"A sun wolf? Certainly." The young man gestures to a nearby work bench. "Just over here."
He hastily clears a spot for the corpse. As he does so, he adds, "I'm Micah, by the way. Smith Shali's apprentice and, seeing as how she always has a project underway, defacto cleaner, organizer of materials, and general shopkeep."
With the bench cleared enough, he turns back to the group, addressing Adrimar. "Are you looking to sell the whole corpse? We pay for the pelts, but as I'm sure Mirage could tell you, an alchemist can often find uses for various body parts from a magical beast."
Adrimar tugs at his mustache, "I'm ill inclined to leave a day's expenses on the table, but I confess no great faculty with a skinning knife," He glances around at his companions, "Are any of you adroit butchers?"
Grigor shakes his head. "I might attempt such a task in a pinch, but under the circumstances, I think this is best left to someone more experienced, though I am happy to observe and offer such assistance as may be useful."
Between Grigor's aid and Mirage's skill, the pelt is cleanly removed in a matter of minutes.
With raised brows, Micah proffers the 10gp to Adrimar. "You know," he adds to Mirage and Grigor, "if you two ever want jobs skinning and cleaning pelts, it seems you could make a good go of it."
Shaking his head, Micah gathers up the pelt as he asks, "Is there anything else I can help with? Any items you're in the market to purchase? Shali's special items are all running a bit low, but we do still have the rope and whistling arrows and bolts as well as a few slime bombs in back."
Grigor accepts Micah's compliment with a smile before asking "Forgive my ignorance, but I'm new to these parts and still learning about the local specialties. What are Shali's special items?"
Micah eagerly explains the nature of Shali's special wares.
OOG:
Rope Arrow/Bolt
On hit, the target is embedded with an arrow that has a length of rope 60ft long attached to hit. With a successful DC 12 Strength check, they can remove the arrow, and will suffer 1d4 damage. A creature can choose to cut the rope, which will be destroyed if it takes 5 points of slashing damage.
While the rope is embedded, a creature can use their action to perform a Strength check to try and pull the creature closer.
Whistling Arrow/Bolt
Creates a high pitched whistling sound that can distract enemies. Assuming the firing archer has not been detected, any creature within 30ft of the arrows trajectory must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw. On failure they go to investigate. On success, they may still investigate, but will be more suspicious. Your DM may decide to increase the DC for a stealth check, or give them a bonus to their perception.
Gelatinous Slime Bomb
Range 15/25. Targets within a 10ft area must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. On failure, they take 2d6 acid damage, and their AC is reduced by 1.
Micah replies, "60 gold for 1, 100 gold for 2.” Apparently sizing up the party and recognizing their potential combat prowess, he adds, "We can offer them at a substantial discount if you bring enough slime from a gelatinous cube, but such creatures tend to be rare in the desert."
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting the desert in a warm, golden glow, you finish your purchases at Shali's forge. Micah, her apprentice, carefully packs up your newly acquired items, their clinking sounds echoing through the cooling evening air. Shali gives you a boisterous farewell, her voice booming with well-wishes for your journey ahead.
With your gear secured, you make your way through the winding streets of Shihen, following Gong's earlier path. The Goliath has arranged for rooms at the local inn, ensuring a comfortable place to rest after the day's exertions. The Wearies Rest comes into view, its modest façade inviting with the promise of respite.
Inside, the inn is a welcome haven from the harsh desert elements. The common room is warm and inviting, filled with the pleasant hum of subdued conversation. Jim Hammerspin, the dwarven innkeeper, greets you with a nod, his knotted beard barely shifting as he directs you to your rooms. The accommodations are simple but clean, each room equipped with a sturdy bed, a small washbasin, and a shuttered window that opens to the cool night breeze.
After settling in, you gather in the common room for a hearty meal. The fare is simple but satisfying: roasted lamb with fragrant herbs, flatbreads fresh from the oven, and a refreshing pitcher of cool water drawn from a deep well. Jim Hammerspin serves you with a gruff but welcoming demeanor, ensuring your plates are never empty for long.
As the night deepens, you find yourselves drifting off to sleep, the weariness of the day finally catching up with you. The beds, though basic, offer a comfortable rest, and the gentle hum of the inn provides a soothing backdrop to your dreams.
The first light of dawn creeps into your rooms, heralding a new day. As you gather your belongings and head downstairs, the inn is already bustling with early risers. Jim nods at you from behind the bar, a fresh pot of steaming tea and a plate of bread and cheese ready for your breakfast.
Gathered around a table, you discuss the day's task: locating the lost temple. Depon Naprax, the bumbling but knowledgeable Dragonborn mapmaker, had mentioned his shop as a potential source of information. You recall his gratitude for your assistance with the sunwolves and his promise to help you if the opportunity arose.
While the idea of wandering the desert in search of the temple might seem tempting, you know it to be a perilous endeavor. The vast, shifting sands hide many dangers, and without precise directions, it would be a foolish and dangerous proposition. Your best course of action is to gather more information before setting out.
With resolve in your hearts and a plan forming in your minds, you finish your breakfast and prepare to venture out into Shihen once more. The mysteries of the lost temple await, and with the right guidance, you are determined to uncover its secrets.
The morning sun rises, casting a warm golden hue over the town of Shihen. The party, feeling rested and eager to continue their quest, gathers their belongings and makes their way through the bustling streets to Depon Naprax’s cartography shop.
As you step into the shop, a warm and cluttered space filled with maps, charts, and various cartographic supplies, the rich aroma of parchment and ink greets you. Shelves line the walls, crammed with scrolls and tomes of varying ages, while a large worktable in the center is strewn with maps in various stages of completion.
Depon, the blue-scaled Dragonborn whom you me and rescued the day before, is seated behind the worktable, meticulously noting something on a large piece of parchment. As you approach, you notice another figure in the shop—a scholarly-looking human with a slim build, dressed in travel-worn but tidy clothes. He has an air of intelligence and determination about him. He seems engrossed in examining a map but looks up briefly as you enter.
Depon likewise looks up from his work, but where the stranger’s eyes held only a vague curiosity, Depon’s eyes light up and a wide, toothy grin breaks out on his scaled face as he recognizes his saviors.
“Ah, my friends! Welcome, welcome,” Depon says with a broad, grateful smile. “Please, come in. I cannot thank you enough for your assistance with those sunwolves yesterday. How can I help you today?”
As you explain your interest in locating the lost temple of Khepri and how your employer has reason to believe it may be near to Shihen, the human stranger perks up and he makes no attempt to hide his interest as he moves closer, listening intently to your conversation with Depon. Before anyone in the party has a chance to react, the stranger addresses them.
“Pardon my intrusion,” he says, his voice cultured and earnest, “but I couldn’t help overhearing your discussion about the lost temple and that name, Khepri. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Frederick, a wandering scholar currently writing a treatise on the ancient religions - and their temples - in this region. Your goal to find Khepri’s temple aligns perfectly with my research. I realize this is quite forward of me, but might it be possible for me to join your expedition?”
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"A sun wolf? Certainly." The young man gestures to a nearby work bench. "Just over here."
He hastily clears a spot for the corpse. As he does so, he adds, "I'm Micah, by the way. Smith Shali's apprentice and, seeing as how she always has a project underway, defacto cleaner, organizer of materials, and general shopkeep."
With the bench cleared enough, he turns back to the group, addressing Adrimar. "Are you looking to sell the whole corpse? We pay for the pelts, but as I'm sure Mirage could tell you, an alchemist can often find uses for various body parts from a magical beast."
"For the moment, Micah, I'm simply looking to be carrying one less wolf," Adrimar says cheerfully as he slings the wolf down with a heavy flump.
"How much for the pelt?"
Micah nods his understanding. "10 gold for the pelt, though there's a 1 gold charge if you want us to do the skinning and cleaning."
Adrimar tugs at his mustache, "I'm ill inclined to leave a day's expenses on the table, but I confess no great faculty with a skinning knife," He glances around at his companions, "Are any of you adroit butchers?"
Anyone proficient in Survival may make a check. It will take 30-60 min depending on results.
Anyone NOT proficient may also attempt the check, but it will be harder and, even if successful, will take longer.
Grigor shakes his head. "I might attempt such a task in a pinch, but under the circumstances, I think this is best left to someone more experienced, though I am happy to observe and offer such assistance as may be useful."
Pulling a sharp dagger from his belt, Mirage nods at Grigor before he silently begins the grizzly task.
Survival with help from Grigor: 8
Between Grigor's aid and Mirage's skill, the pelt is cleanly removed in a matter of minutes.
With raised brows, Micah proffers the 10gp to Adrimar. "You know," he adds to Mirage and Grigor, "if you two ever want jobs skinning and cleaning pelts, it seems you could make a good go of it."
Shaking his head, Micah gathers up the pelt as he asks, "Is there anything else I can help with? Any items you're in the market to purchase? Shali's special items are all running a bit low, but we do still have the rope and whistling arrows and bolts as well as a few slime bombs in back."
Grigor accepts Micah's compliment with a smile before asking "Forgive my ignorance, but I'm new to these parts and still learning about the local specialties. What are Shali's special items?"
Micah eagerly explains the nature of Shali's special wares.
OOG:
Rope Arrow/Bolt
On hit, the target is embedded with an arrow that has a length of rope 60ft long attached to hit. With a successful DC 12 Strength check, they can remove the arrow, and will suffer 1d4 damage. A creature can choose to cut the rope, which will be destroyed if it takes 5 points of slashing damage.
While the rope is embedded, a creature can use their action to perform a Strength check to try and pull the creature closer.
Whistling Arrow/Bolt
Creates a high pitched whistling sound that can distract enemies. Assuming the firing archer has not been detected, any creature within 30ft of the arrows trajectory must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw. On failure they go to investigate. On success, they may still investigate, but will be more suspicious. Your DM may decide to increase the DC for a stealth check, or give them a bonus to their perception.
Gelatinous Slime Bomb
Range 15/25. Targets within a 10ft area must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. On failure, they take 2d6 acid damage, and their AC is reduced by 1.
"How much for the slime bombs?"
Micah replies, "60 gold for 1, 100 gold for 2.” Apparently sizing up the party and recognizing their potential combat prowess, he adds, "We can offer them at a substantial discount if you bring enough slime from a gelatinous cube, but such creatures tend to be rare in the desert."
"What of conventional arms?" Adrimar asks with a vague wave, "Blades, bows, and the like?"
Here's a list of items available for sale at Shali's Forge:
1. **Scimitars (4 available)** - 25 gp each
2. **Shortswords (6 available)** - 10 gp each
3. **Daggers (12 available)** - 2 gp each
4. **Handaxes (5 available)** - 5 gp each
5. **Spears (8 available)** - 1 gp each
6. **Light Crossbows (3 available)** - 25 gp each
7. **Bolts (quiver of 20)** - 1 gp per quiver
8. **Studded Leather Armor (2 sets)** - 45 gp each
9. **Chain Shirts (2 available)** - 50 gp each
10. **Desert Boots (sturdy, made for hot sands, 6 pairs)** - 5 gp each
11. **Water Skins (10 available)** - 2 sp each
12. **Goggles (protection against sandstorms, 4 pairs)** - 1 gp each
13. **Sun Hats (broad-brimmed, 8 available)** - 5 sp each
14. **Rope (50 feet, 5 coils)** - 1 gp per coil
15. **Climbing Pitons (10 available)** - 5 cp each
16. **Shovels (4 available)** - 2 gp each
17. **Tents (small, 2-person, 3 available)** - 2 gp each
18. **Iron Spikes (10 available)** - 1 sp each
19. **Bellows (2 available)** - 1 gp each
20. **Sunwolf Pelt Cloaks (crafted from locally-sourced pelts, 2 available)** - 15 gp each
Adrimar will put down coin for a cloak, boots, and a hat.
Grigor will purchase a pair of slime bombs, a pair of desert boots, a pair of goggles, a sun hat, and a Sunwolf Pelt Cloak.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting the desert in a warm, golden glow, you finish your purchases at Shali's forge. Micah, her apprentice, carefully packs up your newly acquired items, their clinking sounds echoing through the cooling evening air. Shali gives you a boisterous farewell, her voice booming with well-wishes for your journey ahead.
With your gear secured, you make your way through the winding streets of Shihen, following Gong's earlier path. The Goliath has arranged for rooms at the local inn, ensuring a comfortable place to rest after the day's exertions. The Wearies Rest comes into view, its modest façade inviting with the promise of respite.
Inside, the inn is a welcome haven from the harsh desert elements. The common room is warm and inviting, filled with the pleasant hum of subdued conversation. Jim Hammerspin, the dwarven innkeeper, greets you with a nod, his knotted beard barely shifting as he directs you to your rooms. The accommodations are simple but clean, each room equipped with a sturdy bed, a small washbasin, and a shuttered window that opens to the cool night breeze.
After settling in, you gather in the common room for a hearty meal. The fare is simple but satisfying: roasted lamb with fragrant herbs, flatbreads fresh from the oven, and a refreshing pitcher of cool water drawn from a deep well. Jim Hammerspin serves you with a gruff but welcoming demeanor, ensuring your plates are never empty for long.
As the night deepens, you find yourselves drifting off to sleep, the weariness of the day finally catching up with you. The beds, though basic, offer a comfortable rest, and the gentle hum of the inn provides a soothing backdrop to your dreams.
The first light of dawn creeps into your rooms, heralding a new day. As you gather your belongings and head downstairs, the inn is already bustling with early risers. Jim nods at you from behind the bar, a fresh pot of steaming tea and a plate of bread and cheese ready for your breakfast.
Gathered around a table, you discuss the day's task: locating the lost temple. Depon Naprax, the bumbling but knowledgeable Dragonborn mapmaker, had mentioned his shop as a potential source of information. You recall his gratitude for your assistance with the sunwolves and his promise to help you if the opportunity arose.
While the idea of wandering the desert in search of the temple might seem tempting, you know it to be a perilous endeavor. The vast, shifting sands hide many dangers, and without precise directions, it would be a foolish and dangerous proposition. Your best course of action is to gather more information before setting out.
With resolve in your hearts and a plan forming in your minds, you finish your breakfast and prepare to venture out into Shihen once more. The mysteries of the lost temple await, and with the right guidance, you are determined to uncover its secrets.
[incidentally, each PC owes 8 SP which covers the room, dinner, and breakfast]
The morning sun rises, casting a warm golden hue over the town of Shihen. The party, feeling rested and eager to continue their quest, gathers their belongings and makes their way through the bustling streets to Depon Naprax’s cartography shop.
As you step into the shop, a warm and cluttered space filled with maps, charts, and various cartographic supplies, the rich aroma of parchment and ink greets you. Shelves line the walls, crammed with scrolls and tomes of varying ages, while a large worktable in the center is strewn with maps in various stages of completion.
Depon, the blue-scaled Dragonborn whom you me and rescued the day before, is seated behind the worktable, meticulously noting something on a large piece of parchment. As you approach, you notice another figure in the shop—a scholarly-looking human with a slim build, dressed in travel-worn but tidy clothes. He has an air of intelligence and determination about him. He seems engrossed in examining a map but looks up briefly as you enter.
Depon likewise looks up from his work, but where the stranger’s eyes held only a vague curiosity, Depon’s eyes light up and a wide, toothy grin breaks out on his scaled face as he recognizes his saviors.
“Ah, my friends! Welcome, welcome,” Depon says with a broad, grateful smile. “Please, come in. I cannot thank you enough for your assistance with those sunwolves yesterday. How can I help you today?”
As you explain your interest in locating the lost temple of Khepri and how your employer has reason to believe it may be near to Shihen, the human stranger perks up and he makes no attempt to hide his interest as he moves closer, listening intently to your conversation with Depon. Before anyone in the party has a chance to react, the stranger addresses them.
“Pardon my intrusion,” he says, his voice cultured and earnest, “but I couldn’t help overhearing your discussion about the lost temple and that name, Khepri. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Frederick, a wandering scholar currently writing a treatise on the ancient religions - and their temples - in this region. Your goal to find Khepri’s temple aligns perfectly with my research. I realize this is quite forward of me, but might it be possible for me to join your expedition?”