looks about for another assistant....preferably one quite removed from Bell and Erudisia....
If she locates one she has a whispered conversation with them....
In the back of the store is a small, locked showroom which can be seen through a faded glass window. Beside it, at a very comfortably outfitted desk, sitting in a comfortable leather chair beside a low, round window looking out onto the square is an old human man, dressed in very finely made Halruaan pantaloon and tunic outfit of subtle tans, sage greens and thin red pinstripes. He pores over spellbooks, using castings of mage hand to turn pages as he simultaneously cross-checks other sources which appear to be seen through a lens looking into one of the elemental realms. He looks up with a patient expression when Meredith approaches. After Meredith makes her request, the man stands, leaving a holographically rainbow colored feather to mark his place in the ledger, and gestures to the locked showroom.
Meredith:
“I believe I have just such an item,” he says, makes a curling motion with his hand which unlocks and opens the door, and gestures for Meredith to enter before him. The door locks behind the pair. The man utters an incantation that causes reality to tear open just a hairsbreadth, enough for him to reach through and produce a key. This he hands to what Meredith thought was a small white marble dragon statue, but, when it moves, reveals itself as an albini pseudodragon. It flits to a high shelf with the key in its mouth. A moment later, with a very slight Vooom! sound, an arcane shield of some kind dissipates over a wide glass-faced jewelry case, and among other wondrous items, Meredith spots a brooch bearing similar arcane marks to the one she asked about.
“500 gold,” the man says. Meredith’s practiced salesperson ear thinks she hears, in his voice, an openness to discussion regarding price. She also hears the tone of one who has done very well in their business for scores of years…
The others see Meredith enter the little showroom, and then the man. The door closes after them, and the glass -- from the vantage point of Erudisia and Bell -- seems to frost over. Nothing can now be seen behind it. From Meredith's perspective, the glass is still transparent though still faded.
Bell knows the basics of the Find Familiar spell; she has read about it and copied it into her spellbook, after all. The spell called for a brass brazier, incense and herbs worth at least 10 gold, and charcoal. Her father always said, "Quality components for quality results" , so she knew choosing the right tools would influence the nature of the familiar she summoned.
She was not certain what sort of familiar she would prefer though, at her current training level, she was not expecting a dragon or griffin.
Looking over the selection the gnome presented left her a bit stunned. What caught her eye first was a large brass brazier that was a good arm span across, its surface engraved with protective symbols. Her gnome guide waved expansively, "That one is favored for it's grounding energy and connection to the earth element. A suitable choice for a stable and loyal familiar."
Bell shook her head, "It is beautiful but too large for me to carry about or even store at Candlekeep."
"Too large? Then perhaps this might be more to your liking," he pointed to a smaller, silver brazier, shaped like a celestial sphere. "This brazier is believed to attract air elementals and spirits of knowledge. If you seek a familiar that can aid you in research and divination, this might be a wise choice".
Before Bellcould even comment, the gnome placed a simple, plain iron brazier in her hands. "This is a brazier of general use. It will not impose any specfic elemental leaning on your familiar, but its simplicity offers adaptability".
Bell pondered the gnome's words, considering her own magical inclinations and the kind of companion she desired. "While all these are lovely, the spell I read indicated it had to be a brass brazier. Can one summon using these other metals?"
"Oh, of course. Though, as a beginner in the spelling and joining, brass is the initiate's choice. Let me see if I can find one more sized to your need. While I hunt it down, why not look at this selection of incenses to consider."
Bell was directed to a cabinet filled with small drawers, each with various sizes and shapes of incense, fragrant herbs and resins - from powders to cones to sticks to blocks. She talked to herself as she inhaled the fragrances from each drawer.
"Now, what did that book say," she muttered to herself. "For a calming and spiritual connection,frankincense is an excellent choice. If you seek a familiar that embodies healing and purification consider sandalwood or sage. For protection and banishing negative energies, dragon's blood or cedarwood would be powerful additions".
She carefully examined the various options, sniffing the different aromas and contemplating their potential effects. "Definitely the sandlewood, though the jasmine and lavender are both nice too."
"All three are guaranteed fresh!" The gnome handed over a brass brazier no larger than her cupped hands, fine runes scribbed around the rim. "Simple runes of balance, so any spellwork goes smoothly."
Bell felt the metal that warmed in her hands. The tiny runes giving the brazier's edge a feel of 'something more' than simple brass hammered into a bowl shape. "Yes, this should do fine. I also need charcoal. If you can point me to that, I will purchase all - 10 gp of each of the three incenses plus the brazier and charcoal, if you please."
" Although........I can't help but notice that you have a number of volumes in the store regarding the history of Keltormir. I myself am from Calimshan as I'm sure you are aware is the same land on which the Forest of Keltormir once stood."
" Do you know the Lay of Tethir? My old mentor read it to me many times....what was that opening verse....
Tethir Keltomir was an elven-king
Of him the harpers sadly sing
The last whose realm was fair and free
Between the mountains and the sea
His sword was long, his lance was keen
His shining helm afar was seen
The countless stars of heaven's field
Were mirrored in his silver shield
...just lovely. Not so much the dragons....but such are the vagaries of life..."
The mage, at first, seems as if he will interrupt. But Meredith’s choice of subject and delivery hit their mark, and his basso joins in for the final couplet.
“Ah, it has been many moons since last I heard the Lay of Tethir aloud. And from a Calimshanite as well….”
He scratches his beard appraisingly.
“May I offer an exchange? I am having a little gathering this evening. An individual will be there who would be very pleased indeed to hear the lay in its entirety. If you can perform it and… make an impression… I would offer this brooch… for 100 gold, the import tax I had to pay on the item.
Or, perhaps you are unavailable at such short notice, in which case I can sell you the item now for your 400 gold.”
The man replaces the brooch in its case, the locking process is repeated in reverse. “Mind your own business,” he says in a stern mumble to the alabaster white pseudo-dragon, which seems to grin before curling into an S-shape and going back to sleep.
The man leads Meredith back through the door, absently raising a finger above his shoulder to re-cast the locking incantation behind him on the back room door, then, back in the main showroom, he reaches toward a tiny drawer set atop his desk. It opens, seemingly of its own accord. Out floats a business card, which lands in his left hand. A quill dips itself into an inkpot and then transports itself to his other hand. He writes upon the back of the card, says a magic word which seems to dry the ink instantly, and finally, hands the card to Meredith.
On one side is printed:
Rivalen Blackhand
Proprietor, Sorcerous Sundries
On the other side, in a wizardly scrawl in keeping with the wizardly quill, an address in Seatower district:
39 Saltwater Sages Street
“8pm. Be prompt,” warns Rivalen Blackhand. “Have you any questions?”
The man replaces the brooch in its case, the locking process is repeated in reverse. “Mind your own business,” he says in a stern mumble to the alabaster white pseudo-dragon, which seems to grin before curling into an S-shape and going back to sleep.
The man leads Meredith back through the door, absently raising a finger above his shoulder to re-cast the locking incantation behind him on the back room door, then, back in the main showroom, he reaches toward a tiny drawer set atop his desk. It opens, seemingly of its own accord. Out floats a business card, which lands in his left hand. A quill dips itself into an inkpot and then transports itself to his other hand. He writes upon the back of the card, says a magic word which seems to dry the ink instantly, and finally, hands the card to Meredith.
On one side is printed:
Rivalen Blackhand
Proprietor, Sorcerous Sundries
On the other side, in a wizardly scrawl in keeping with the wizardly quill, an address in Seatower district:
39 Saltwater Sages Street
“8pm. Be prompt,” warns Rivalen Blackhand. “Have you any questions?”
The time is now 4pm.
" May I bring some friends.....uh, fellow scholars?", she pointed out Bell and Erudisia, she was momentarily concerned about Little One but didn't want to push things too far....
Rivalen glances appraisingly at the pair and smiles.
”Be prompt.” He turns to greet an armored Eldritch knight dwarf covered in tattoos, ending the conversation.
Bell has made her purchases, and the three members of the Scholar’s Shield depart the store.
++++
Four hours later, you stand at the door to a mysterious-looking townhouse with a huge brass knocker at 39 Saltwater Sages Street, a quiet lane with big single-family homes inhabited by successful merchants and bureaucrats. A few brightly painted children’s toys lean against wrought iron fences.
Number 39 is… peculiar… somehow, though it’s hard to pin down just why. Perhaps the small hairs on your arms stand up due to your sensitivity to the arcane. Nothing dangerous, just… power. The weave is present in your minds here.
Please take a moment to describe how you’ve spent the last few hours, and your current mode of dress as you reach the door.
Following Sorcerous Sundries, Erudisia spent some time in the Wide in the build up to this event, once Meredith had spilled the nature of her invitation. She obtained a slim copy of the Lay for students, and read it while Little One provided cliff notes and contemporary context clues for phrases and events that might otherwise have skipped over her head.
On arriving, Erudisia is dressed modestly, not knowing precisely the nature of event, in a long and quilted emerald green dress with her witch’s hat atop her head. For scent, she wears today Arcana pour Elfemme, by Eldritch Kline.
After relaying the nature of the invitation, Meredith spent a lot of the afternoon apologising for taking up peoples time and even more time apologising to Little One for excluding him from the evenings activities. She spent a short amount of time revising with Erudisia and Little One to make sure there were no major variations between the version she knew and the one the distinguished guest was likely to know.
She almost dressed in her casino outfit but then realised quickly that she would both be over dressed and, more importantly, someone may recognise her and therefore Bell and Erudisia.
She then spent a full two hours stressing about whether she would be good enough and whether or not forcing someone to attend a place in order to receive a gift they never actually asked you to buy and they'd never actually know was from you in the first place was being a bad friend, a self centred git or just an idiot.
In the end she wore a plain silver-gray shift dress with some slightly fancier garnet earrings.....and continued stressing.
Bell knew she was NOT going to wear another flimsy gown with no pockets! This sounded like a 'dress up but not too dressed up' affair. Plus, it should all be about Meredith; not whatever fashion statement was being made.
Muttering to herself, Bell finally decided on what to wear.
Sleek slacks; woodland brown. Tunic style top which nipped in before becoming an upper thigh, asymmetric cut finish to the tunic; again, in woodland brown. Sensible shoes. Finished off with a forest green wrap. Nothing flashy but, practical. A metal chain 'hip belt' and a discrete shoulder bag for 'essentials'.
At the mysterious-looking townhouse at 39 Saltwater Sages Street, you gingerly grasp the huge brass knocker and tap it against the door. It pounds with frightening resonance. You wait in silence for a long moment, listening for a response. Nothing.
With a shock you suddenly realize you are not alone. Close behind you is a very tall, very thin humanoid wearing tattered—shredded, almost—old clothes and a round straw hat. An elf, you think, with eyes like big dark pools, and on his face, strangely wrinkled like old burlap, a pleasant grin. He makes not a sound but holds a calling card in his hand like the one Rivalen gave you.
As you take in his appearance, the door suddenly pushes open, also without a sound. The albino pseudo-dragon Meredith saw earlier peers around the door frame at eye height, scanning each of you — including the tattered tall man — up and down. If a pseudo-dragon can frown, then it seems to do so. But then it makes way for you. Behind it, a long stairway from which issues a distant sort of thrumming sound.
The scarecrow-like elf wordlessly edges around you and starts walking down the stairs, its long, angular form tilted slightly to fit into the sloping passage without scraping the ceiling.
" Oh, yes this all seems perfectly normal and not at all like your leading your friends into a sacrifice....", Meredith whispers to herself as she shrugs and heads downstairs.
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Erudisia ‘hmmms’, her suspicions allayed for now.
"Oh.. hello kind sir. Yes, incense and a brazier. As long as it is in my budget," Bell tries to cover her moment of confusion. "Pardon. I am Bell Wheather, one of Candlekeep's Scholars' Shield. Lately arrived in Baldur's Gate. This establishment is marvelous and a bit overwhelming."
Meredith breaks away and looks about for another assistant....preferably one quite removed from Bell and Erudisia....
If she locates one she has a whispered conversation with them....
Meredith recalls a brooch her mentor wore ( brooch of shielding though she doesn't know that and is seeking anything vaguely 'protective' ) that he intimated gave some measure of protection to the wearer.......she is trying to find out if they have something similar within the store, how much it would set her back and if the sale could be done somewhat circumspectly as it is intended as a 'gift'.
Bell paused, a breath catching in her throat. The air inside was thick with the fragrance of exotic spices and dried herbs, overlaid with something sharp and electric, like static charge right before a storm. Tiny, luminous motes of light drifted through the air like lazy fireflies, their soft glow illuminating towering shelves crammed with peculiar objects.
To her left, intricately carved wooden boxes lay open, revealing vibrant, shimmering powders that hummed with a low, resonant energy. To her right, glassware filled with swirling, colored liquids pulsed with an inner light, each vial seemingly containing a miniature galaxy. She saw cloaks woven from what looked like moonlight and shadows, their fabric rustling softly on invisible breezes. She ran a hand over a leather-bound tome on a nearby table, the leather feeling cool and ancient under his touch, smelling faintly of incense and forgotten secrets - until a spark of energy stung her fingertips. "Look, don't touch... when will I learn."
The store was not totally silent; beyond the gentle hum of the magical items, she could hear the faint, melodious tinkling of unseen wind chimes, and the rustling of something delicate in the shadows and the hushed whispers of shoppers moving among the islands of wonderment. And as she stepped further into the shop, the air grew warmer, like walking into a sunbeam, and the scent of magic became even more evocative, stirring something deep within her, something she had not realized was there before. This was not just a shop; it was a promise. A promise of the impossible, whispered in a language older than time itself.
"How does one find what they need in such a place?"
The gnome shows Bell to the braziers section and helps her find just the kind of incense she is looking for (and can go ahead and purchase for standard prices. Care to describe what Bell finds?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
In the back of the store is a small, locked showroom which can be seen through a faded glass window. Beside it, at a very comfortably outfitted desk, sitting in a comfortable leather chair beside a low, round window looking out onto the square is an old human man, dressed in very finely made Halruaan pantaloon and tunic outfit of subtle tans, sage greens and thin red pinstripes. He pores over spellbooks, using castings of mage hand to turn pages as he simultaneously cross-checks other sources which appear to be seen through a lens looking into one of the elemental realms. He looks up with a patient expression when Meredith approaches. After Meredith makes her request, the man stands, leaving a holographically rainbow colored feather to mark his place in the ledger, and gestures to the locked showroom.
Meredith:
“I believe I have just such an item,” he says, makes a curling motion with his hand which unlocks and opens the door, and gestures for Meredith to enter before him. The door locks behind the pair. The man utters an incantation that causes reality to tear open just a hairsbreadth, enough for him to reach through and produce a key. This he hands to what Meredith thought was a small white marble dragon statue, but, when it moves, reveals itself as an albini pseudodragon. It flits to a high shelf with the key in its mouth. A moment later, with a very slight Vooom! sound, an arcane shield of some kind dissipates over a wide glass-faced jewelry case, and among other wondrous items, Meredith spots a brooch bearing similar arcane marks to the one she asked about.
“500 gold,” the man says. Meredith’s practiced salesperson ear thinks she hears, in his voice, an openness to discussion regarding price. She also hears the tone of one who has done very well in their business for scores of years…
The others see Meredith enter the little showroom, and then the man. The door closes after them, and the glass -- from the vantage point of Erudisia and Bell -- seems to frost over. Nothing can now be seen behind it. From Meredith's perspective, the glass is still transparent though still faded.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Meredith was silent for a few moments then simple uttered, " Oh. I think I only have 400......"
" I'm sorry for wasting your time, Sir. But I will visit again when I am more...well off."
Bell knows the basics of the Find Familiar spell; she has read about it and copied it into her spellbook, after all. The spell called for a brass brazier, incense and herbs worth at least 10 gold, and charcoal. Her father always said, "Quality components for quality results" , so she knew choosing the right tools would influence the nature of the familiar she summoned.
She was not certain what sort of familiar she would prefer though, at her current training level, she was not expecting a dragon or griffin.
Looking over the selection the gnome presented left her a bit stunned. What caught her eye first was a large brass brazier that was a good arm span across, its surface engraved with protective symbols. Her gnome guide waved expansively, "That one is favored for it's grounding energy and connection to the earth element. A suitable choice for a stable and loyal familiar."
Bell shook her head, "It is beautiful but too large for me to carry about or even store at Candlekeep."
"Too large? Then perhaps this might be more to your liking," he pointed to a smaller, silver brazier, shaped like a celestial sphere. "This brazier is believed to attract air elementals and spirits of knowledge. If you seek a familiar that can aid you in research and divination, this might be a wise choice".
Before Bell could even comment, the gnome placed a simple, plain iron brazier in her hands. "This is a brazier of general use. It will not impose any specfic elemental leaning on your familiar, but its simplicity offers adaptability".
Bell pondered the gnome's words, considering her own magical inclinations and the kind of companion she desired. "While all these are lovely, the spell I read indicated it had to be a brass brazier. Can one summon using these other metals?"
"Oh, of course. Though, as a beginner in the spelling and joining, brass is the initiate's choice. Let me see if I can find one more sized to your need. While I hunt it down, why not look at this selection of incenses to consider."
Bell was directed to a cabinet filled with small drawers, each with various sizes and shapes of incense, fragrant herbs and resins - from powders to cones to sticks to blocks. She talked to herself as she inhaled the fragrances from each drawer.
"Now, what did that book say," she muttered to herself. "For a calming and spiritual connection,frankincense is an excellent choice. If you seek a familiar that embodies healing and purification consider sandalwood or sage. For protection and banishing negative energies, dragon's blood or cedarwood would be powerful additions".
She carefully examined the various options, sniffing the different aromas and contemplating their potential effects. "Definitely the sandlewood, though the jasmine and lavender are both nice too."
"All three are guaranteed fresh!" The gnome handed over a brass brazier no larger than her cupped hands, fine runes scribbed around the rim. "Simple runes of balance, so any spellwork goes smoothly."
Bell felt the metal that warmed in her hands. The tiny runes giving the brazier's edge a feel of 'something more' than simple brass hammered into a bowl shape. "Yes, this should do fine. I also need charcoal. If you can point me to that, I will purchase all - 10 gp of each of the three incenses plus the brazier and charcoal, if you please."
(This was fun.)
" Although........I can't help but notice that you have a number of volumes in the store regarding the history of Keltormir. I myself am from Calimshan as I'm sure you are aware is the same land on which the Forest of Keltormir once stood."
" Do you know the Lay of Tethir? My old mentor read it to me many times....what was that opening verse....
Tethir Keltomir was an elven-king
Of him the harpers sadly sing
The last whose realm was fair and free
Between the mountains and the sea
His sword was long, his lance was keen
His shining helm afar was seen
The countless stars of heaven's field
Were mirrored in his silver shield
...just lovely. Not so much the dragons....but such are the vagaries of life..."
Persuasion- 11
Meredith:
The mage, at first, seems as if he will interrupt. But Meredith’s choice of subject and delivery hit their mark, and his basso joins in for the final couplet.
“Ah, it has been many moons since last I heard the Lay of Tethir aloud. And from a Calimshanite as well….”
He scratches his beard appraisingly.
“May I offer an exchange? I am having a little gathering this evening. An individual will be there who would be very pleased indeed to hear the lay in its entirety. If you can perform it and… make an impression… I would offer this brooch… for 100 gold, the import tax I had to pay on the item.
Or, perhaps you are unavailable at such short notice, in which case I can sell you the item now for your 400 gold.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Meredith stammered, " Oh.....oh.....no, I think I can do that.....we are...absolutely. Thank you SO much."
" Where do I need to be this evening?"
“Excellent,” the man says. “Excellent. Come.”
The man replaces the brooch in its case, the locking process is repeated in reverse. “Mind your own business,” he says in a stern mumble to the alabaster white pseudo-dragon, which seems to grin before curling into an S-shape and going back to sleep.
The man leads Meredith back through the door, absently raising a finger above his shoulder to re-cast the locking incantation behind him on the back room door, then, back in the main showroom, he reaches toward a tiny drawer set atop his desk. It opens, seemingly of its own accord. Out floats a business card, which lands in his left hand. A quill dips itself into an inkpot and then transports itself to his other hand. He writes upon the back of the card, says a magic word which seems to dry the ink instantly, and finally, hands the card to Meredith.
On one side is printed:
Rivalen Blackhand
Proprietor, Sorcerous Sundries
On the other side, in a wizardly scrawl in keeping with the wizardly quill, an address in Seatower district:
39 Saltwater Sages Street
“8pm. Be prompt,” warns Rivalen Blackhand. “Have you any questions?”
The time is now 4pm.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
" May I bring some friends.....uh, fellow scholars?", she pointed out Bell and Erudisia, she was momentarily concerned about Little One but didn't want to push things too far....
Rivalen glances appraisingly at the pair and smiles.
”Be prompt.” He turns to greet an armored Eldritch knight dwarf covered in tattoos, ending the conversation.
Bell has made her purchases, and the three members of the Scholar’s Shield depart the store.
++++
Four hours later, you stand at the door to a mysterious-looking townhouse with a huge brass knocker at 39 Saltwater Sages Street, a quiet lane with big single-family homes inhabited by successful merchants and bureaucrats. A few brightly painted children’s toys lean against wrought iron fences.
Number 39 is… peculiar… somehow, though it’s hard to pin down just why. Perhaps the small hairs on your arms stand up due to your sensitivity to the arcane. Nothing dangerous, just… power. The weave is present in your minds here.
Please take a moment to describe how you’ve spent the last few hours, and your current mode of dress as you reach the door.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Following Sorcerous Sundries, Erudisia spent some time in the Wide in the build up to this event, once Meredith had spilled the nature of her invitation. She obtained a slim copy of the Lay for students, and read it while Little One provided cliff notes and contemporary context clues for phrases and events that might otherwise have skipped over her head.
On arriving, Erudisia is dressed modestly, not knowing precisely the nature of event, in a long and quilted emerald green dress with her witch’s hat atop her head. For scent, she wears today Arcana pour Elfemme, by Eldritch Kline.
After relaying the nature of the invitation, Meredith spent a lot of the afternoon apologising for taking up peoples time and even more time apologising to Little One for excluding him from the evenings activities. She spent a short amount of time revising with Erudisia and Little One to make sure there were no major variations between the version she knew and the one the distinguished guest was likely to know.
She almost dressed in her casino outfit but then realised quickly that she would both be over dressed and, more importantly, someone may recognise her and therefore Bell and Erudisia.
She then spent a full two hours stressing about whether she would be good enough and whether or not forcing someone to attend a place in order to receive a gift they never actually asked you to buy and they'd never actually know was from you in the first place was being a bad friend, a self centred git or just an idiot.
In the end she wore a plain silver-gray shift dress with some slightly fancier garnet earrings.....and continued stressing.
Bell knew she was NOT going to wear another flimsy gown with no pockets! This sounded like a 'dress up but not too dressed up' affair. Plus, it should all be about Meredith; not whatever fashion statement was being made.
Muttering to herself, Bell finally decided on what to wear.
Sleek slacks; woodland brown. Tunic style top which nipped in before becoming an upper thigh, asymmetric cut finish to the tunic; again, in woodland brown. Sensible shoes. Finished off with a forest green wrap. Nothing flashy but, practical. A metal chain 'hip belt' and a discrete shoulder bag for 'essentials'.
At the mysterious-looking townhouse at 39 Saltwater Sages Street, you gingerly grasp the huge brass knocker and tap it against the door. It pounds with frightening resonance. You wait in silence for a long moment, listening for a response. Nothing.
With a shock you suddenly realize you are not alone. Close behind you is a very tall, very thin humanoid wearing tattered—shredded, almost—old clothes and a round straw hat. An elf, you think, with eyes like big dark pools, and on his face, strangely wrinkled like old burlap, a pleasant grin. He makes not a sound but holds a calling card in his hand like the one Rivalen gave you.
As you take in his appearance, the door suddenly pushes open, also without a sound. The albino pseudo-dragon Meredith saw earlier peers around the door frame at eye height, scanning each of you — including the tattered tall man — up and down. If a pseudo-dragon can frown, then it seems to do so. But then it makes way for you. Behind it, a long stairway from which issues a distant sort of thrumming sound.
The scarecrow-like elf wordlessly edges around you and starts walking down the stairs, its long, angular form tilted slightly to fit into the sloping passage without scraping the ceiling.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
" Oh, yes this all seems perfectly normal and not at all like your leading your friends into a sacrifice....", Meredith whispers to herself as she shrugs and heads downstairs.