Ra'iik doesn't retire to his usual armchair. He instead finds a quiet corner over the opposite side of the room from Azreal. He sits in a legs crossed position, concentrating on his deep breaths. He enters a state of relaxation and focus he has not entered for a long time. A meditative Prayer.

The god Helm was not an obvious force, more of a consistent, subtle influence. So it felt a little odd contacting him directly. Ra'iik knew there was little chance of a literal reply, but he may see signs of Helm's guidance in every day life.

Ra'iik thinks of his master, his mother and his order to revisit his roots as a divine protector of the weak. "Lord Helm, I come to you for guidance. I come to you for aid with my protection. One of my allies seems lost. A powerful force of good may be finding himself overtaken by the darkness. Help me be his lighthouse, his rock, his pillar of hope." l[Aways wanted to do this;)] Religious intensity: 16

From this point, you can either explore AREA 4, 5, or 6. 

OOC: Going in order seems to be working for us. I vote 4.

Lythril snorts and wipes a little sleep drool from her face. She sits up, stretches her arms wide and yawns happily. Tussling her amber locks and giving her underboob a morning scratch, she begins getting ready for another day of evil ***** ass kicking.

Azrael grits his teeth, a weak huff of air exploding from between them, before his lips settle down once more. His body quivers, and his heart blackens. He has seen his true calling. Everything before now was just the journey to his calling. He had been supplied with minions to aid him in his endeavor ... some of them very powerful in short busts, others weaker, but far more sustainable... a fine balance to his raw supremacy. These mortals would prove fine tools to his ascension. He would need to wield them properly. They could not know they were expendable... A smile crept across Azraels face, as he settled himself in to rest, before his 'companions' and him would need to continue...

(i'm fine with 'in order')

I vote 4, 5 then 6

THE ALCHEMIST

The area of the caverns appears to be a huge alchemical lab. The walls are set with shelves at various heights. They hold numerous gourds. A rough-hewn block of stone in the middle of the cave serves as a table. It is covered with a set of alchemist’s supplies.

A shabbily dressed young man is busy making potions in this cave. He startles as he sees you all.

"Ah!" he barks, "Customers? Yes! Hello! Buy something? Take a look!"

If you guys are interested in buying a potion of comprehension or a potion of watchful rest, he's selling em for dirt cheap. He also has a few low level potions as well.

 Azrael would push his way to the Alchemist if need be, planting his clawed hands onto the table as he leans down to stare at the male before him. Intentionally rolling his head to wash his serpentine gaze over the man. Mortal.... I am willing to part with a hundred gold.. for three of these.... he says, pointing to the Potion of Watchful Sleep and ten of these.... he says pointing out towards Potions of Healing. 

I'm sure you're willing to part with them for such an exorbitant amount, yes? Afterall, it is cheap, compared to your life...? he says, intentionally lettign some of his acidic spittle dribble onto the table, to eat through it.. Intimidation 27 

"Helm, Azael, settle down buddy." Ra'iik says, putting a hand on his shoulder and puling him back a little. "Sorry, my friend... uhhh, has rabies! Very serious. he doesn't like talking about it." Ra'iik hands over some of the gold for the healing potions, attempting to smooth things over. He tries to zone Az away from the merchant a little. "What's gotten IN to you?"

Taking Ra'iik's action a cue, Biggs steps up next. "Actually, my good fellow, I wonder if you could make use of these?" Mr. Biggs digs out one of a Grell tentacles harvested from the upper level. "I won't claim to know much about alchemy, but never hurts to ask. Typically." Biggs grins while Wedge rolls his eyes. "I have a few more, if intrigued, and more than willing to part with a number in exchange for one of those Potion of Healing." 

Are there any plants or herbs on display?

No plants or herbs, but lots of mushrooms.

Will respond, too, when I get home, with Az and Ra'iik.

Evrik felt the weave pull on him a bit more today than normally. Something about the way the weave pulled us all together as if everything were somehow connected via an invisible web. His connections to his traveling companions and even folks from distant lands whom he'd never met seem somehow to be intertwined via that magical ether. It lifted his soul this day. And that joy carried with him as he entered the alchemists shop. "Would you perhaps have any fine ingredients and tools with which to make a nice ale?  I feel the day, this day, needs some celebration. For it feels liberating in some way, wouldn't you say?"

21

NOPE!!!! The Alchemist ain't havin' ANY of yo' shit. Any of you. 

Shop's closed.

On to Area 5!

On the way out from the alchemists shop, OU812 palms a potion of healing (Sleight of Hand: 21)

8

The Alchemist is too upset to even see you steal- Wait, what alignment are you?

He’s a lawful neutral soldier, who felt that the alchemist was betraying his higher moral code of selling his wares to our worthy and noble group. 

We're gonna have a talk one day lol

Mr. Biggs follows after the others glumly. "So much for that. Wedge?" The Monkeybat huffs and flaps on ahead of the group to scout out area 5. Between its small size, blindsight, and more -- chances were good he wouldn't be noticed. Hopefully. Maybe? "Soooo, tall, dark and menacing? What was all that back there? I know dealing with merchants can be a little tedious at times. But burning bridges needlessly does noone no good."

Stealth:14.

Perception: 7

Grianne bearly has time to take in the sight of the mushrooms in the shop before she is rushed out.