The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Bazavur, you do know of two smiths that were working here when you visit.  Both are on All Smith's Street, not too far from here.  One is run by Gwen Tarraq, a half-orc former Righteous Brand soldier, the other by Roska Hagrie, a dwarf whose family have operated the same smithy for at least four generations, from what folks say.

Balassar just nods looking at silent “Know two good ones, we can go see both of y’all want. Dwarf whose family has been here for four generations and a half-orc whose former righteous brand. Guess we can start with her.”

He begins to lead them to All Smith’s Street and then in the direction of Gwen’s shop.

It takes a little while to push through the crowds, but you eventually arrive at a small smithy, about the same size as your family's, Balassar.  You hear the clang of hammer on steel well before you see it, though, even above the noise of the folk passing by, arguing and chatting and passing the day.  Sunset is close by the time you arrive.  

You only spoke with Gwen Tarraq a couple of times during your previous visits, but there's an immediately recognition in her face as you approach.  Silverstone, right?  Out of Ashguard?  Damn.  Glad to see you made it, but still.  Damn.  She offers a meaty grey hand to shake.  

Balassar just nods as he shakes her hand "Good to see you again. These are some of my traveling companions Alton and Silent, wanted to bring them by to check out your wares." he says giving a smile as he continues "What exactly is happening up at Ashguard, I only got wind of it as I was transporting a unit up here."

Krin took it, Gwen replies.  Covered it in darkness and took it, and they're not letting go.  And that's all I know.  Most folks got out, I reckon.  It wasn't a bloodbath.  Just... a defeat.  And a bad one.  They're figuring out how to take it, but the drow are entrenched.  It'll be costly.

Gwen will politely nod to Silent and Alton, but she's sticking to her work as she speaks to Balassar, hammering a sword straight on her anvil.  It makes conversation hard, if you're not used to it.

Alton gives a polite wave back, but doesn't interrupt Balassar's and Gwen's conversation.

Silent will nod to Gwen and will glance at any weapons or armour on display while listening to her conversation with Balassar. 

Silent, you see a selection of well-made weapons and armour available for sale.  However, none of it appears to be recent; you would guess that Gwen's entire effort now is on supplying the Righteous Brand.

If Silent sees any javelins, he'll wait for a lull in the conversation before asking Gwen about the price (he's looking to buy five). 

Waiting for Balassar to continue the conversation, or you can head off somewhere if you prefer...

Balassar just nods “That it will. Do you know where any of the soldiers that made it out are staying?”

As they talk he begins to look around her shop for any plate armor.

Balassar, the shop does have plate armour; it doesn't appear to be an original creation, but rather a piece of secondhand armour that Gwen has repaired, and it's on sale for the low low price of 1,350 gold.  Make a Perception check.

They're all in the Righteous Brand headquarters when they're in town.  Which is not often.  The folks from Ashguard, they're always the first to volunteer for patrols, for special actions, as I understand it.  They're hungry to take it back.  Maybe... look, if you run into any, maybe talk to them.  This is a war, not a battle, and they won't win it by throwing themselves against the Kryn without an army at their back.  I guess they know that too, but... there's a half-elf called Moss came here a couple of times.  You know her?

Balssar keeps his focus on Gwen making note of the armor. As she mentions that name he just nods "Focused, she clearly had a reason to be apart of us. Though never got to actually sit down a get to know he past what I saw. Why you looking for her?" he just looks down trying to remember anything else he could think of.

OOC:
perception check: 15

Balassar, the plate armour is not Solomon's, but there's something about it that reminds you of the armour he usually wore.  Perhaps the same original smith?

Gwen replies:  I think she needs someone to talk to, that's all.  And not me.  I tried.  Needs to be someone... more like you, she trails off.

Balassar just gives another nod as his focus turns more to the armor “Yeah I can talk to her for you.” He just walks to it and begins to look it over more thoroughly “Gwen where’d you get this armor from.”

Oh, it was in a wagonload of old pieces recovered from skirmishes, back before the war broke out.  Seemed too well made to turn into scrap, so I restored it as best I could.  It'll never be as pretty as new, but it's fine craftsmanship, and perfectly serviceable.  You interested?

Balassar just nods in affirmation as she asks "It looks like a friends who died to save me. I don't have a lot on me, just 20 platinum, 137 gold, and 20 silver. I'd be willing to give you what I have plus my current armor and this short sword we found along the way right now. Also be willing to work for you while we wait to find out the details of our next assignment and send you whatever else I owe after that. I should also be getting some more from this escort job we just did as well. Know it's a little much to ask, but something just about this piece just reminds me of his armor." as he finishes his hand begins to trace over the armor as if losing himself in memories.

Much of the conversation goes entirely over Silent's head but he takes note of Balassar's apparent connection with the armour and the mention of an old friend. He slides a bag of coins in front of Gwen, saying quietly, 20 more platinum and 200 more gold to sweeten the pot. 

Balassar, make a Persuasion check.

OOC:
persuasion check: 19