The dwarf's nose wrinkles as Astrid deflates noticeably. She slowly tucks her coin purse away.
"Well, sorry, dear," Astrid says to Shiva. "I guess we're going to have to earn a bit more coin after all. I didn't realize that you had such expensive taste."
Shiva flinches back as though reacting to a horribly unpleasant smell. She then smiles at Astrid and Ari apologetically.
"Yes, I want for little, but what I do want tends to be expensive. Thank you both, I will cover at least two-thirds of the cost myself when I'm able to."
She then looks to Caio and nods. "So getting out and finding a bit of work, as well as getting a lay of the land, is indeed in order."
Outside SWORDS! For Everyone!, the red quarter is vibrant and bustling. It seems as though there is a blacksmith or a tavern on every corner, the most prominent of the latter being the Crimson Blade Inn, which sits on the district's large, central square. The ramshackle establishment's exterior is adorned with a mismatched collection of shields, swords and armour pieces.
The market square itself is filled with colourful tents and stalls, where halfling merchants sell fresh produce, pastries and handcrafted goods. The scent of freshly baked pies and roasted nuts mingles in the air and lively music from halfling minstrels creates a cheerful atmosphere. Near the heart of the market stands a large board, dominated by agricultural and gardening-related job postings. It's adorned with colourful drawings of crops, plants and gardens. Jobs range from hiring help for a harvest festival to seeking gardeners to tend to the district's numerous green spaces. Two other sides of the square are dominated by a grand mercenary guildhall, adorned with banners bearing the sigils of famous mercenary companies, and a temple decorated with battle standards.
Across the district, down a narrow, winding alley lined with shops specialising in all things covert and shadowy, a cosy tavern named the Gnomish Goblet can be found tucked away in a corner. Full of low ceilings and snug booths, its walls are covered in colourful tapestries depicting fantastical scenes and the menu offers a variety of hearty, home-cooked meals, including gnome-sized pies and halfling brews. Standing outside, is another noticeboard catering specifically to the tinkerers and inventors among the gnomes. A mechanical marvel in itself, the notices are attached to a rotating gear system, allowing job seekers to spin it to find the latest opportunities. Jobs here often involve crafting, repairing, or inventing various contraptions, from clockwork toys to ingenious devices.
On the edge of the red quarter closest to the heart of Five Towers stands the Iron Contracts Board. Made from a sturdy iron frame, this board is covered with a multitude of parchment notices. Each notice is sealed with wax, bearing the emblem of the contracting party. The jobs range from escorting merchant caravans through dangerous territory to hunting down marauding monsters. This board is busy with warriors fresh from the nearby Mercenary's Respite seeking their next contract. This tavern is a favourite among the many mercenaries who call the red quarter home. Its exterior features a large, weathered sign with a sword-wielding figure, welcoming warriors from across the land.
Finally, the sound of clashing swords and cheers calls from the Duelling Pits. A circular arena with tiered seating, this is a popular spot for both spectating and participating in martial contests. It's surrounded by stalls selling weapons, armour, and refreshments.
Alaris walks along through the market square, eyes wide and smiling. They seem to buy a meat pie or savory pastry from every stall they pass, finally surrendering to their insatiable metabolism. "Look, Caio - gnomes!"they call between bites. Then they glance over to see Shiva's reaction as they approach the Duelling Pits, and they begin shouldering their way through the crowd towards the Iron Contracts Board.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Each step through the Red Quarter holds some small wonder, and it is almost too much sensory information for Shiva to process. The smells of various foods wafting through the air accompanied by the sounds of colorful merchants announcing their wares electrifies her, invigorating her in the sense of the novel and mysterious. Within this happiness, she is struck by the deep desire to live for no other reason than the act of experiencing life; what awaits her around the next corner, in the next town, on the next job or with the next lover. She finds herself, for the first time in a great many days and nights, filled with all the life she could hold.
Then the clash of the metal from the dueling pit draws her eye, and her attention lingers on the arena. The memories summoned by the sight feel as a far-off nightmare, out of place in the light and color that surrounded her. She moves on rather than sink into the feeling, following Ari to the Iron Contracts Board.
"I think we should check out Mercenary's Respite, Ari. Just hang around a bit to see what we pick up, could keep us from getting played later on."
The Iron Contracts board is plastered with jobs of all kinds. There are notices seeking caravan escorts, monster hunters, treasure recovery, bodyguards, bounty hunters, witch hunters, herb collection, artifact retrieval and dungeon exploration. Fighters are sought for an upcoming gladiator tournament, a mercenary company is recruiting new members, a local village is under threat from goblin raiders and investigators are sought to uncover the secrets of a haunted mansion on the outskirts of the city.
Caio follows the others through the bustling district, and even though he expresses less open wonder than the others he is clearly engaged, taking particular time to stop and inspect many of the gnomish inventions he comes across.
“Fine work.” “Ingenious.” “Does it come in black?”
He doles out compliments in his own austere way and mentally marks several items to come back and see about purchasing once their pockets are heavier.
Employment is his next priority, and as the Septem sidle up to the Iron Contracts board he takes charge of snatching the most eye catching notices for them.
Monster hunting - yes, obviously. Artifact retrieval - yes. Dungeon Exploration - yes. His eyes linger on the post for witch hunting and his jaw goes tight. He pulls the paper from the board as if it were the most fragile of flowers.
Peering around Caio's shoulder, Shiva spots why this particular job had caught his eye.
"Ok, Caio. But Hells help me if any of them are beautiful."
Looking past Caio, she notices an establishment reminiscent of the Laughing Lauda. With regal, dark wood and the elegance of the lanterns that hang around the entrance, the very sight of it inspires a sense of safety. Looking higher, she spots the name of the inn: The Scarlet Serpent. If Mistress were to respond to her missive, she'd bet that the letter would end up there.
"Speaking of beautiful, I'd like to stop by that inn for a moment, the Scarlet Serpent. Before you say it, it's not to feed the Abyssal Maw. I want to give them my name in case Mistress returns my letter. I have a feeling it would end up there."
“Very well.” he responds, tucking the notice into his leathers. “Shall we accompany you to make sure you aren’t waylaid or would you like to meet us over at the Respite?”
"The Scarlet Serpent Inn" stands out as the finest establishment for travellers seeking both luxury and adventure. It's a striking three-story building constructed of dark, polished mahogany wood with ornate carvings adorning the facade. Intricately designed wrought-iron lanterns flank the entrance, casting a warm, inviting glow onto the cobblestone street. Hanging baskets of vibrant flowers drape from the second-floor balconies, adding a touch of colour to the inn's elegant exterior.
As Shiva steps inside, she's greeted by a spacious foyer adorned with opulent tapestries depicting heroic battles and epic quests. A polished marble floor gleams beneath her feet and a crystal chandelier hangs from the high ceiling, casting a soft, golden light. A grand staircase with a richly carved banister leads to the upper floors. The front desk is made from polished oak, manned by an impeccably dressed halfling receptionist who welcomes Shiva with a warm smile.
The perfume of scents that greet Shiva upon entering go a good ways towards easing the tension from her body, and paired with the lovely interior of the Scarlet Serpent, she wishes she did have the time to truly enjoy the setting. As she walks through the foyer she just barely ducks in time to keep her horns from crashing into the crystal chandelier, but regains her composure almost without thought, slowly growing use to the lowered ceilings of the buildings in these parts.
She smiles as she approaches the front desk, doing her best to keep her fangs from protruding too much. "Guten tag, I would like to inquire if any missives or packages have been delivered here for me? My name is Shivala. Though they could also be addressed to 'Blue Rose'.
Shiva tries not to blush at giving such an intimate detail of her affair to a stranger.
"I am not, though I strongly feel that mail meant for me may be sent here. I would like to stop by again at a later time, if that would be alright. It's urgent business."
The interior of the Mercenary's Respite exudes a rugged and rowdy ambience. It's a place where warriors gather to relax after a day of training, fighting, or seeking adventure. The air is filled with laughter, boasts and the clinking of tankards. The walls of the common room are adorned with an eclectic collection of weapons, battle standards and trophies from past gladiator matches. The ceiling is high, supported by exposed wooden beams. Torches and braziers cast a warm, flickering light, creating a cosy yet vibrant atmosphere.
Long wooden tables and benches dominate the centre of the tavern, accommodating groups of patrons, while smaller, secluded booths along the walls provide more private spaces for intimate conversations. The bar itself is a massive wooden structure, heavily scarred from years of use. It is well-stocked with an array of beverages, including a wide selection of ales, meads and spirits. Skilled bartenders serve drinks in sturdy tankards and mugs, often indulging in friendly banter with patrons.
A raised stage where a minstrel is performing occupies one corner of the tavern. A well-worn dartboard hangs on the far wall, providing a popular pastime for patrons. Along one wall, there's a dedicated space showcasing the names and insignia of renowned mercenaries, warriors and adventurers who have frequented the Mercenary's Respite.
Caio enters the bustling tavern, stooping low and feeling grateful that his often intimidating appearance blends in to the rough crowd. He makes his way to the bar and orders his usual: a pour of whatever local bitter amaro or liqueur is available. He is quiet as his companions order, beginning to tune into the conversation around him.
"Folks are vanishing in the marshes south of Eldren. Some say it's witches luring travellers to their doom."
There’s an urge within the inquisitor to snap a hand out, grab the man by the collar and demand more information from him, but he resists. He takes a breath.
”Witches?” he asks, eyes lingering on his glass for a moment before turning to the man. “Think there’s any stock to these rumors? I’ve chased far too many tall tales.”
"The marches are a good place to hide. Treacherous terrain. Hard to navigate. Nobody's gonna find you out there. If you're up to no good, you'll be left in peace, more or less."
Across the tavern, Caio can see Shiva snooping on another group of mercs with all the subtlety of a giant, blue tiefling built like she could break a man's back across her thigh. They glare at her with a mix of fear and suspicion.
Between Astrid's family fortune and Alaris's Volkfelder gold, the two of them almost have enough coin to purchase Hellbender - but not quite.
"I'll set it aside for you," Maeve tells Shiva knowingly. "I've more than a feeling that you'll be back."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
The dwarf's nose wrinkles as Astrid deflates noticeably. She slowly tucks her coin purse away.
"Well, sorry, dear," Astrid says to Shiva. "I guess we're going to have to earn a bit more coin after all. I didn't realize that you had such expensive taste."
Shiva flinches back as though reacting to a horribly unpleasant smell. She then smiles at Astrid and Ari apologetically.
"Yes, I want for little, but what I do want tends to be expensive. Thank you both, I will cover at least two-thirds of the cost myself when I'm able to."
She then looks to Caio and nods. "So getting out and finding a bit of work, as well as getting a lay of the land, is indeed in order."
Outside SWORDS! For Everyone!, the red quarter is vibrant and bustling. It seems as though there is a blacksmith or a tavern on every corner, the most prominent of the latter being the Crimson Blade Inn, which sits on the district's large, central square. The ramshackle establishment's exterior is adorned with a mismatched collection of shields, swords and armour pieces.
The market square itself is filled with colourful tents and stalls, where halfling merchants sell fresh produce, pastries and handcrafted goods. The scent of freshly baked pies and roasted nuts mingles in the air and lively music from halfling minstrels creates a cheerful atmosphere. Near the heart of the market stands a large board, dominated by agricultural and gardening-related job postings. It's adorned with colourful drawings of crops, plants and gardens. Jobs range from hiring help for a harvest festival to seeking gardeners to tend to the district's numerous green spaces. Two other sides of the square are dominated by a grand mercenary guildhall, adorned with banners bearing the sigils of famous mercenary companies, and a temple decorated with battle standards.
Across the district, down a narrow, winding alley lined with shops specialising in all things covert and shadowy, a cosy tavern named the Gnomish Goblet can be found tucked away in a corner. Full of low ceilings and snug booths, its walls are covered in colourful tapestries depicting fantastical scenes and the menu offers a variety of hearty, home-cooked meals, including gnome-sized pies and halfling brews. Standing outside, is another noticeboard catering specifically to the tinkerers and inventors among the gnomes. A mechanical marvel in itself, the notices are attached to a rotating gear system, allowing job seekers to spin it to find the latest opportunities. Jobs here often involve crafting, repairing, or inventing various contraptions, from clockwork toys to ingenious devices.
On the edge of the red quarter closest to the heart of Five Towers stands the Iron Contracts Board. Made from a sturdy iron frame, this board is covered with a multitude of parchment notices. Each notice is sealed with wax, bearing the emblem of the contracting party. The jobs range from escorting merchant caravans through dangerous territory to hunting down marauding monsters. This board is busy with warriors fresh from the nearby Mercenary's Respite seeking their next contract. This tavern is a favourite among the many mercenaries who call the red quarter home. Its exterior features a large, weathered sign with a sword-wielding figure, welcoming warriors from across the land.
Finally, the sound of clashing swords and cheers calls from the Duelling Pits. A circular arena with tiered seating, this is a popular spot for both spectating and participating in martial contests. It's surrounded by stalls selling weapons, armour, and refreshments.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Alaris walks along through the market square, eyes wide and smiling. They seem to buy a meat pie or savory pastry from every stall they pass, finally surrendering to their insatiable metabolism. "Look, Caio - gnomes!" they call between bites. Then they glance over to see Shiva's reaction as they approach the Duelling Pits, and they begin shouldering their way through the crowd towards the Iron Contracts Board.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Each step through the Red Quarter holds some small wonder, and it is almost too much sensory information for Shiva to process. The smells of various foods wafting through the air accompanied by the sounds of colorful merchants announcing their wares electrifies her, invigorating her in the sense of the novel and mysterious. Within this happiness, she is struck by the deep desire to live for no other reason than the act of experiencing life; what awaits her around the next corner, in the next town, on the next job or with the next lover. She finds herself, for the first time in a great many days and nights, filled with all the life she could hold.
Then the clash of the metal from the dueling pit draws her eye, and her attention lingers on the arena. The memories summoned by the sight feel as a far-off nightmare, out of place in the light and color that surrounded her. She moves on rather than sink into the feeling, following Ari to the Iron Contracts Board.
"I think we should check out Mercenary's Respite, Ari. Just hang around a bit to see what we pick up, could keep us from getting played later on."
The Iron Contracts board is plastered with jobs of all kinds. There are notices seeking caravan escorts, monster hunters, treasure recovery, bodyguards, bounty hunters, witch hunters, herb collection, artifact retrieval and dungeon exploration. Fighters are sought for an upcoming gladiator tournament, a mercenary company is recruiting new members, a local village is under threat from goblin raiders and investigators are sought to uncover the secrets of a haunted mansion on the outskirts of the city.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Caio follows the others through the bustling district, and even though he expresses less open wonder than the others he is clearly engaged, taking particular time to stop and inspect many of the gnomish inventions he comes across.
“Fine work.” “Ingenious.” “Does it come in black?”
He doles out compliments in his own austere way and mentally marks several items to come back and see about purchasing once their pockets are heavier.
Employment is his next priority, and as the Septem sidle up to the Iron Contracts board he takes charge of snatching the most eye catching notices for them.
Monster hunting - yes, obviously. Artifact retrieval - yes. Dungeon Exploration - yes. His eyes linger on the post for witch hunting and his jaw goes tight. He pulls the paper from the board as if it were the most fragile of flowers.
“This one first.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Peering around Caio's shoulder, Shiva spots why this particular job had caught his eye.
"Ok, Caio. But Hells help me if any of them are beautiful."
Looking past Caio, she notices an establishment reminiscent of the Laughing Lauda. With regal, dark wood and the elegance of the lanterns that hang around the entrance, the very sight of it inspires a sense of safety. Looking higher, she spots the name of the inn: The Scarlet Serpent. If Mistress were to respond to her missive, she'd bet that the letter would end up there.
"Speaking of beautiful, I'd like to stop by that inn for a moment, the Scarlet Serpent. Before you say it, it's not to feed the Abyssal Maw. I want to give them my name in case Mistress returns my letter. I have a feeling it would end up there."
“Very well.” he responds, tucking the notice into his leathers. “Shall we accompany you to make sure you aren’t waylaid or would you like to meet us over at the Respite?”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
The question gives Shiva pause, but given what needs to be considered amongst the group, she decides that she cannot afford to be distracted.
"No, that's alright. We have work to do, I'll just be a moment. I'll see you all over there."
With that, she nods to Ari and Astrid before heading over to the Scarlet Serpent.
"The Scarlet Serpent Inn" stands out as the finest establishment for travellers seeking both luxury and adventure. It's a striking three-story building constructed of dark, polished mahogany wood with ornate carvings adorning the facade. Intricately designed wrought-iron lanterns flank the entrance, casting a warm, inviting glow onto the cobblestone street. Hanging baskets of vibrant flowers drape from the second-floor balconies, adding a touch of colour to the inn's elegant exterior.
As Shiva steps inside, she's greeted by a spacious foyer adorned with opulent tapestries depicting heroic battles and epic quests. A polished marble floor gleams beneath her feet and a crystal chandelier hangs from the high ceiling, casting a soft, golden light. A grand staircase with a richly carved banister leads to the upper floors. The front desk is made from polished oak, manned by an impeccably dressed halfling receptionist who welcomes Shiva with a warm smile.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
The perfume of scents that greet Shiva upon entering go a good ways towards easing the tension from her body, and paired with the lovely interior of the Scarlet Serpent, she wishes she did have the time to truly enjoy the setting. As she walks through the foyer she just barely ducks in time to keep her horns from crashing into the crystal chandelier, but regains her composure almost without thought, slowly growing use to the lowered ceilings of the buildings in these parts.
She smiles as she approaches the front desk, doing her best to keep her fangs from protruding too much. "Guten tag, I would like to inquire if any missives or packages have been delivered here for me? My name is Shivala. Though they could also be addressed to 'Blue Rose'.
Shiva tries not to blush at giving such an intimate detail of her affair to a stranger.
"I'm afraid not," the little lady replies cautiously. "Are you a guest at the Scarlet Serpent?"
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"I am not, though I strongly feel that mail meant for me may be sent here. I would like to stop by again at a later time, if that would be alright. It's urgent business."
"Very well," the receptionist concedes. "Do you have a second name? There may be a fee upon receipt."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"I don't have a second name, and the fee shouldn't be a problem. Thank you for your help."
With that, Shiva smiles and nods courteously before turning to make her way to the others at the Mercenary's Respite.
The interior of the Mercenary's Respite exudes a rugged and rowdy ambience. It's a place where warriors gather to relax after a day of training, fighting, or seeking adventure. The air is filled with laughter, boasts and the clinking of tankards. The walls of the common room are adorned with an eclectic collection of weapons, battle standards and trophies from past gladiator matches. The ceiling is high, supported by exposed wooden beams. Torches and braziers cast a warm, flickering light, creating a cosy yet vibrant atmosphere.
Long wooden tables and benches dominate the centre of the tavern, accommodating groups of patrons, while smaller, secluded booths along the walls provide more private spaces for intimate conversations. The bar itself is a massive wooden structure, heavily scarred from years of use. It is well-stocked with an array of beverages, including a wide selection of ales, meads and spirits. Skilled bartenders serve drinks in sturdy tankards and mugs, often indulging in friendly banter with patrons.
A raised stage where a minstrel is performing occupies one corner of the tavern. A well-worn dartboard hangs on the far wall, providing a popular pastime for patrons. Along one wall, there's a dedicated space showcasing the names and insignia of renowned mercenaries, warriors and adventurers who have frequented the Mercenary's Respite.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Caio enters the bustling tavern, stooping low and feeling grateful that his often intimidating appearance blends in to the rough crowd. He makes his way to the bar and orders his usual: a pour of whatever local bitter amaro or liqueur is available. He is quiet as his companions order, beginning to tune into the conversation around him.
"Folks are vanishing in the marshes south of Eldren. Some say it's witches luring travellers to their doom."
There’s an urge within the inquisitor to snap a hand out, grab the man by the collar and demand more information from him, but he resists. He takes a breath.
”Witches?” he asks, eyes lingering on his glass for a moment before turning to the man. “Think there’s any stock to these rumors? I’ve chased far too many tall tales.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
The man shrugs back at Caio.
"The marches are a good place to hide. Treacherous terrain. Hard to navigate. Nobody's gonna find you out there. If you're up to no good, you'll be left in peace, more or less."
Across the tavern, Caio can see Shiva snooping on another group of mercs with all the subtlety of a giant, blue tiefling built like she could break a man's back across her thigh. They glare at her with a mix of fear and suspicion.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva