Though Balasar has not been a member of the party for long, an astute observer might have noticed that he seemed somewhat preoccupied as the party began its journey out of the forest. After the party made camp on the second night of their hike back to Timberway, Balasar quietly slipped away from the camp. If anybody chose the follow him (and managed to remain undetected), they might have seen something…unusual:
After journeying a surprising distance away from the campsite, Balasar knelt in a secluded forest glen and began to pray fervently, though too quietly for his words to be heard by an eavesdropper. After a few moments, a glowing celestial being appeared in front of Balasar and addressed him:
“Ihave heard your entreaties, Balasar of Delmirev. Rise, and strike.”
As the being spoke, a glowing rod appeared in its hands. It held the rod horizontally in its palms, one hand at either end, and extended it to Balasar. Balasar appeared puzzled, then rose, drew his sword, and struck the rod. Despite the strength of the blow, his sword bounced off with a metallic *clang*.
“Balasar, you are weak. Strike.”
A wave of anger flickered in Balasar’s eyes as he gritted his teeth at the insult, but he remained self-possessed as he struck the rod for a second time, harder than the first. Sparks flew as Balasar’s greatsword met what appeared to be brass, but still the blade bounced back and the rod remained unscathed.
The creature thundered: “Balasar, you are a DISGRACE. STRIKE.”
With a roar of pent-up fury, Balasar struck the rod with every ounce of strength and anger in his being. At his blow, the rod shattered into a cloud of glowing particles that flew up into the air, then drifted slowly down onto Balasar. For a few moments, Balasar stood in the middle of what almost appeared to be a celestial snowfall before the particles faded away.
“Now you walk my path, Balasar of Delmirev, and you will learn the self-control you need to exercise the loyalty we both desire.”
At this, the being faded out of view as suddenly as it had arrived, leaving Balasar alone in the clearing. After spending a few moments contemplating the events of the evening, Balasar pulled his sword out of the dirt, inspected the blade, sheathed it, and returned to the party’s camp.
After a lengthy silence, the magistrate reaches out to take the journal. He thumbs through it briefly before looking back at the party. "I hesitate to ask, but I must know - how do you come to be in possession of this journal?"
After another long talk, reminiscent of the party's conversation with the guard captain, no new information is gleaned. The group recounts their tale, not only of discovering Kyle's body in the woods, but also of his spirit in the caves. However agreived the magistrate must be, he stoicly hides his emotions in front of strangers. After the retelling, the magistrate walks behind his desk, taking a moment to compose himself. He turns back to the party with a wan smile and, with a curt nod and firm hand clasp for each man, he thanks the party for keeping the contents of the journal private; "for saving the memory of my son any disgrace due to his foolish and avaricious motives in joining the hunting party." He makes it as clear as he can that the gold he bestows upon each member of the group is not a payment for silence, but a reward justly earned and gladly given for bringing knowledge of his son's fate to the family. Everyone gain 75 gp and 100 XP.
Exploring Scrivener Street, Wendell happens upon U'Cusloo Van's scroll shop. After perusing his wares (what is currently available?), Wendell approaches the counter.
"I have to say I wasn't expecting a store of this sort! How long have you been in business here?"
The old sage shows Wendell around the shop, demonstrating how the scrolls are arranged by school and the level of arcane talent required to utilize their contents. At a guess, Wendell believes he could find most any spell that a basically proficient wizard might know (i.e. any cantrip, 1st, or 2nd level spell).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Wendell nods appreciatively.
"This is an impressive array!"
Then he looks about pensively.
"I wonder, are you interested in securing a new supplier? I have knowledge of a few spells that merchants or travelers might find useful, and I would be happy to supply scrolls for a fair price. Perhaps 30 gold for spells of Mending and Prestidigitation, and 50 for Sleep magic and the like?" 17
Gong is likewise interested. While his fists are reliable enough for most encounters, any kind of +1 weapon of the one-handed monk variety would be welcome for the sake of extra damage.
Also, are Balasar and Gong aiding Guan Hao or conducting their own searches? If on their own, they may pay 10 gp for a +1 bonus up to a max of 50 gp for a +5 bonus.
"I wonder, are you interested in securing a new supplier? I have knowledge of a few spells that merchants or travelers might find useful, and I would be happy to supply scrolls for a fair price. Perhaps 30 gold for spells of Mending and Prestidigitation, and 50 for Sleep magic and the like?" 11
The old sage nods and gives Wendell an amused look. "I appreciate your entrepreneurial spirit, young mage. I am not currently in need of a supplier or partner. I am, however, getting on in years and may consider taking on an apprentice, provided such an apprentice could prove his aptitude for the task. Does such a challenge hold any interest for you?"
Wendell's expression lights up, "I would be honored!"
Then he hesitates, "Though... I may not always be available. Lord Van der Wuulf, you see, has enlisted my aid and he may call on me again. Would you be content with an apprentice who might need to travel from time to time? I promise that I will be an able and attentive student, if such an arrangement isn't disagreeable."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Though Balasar has not been a member of the party for long, an astute observer might have noticed that he seemed somewhat preoccupied as the party began its journey out of the forest. After the party made camp on the second night of their hike back to Timberway, Balasar quietly slipped away from the camp. If anybody chose the follow him (and managed to remain undetected), they might have seen something…unusual:
After journeying a surprising distance away from the campsite, Balasar knelt in a secluded forest glen and began to pray fervently, though too quietly for his words to be heard by an eavesdropper. After a few moments, a glowing celestial being appeared in front of Balasar and addressed him:
“I have heard your entreaties, Balasar of Delmirev. Rise, and strike.”
As the being spoke, a glowing rod appeared in its hands. It held the rod horizontally in its palms, one hand at either end, and extended it to Balasar. Balasar appeared puzzled, then rose, drew his sword, and struck the rod. Despite the strength of the blow, his sword bounced off with a metallic *clang*.
“Balasar, you are weak. Strike.”
A wave of anger flickered in Balasar’s eyes as he gritted his teeth at the insult, but he remained self-possessed as he struck the rod for a second time, harder than the first. Sparks flew as Balasar’s greatsword met what appeared to be brass, but still the blade bounced back and the rod remained unscathed.
The creature thundered: “Balasar, you are a DISGRACE. STRIKE.”
With a roar of pent-up fury, Balasar struck the rod with every ounce of strength and anger in his being. At his blow, the rod shattered into a cloud of glowing particles that flew up into the air, then drifted slowly down onto Balasar. For a few moments, Balasar stood in the middle of what almost appeared to be a celestial snowfall before the particles faded away.
“Now you walk my path, Balasar of Delmirev, and you will learn the self-control you need to exercise the loyalty we both desire.”
At this, the being faded out of view as suddenly as it had arrived, leaving Balasar alone in the clearing. After spending a few moments contemplating the events of the evening, Balasar pulled his sword out of the dirt, inspected the blade, sheathed it, and returned to the party’s camp.
After a lengthy silence, the magistrate reaches out to take the journal. He thumbs through it briefly before looking back at the party. "I hesitate to ask, but I must know - how do you come to be in possession of this journal?"
"Magistrate, we recovered it from Bluerock Lodge, along with the remains of its last occupants."
Wendell produces the ornate dagger.
"And this."
After another long talk, reminiscent of the party's conversation with the guard captain, no new information is gleaned. The group recounts their tale, not only of discovering Kyle's body in the woods, but also of his spirit in the caves. However agreived the magistrate must be, he stoicly hides his emotions in front of strangers. After the retelling, the magistrate walks behind his desk, taking a moment to compose himself. He turns back to the party with a wan smile and, with a curt nod and firm hand clasp for each man, he thanks the party for keeping the contents of the journal private; "for saving the memory of my son any disgrace due to his foolish and avaricious motives in joining the hunting party." He makes it as clear as he can that the gold he bestows upon each member of the group is not a payment for silence, but a reward justly earned and gladly given for bringing knowledge of his son's fate to the family. Everyone gain 75 gp and 100 XP.
Unless anyone has more business in Timberway, Elaric proposes it is time to return to the comforts of the city. Objections? Questions? Errands?
Guan Hao is ready to return to base.
Balasar is likewise ready to return.
Wendell has a knock scroll that requires some TLC back at the Goat and Bagpipes.
Gong is ready to return.
Exploring Scrivener Street, Wendell happens upon U'Cusloo Van's scroll shop. After perusing his wares (what is currently available?), Wendell approaches the counter.
"I have to say I wasn't expecting a store of this sort! How long have you been in business here?"
The old sage shows Wendell around the shop, demonstrating how the scrolls are arranged by school and the level of arcane talent required to utilize their contents. At a guess, Wendell believes he could find most any spell that a basically proficient wizard might know (i.e. any cantrip, 1st, or 2nd level spell).
Wendell nods appreciatively.
"This is an impressive array!"
Then he looks about pensively.
"I wonder, are you interested in securing a new supplier? I have knowledge of a few spells that merchants or travelers might find useful, and I would be happy to supply scrolls for a fair price. Perhaps 30 gold for spells of Mending and Prestidigitation, and 50 for Sleep magic and the like?" 17
Guan Hao, meanwhile, will search the market for a +1 two-handed weapon.
He prefers glaives, halberds, or other polearms, but would take any two-handed weapon.
He will expend 50 gp for a +5 bonus to his search. Investigation is a +0 skill for him, so that's 1d20+5 total.
Result: 18
He would accept any assistance another party member could lend him in his search, depending on how the DM wants that to work.
Balasar is interested in assisting with the search, as he is also interested in +1 two-handed weaponry.
Gong is likewise interested. While his fists are reliable enough for most encounters, any kind of +1 weapon of the one-handed monk variety would be welcome for the sake of extra damage.
Gong and Balasar, please both make one investigation check each to search.
Also, are Balasar and Gong aiding Guan Hao or conducting their own searches? If on their own, they may pay 10 gp for a +1 bonus up to a max of 50 gp for a +5 bonus.
The old sage nods and gives Wendell an amused look. "I appreciate your entrepreneurial spirit, young mage. I am not currently in need of a supplier or partner. I am, however, getting on in years and may consider taking on an apprentice, provided such an apprentice could prove his aptitude for the task. Does such a challenge hold any interest for you?"
Wendell's expression lights up, "I would be honored!"
Then he hesitates, "Though... I may not always be available. Lord Van der Wuulf, you see, has enlisted my aid and he may call on me again. Would you be content with an apprentice who might need to travel from time to time? I promise that I will be an able and attentive student, if such an arrangement isn't disagreeable."