"Cousin, Son of Hades. You have chosen a higher calling then your father and set to do right in the world. Some will look at you and see only the evil of your fathers blood, Others will see a man trying his best to spread light in the world, not snuff it out." Herkules looks at the wall and smiles. "I have the perfect thing for you." He grabs a small wooden box off of a shelf near the large weapon rack. He opens it and produces a Finely crafted and ornate, onyx ring. The ring looks beautiful, like it should be worn by a god. A Single Amethyst is embedded into the top of the ring while three silver lines follow the curvature completely around it.

"Unto Dawn" Herkules hands you the ring Dicaeus. "A ring forged in the depths of the Underworlds, Deep in the fissures of Tartarus. Made from the black steel of the land and given the power to bring light. It was meant to be a gift to Morpheus yet the Dream Giver declined it. A Little piece of home to carry with you, and the light you need to guide your path."

"Unto Dawn" is a Custom named Ring of Shooting Stars

Carrus leans on the table, a large flagon of wine in his hand, relaxing as he watches Herkules grant gifts to the others.  Each gift seems well chosen, and he marvels at the collection of legendary weapons and items all in one place.  After Dicaeus receives his ring, Carrus approaches with a hopeful smile on his face, finding Herkules's enthusiasm infectious.

Herkules smiles as you approach Carrus, His large grin hidden beneath his beard but you can get a sense of Pride from him. 

"The last, my Fellow Olympian. It didn't take long for me to figure out who and what you are. You are like me, a Protector, You strive to protect this land so you may in turn protect those who reside in it. A Noble endeavor and one not to be taken lightly. There will be those who seek not only your death but the death of Greece. They will be many and they will be strong So you must raise your shield and push them back."

Herkules pulls from the wall a rather odd looking shield, not a regular Hoplon of the greek army. This is curved and comes to a point on the bottom, large and well forged from a single piece of Silver, the shield is decorated with a golden face plate that overlays the shield. Embedded into the gold is a pair of crossed lightning bolts.

"Ancile, A shield once wielded by my father during the clash with the titans over a century ago. It will protect its wielder from danger on all sides. A gift so you may protect what is most precious to you." Herkules hands you the Shield Carrus, as your finger tips graze the silver and gold you feel a spark of electricity shoot threw your body. You could have mis-took it for a shiver. "Protect Greece Olympian, Protect your Friends, Protect your Family." 

"Ancile" is a custom named Animated Shield

'The weight the four of you must bare for the benefit of Greece is a large one and not one I would wish upon another, Yet I know you Four. The Chosen of Achilles will rise to meet the task set before you" Herkules looks each one of you in the eye. "I ask you to Find the Gorgon sisters and bring me their heads so that they can no longer trouble Greece or her people." 

As Carrus receives his shield, he takes a moment to stare at it in wonder, and then looks at Herkules.  I will.

And as the group receives its orders, he simply nods.  We will, my king.

Anax looks to the others, "I think we could do with a resupply and a rest before we head to Sparta?" He looks to Herkules, and if there's nothing else to be said he'll wish him farewell, thank him again and leave the Den if the others are ready to go too.

But... Carrus looks in surprise at Anax, and raises his hand to gesture vaguely around the Den, somehow using his hand, voice and facial expression to indicate that he would really like to spend longer in Herkules's company.  Like maybe some drinking, some light sparring, listen to the tales of his labours...

"If our king is okay with it, we could rest on the plateau?" Anax looks to Herkules questioningly, then back to Carrus. "You could remain here whilst I run some errands, then I can return to drink the night away with you!" Anax looks to Cybele and Dicaeus, "Do either of you wish to accompany me to the markets before we get too deep in our cups?"

When Dicaeus receives the ring and bows deeply. “Thank you, cousin. I can only hope to be a worthy bearer for such a gift and treasure.” He slips it onto his finger, the black material contrasting with the pale skin.

———

”Yeah, I’ll come with you Anax. Someone’s got to keep you out of trouble, eh?” The teasing Dicaeus wears a smile on his face, obviously cheered greatly by the visit to the Den. ”And when we return, we feast, drink, and tell stories through the night!” 

"But of course! You can stay here the night!" Herkules opens wide his arms, gesturing to the Den. "I would enjoy the company to that of bickering politicians, Do what you must and make a swift return. Tonight we Drink!" Herkules is genuinely excited by the prospect of drinking and recounting tales. You get the sense that this is a nice reprieve for the High-king, who's usual company is crochety old men who do nothing but bicker. 

"Spartan, I would recommend the Liars Lyre in the market, a Wonderful little shop filled with all sorts of items and provisions. If arms is what you seek, Find the Supple Pegasus. The owner, Urphos is a friend and great man." 

"I'll be on my best behaviour." Anax says to Dicaeus. The goliath thanks the high-king, then leaves with Dicaeus first to the Supple Pegasus, then to the Liar's Lyre to see their wares.

Though Carrus feels a little regretful he won't get a chance to spend this time with his family, the feeling soon passes; after all, he reasons, Herkules is family in a way, to every Greek.  He sits again at the table, picking up his wine, and settles in for the night.  If the High King shows interest, Carrus will happily tell him of his time in the army and some of the battles he fought; he will also speak of his family and their life in Olympia.  At some point, he wanders back over to the great collection of weapons, and asks if there is a favourite story either of using a weapon or defeating its former owner that Herkules would be willing to tell.

First, Dicaeus and Anax.

You exit the Den and make your way back down the Spiraling stairs, The sun while still high in the sky, Looks like you only have around 4 hours of sunlight left in the day. Cutting straight to the Bazaar you know vaguely where the Supple Pegasus is as Urphos does deal with the army from time to time.

Finding the Building fairly quickly because it is the second largest of the stores in the bazaar. You come to a Wood and stone two story building, It appears humble and modest not unlike a farmers home; that changes as you enter it. You find the walls completely covered in Various types of weaponry and armor. All look masterfully made, Although they all look brand new. Like they have never seen battle. 

Standing at a Waist high, wooden counter on the far wall. Behind him a set of stairs leading to the second floor. You see a Dwarf, Stocky features with long and unkempt hair tied in a taught ponytail behind his head. A thick full beard covers most of his torso, Various jewels and adornments scattered threwout it. Urphos looks up from a piece of parchment he had been reading.

"WELCOME LADS, Name's Urphos the Smith, What can I do for ye?" 

(Gunna be a bit of a time stop here, Get what Dicaeus and Anax are doing out of the way first then Return to Cybele and Carrus with Herkules.)

"Good afternoon, Urphos. Your shop has been recommended to us by the high-king. Do you have any magical armour for sale or trade?" Anax ducks his head as he enters the shop and speaks to the dwarf.

Cybele would nod to Herkules, "We will find the Gorgons and defeat them as you command." When the others mention staying for the night she will say, "Yes, we can spend the night here. I cannot move through the trees again today, but I can have us in Sparta tomorrow."

Cybele, eager to learn about it, would take an hour to sit and meditate outdoors with the Staff and attune to it before returning to Herkules and Carrus.

"aye we have some magic items here. Whatcha lookin fer? Got Elvish,Dwarvish and some greek" Urphos gestures to the left wall that is covered with weapons and armor. 

"Buy or sell no trade here. Folk often think their items worth more then it is so had to give that up" From up the stairs you hear an elderly female voice call out. "URPHOS WHO YA TALKIN TO?"

"NONE YA DAMN BUISNESS WOMAN." Urphos shakes his head. "Sorry bout that, the old lady been losin her marbles lately." 

"I'm just browsing really, what magical armours do you have? And how much can you offer me for this spear?"

He takes the spear from you Anax and spends a few moments examining the weapon. "Greek made, looks like it's seen some use. Seems made by someone with some potential. I'd offer ya 200 gold for it. As for Armor."

The Dwarf steps out from behind the counter and pulls a sheet from a pair of armor racks. You see two complete sets of armor. One is studded leather and looks like it was made in Greece. It has typical Greece stitching and folding. Simple brown leather but with a certain gleam to it. The other is a set of full plate armor that must've been made by the Dwarf, Intricate folding plates that slide over each other. Beautifully made Steel of a grey-ish white colour." 

"The leather one was brought in bout two months back, Strong bond and stitching makes it fairly decent at what it does.Price of 600 Gold for the set. The One 'ere, I made myself. Spent 3 years mixing the metals and Dwarven magic together to make it damn near indestructible against any blade. This one will run ya 2500 gold." 

Anax lets out a long whistle at the plate armour, which suddenly jumps in pitch and cuts off at the mention of the price.

"An exquisite piece for sure. What do you think Dicaeus?" Anax looks back to the man and raises his eyebrows.

Anax taps his own chestplate and looks down at his well-polished armour. "Corinthian-style plate here, worth a fortune to the right man and perfect for any sort of enchantments. How about we cut a deal? You can have this very plate I'm wearing, used in the legendary fights of the spartan army, the hunt for the Black Manticore of Amyclées and the liberation of Athens from the vicious minotaur king Drogon. Additionally, I offer you this spartan-forged dory spear, used in the very same fight against Drogon. On top of these tools of war, I promise you 1500 gold to be paid on my next visit to Olympia, and fame spread wide across the Aegean as I wear it to slay the enemies of Greece." 

Anax kneels, putting himself at eye level with the dwarf. "I swear on my honour as King Leonidas' champion that you will see your payment, and that your masterpiece will be instrumental in the salvation of Greece and Olympia. Herkules himself will be willing to vouch for me."

Persuasion: 12 + 8 (d12 inspiration given for the CR Kickstarter success)

Urphos sizes up the armor you are wearing Anax, he walks around you examining it. Overall he does not appear impressed. 

"Tell ya what. I'll take the Spear and Armor off yer hands for 250 gold. If ye can produce some collateral I'll happily let you walk out of here with the armor. A black manticore aint that big of a deal son, If it were a white one I'd consider it. Saying the king will vouch for you is all well and good but I don't know anything about you or your relationship with the bugger. Til I know otherwise I aint lettin no one walk outta my store with just their word holding em." Urphos flicks the sheet back over the sets of armor and returns to the counter. 

((High DC Mojake, you got close to it. He doesn't know you or if you are telling the truth, Any reasonable shop owner aint gonna let someone just walk in and leave with something worth 2500 gold with just their word they'll return to pay it.))