Baern is initially shocked at the prices, and stays silent as shock turns to anger, or at least frustration. Is this guy crazy, or am I simply very, very far from home and things are different here, he wonders to himself. Trying to control his temper and bite his tongue, Baern collects himself and says "we can negotiate, depending on the task, but first, what about gems?" "Do you have many gems for sale?"
Baern has a gem that would normally be worth 10g where he is from. He wonders what the merchant will say a similar gem is worth here, and then hopes to reveal his own and offer a trade for a shield or armor based off of that value.
Bildrath smiles and raises an eye brow, "I do not deal in gems I am afraid, though I might well be willing to acquire one. In terms of negotiation, well lets just say if you want it badly enough, you’ll pay for it. Armour is going to be quite useful round these parts I think, wouldn't want to be caught short... not at all."
"I've got a good nose for finding gems, if I don't get killed searching in these parts, that is. How big of a gem would I have to go seeking to trade for the hide armor and shield?"
"In the meantime, what task did you have in mind for me to earn the armor, if that proves best?"
Dormark stands outside waiting for Ismark to come out. He already had the body loaded in his hands, but he can’t help feel it would be awarded if somebody would pass me by, but he dutifully awaits while the Ismark talks with the others.
"Then we will go check out Mary first then maybe visit Ismark and his sister if we still have time." Valerie says to Sandu and Ioben. Then she leans closer to them and whispers so that only Sandu and Ioben can hear. "Should we ask him about Madame Eva? Is it too early to give out all the information to a stranger that we've just met?"
'No.'Sandu replied softly yet firmly. 'If playing cards has taught me anything, it's that you don't reveal your hand if it's not necessary and you wait for the opportune moment to play your trump card. Besides,' Sandu glanced from side to side before continuing, 'anyone who is mentioned by name and title usually holds a position of authority. And authority means power.'
He waved a finger around in a circle between the three of them. 'I don't think us strangers should tangle with those in power just yet.'
"I've got a good nose for finding gems, if I don't get killed searching in these parts, that is. How big of a gem would I have to go seeking to trade for the hide armor and shield?"
"In the meantime, what task did you have in mind for me to earn the armor, if that proves best?"
Bildrath's eyes light up with greed at the talk of gemstones, especially when Baern mentions the possibility of finding some, "Hmmm if you are able to do as you say it could be that I have misjudged your worth. In terms of the types of gemstone I would accept for BOTH items - something along the lines of an amethyst, a garnet, or a jade would suffice." ((These would typically be gemstones with a value of around 100gp))
"As for the task I had in mind, it would not be an easy one. In fact one might say that it could well be quite perilous! I have had a tip from one of my Vistani suppliers that there is a certain bundle that I may be interested in near the Ivlis river crossing to the Southeast of the village. Why, I wouldn't say it would take you much longer than 15 minutes to walk there. All I need you to do is retrieve this package from near the bridge and return it to me."
An evil grin creeps across his face,"'Why?' - might you ask, have you not collected it yourself?! The answer is that the bundle might be located in some foul creatures nest! And, last I checked, I was very much attached to all of my limbs. As such I would send a capable looking adventurer, like yourself, to retrieve the item for me."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alder, uninterested in purchasing anything from the shop himself, merely browses as Baern speaks with the shopkeep. The big man's needs and desires are few so far as material items go. Food, shelter, and drink typically satisfy his needs so far as buying things goes. Even still, the merchant's prices seem extravagantly high for a simple shield or hide armor. Alder moves to stand behind Baern, thick arms crossed over his heavy chest, face set in a stern glower as he looks down on the seller.
"Such high prices must mean items of great quality. But looking around this rat's nest of a shop I have doubts that you could produce something so nice. I can only hope that your wares are of greater value than what I see around me. I'd hate to think that you're trying to cheat my companion..."
He let's his words trail off, his eyes narrowing and lips tightening, in an absolutely dark stare at the man.
Bildrath pales as Alder stares him down, "Now - now you listen here. Your companion and I were having a civil conversation. I - I - I won't be spoken to in such a way in my shop!"
"Parriwimple! Parriwimple! Where's my big boy? Parriwimple! - Uncle has some friends you MUST meet."
There is a brief pause before you hear a deep, and very excited, male voice, "FRIEEENDDDS!". There is a THUD, THUD, THUD as a giant of a man bounds down the stairs and into the shop. Standing in front of Baern and Alder is Parriwimple, he stands significantly taller than the average man and his muscles ripple under his leather overalls.
(Parriwimple)
"AHHHH-HAHAHA! FRIENDS!", Parriwimple seems truly delighted to see Alder and Baern."Can PARRI be friends, Uncle?! Parri had friends before but they dies."Tears come to Parriwimple's eyes as he continues,"Parri didn't mean to! Parri swears! Parri was only playin'...", he lets out a loud sob,"Parri don't like it when people dies... They go away!"
A giant, wicked grin is plastered on Bildrath's face,"There-there nephew. I'm SUREthese new friends won't die any time soon. In fact that big fellow over there just offered to play with you outside, whilst I speak with the smaller one."
Bildrath stares at Alder with an ice-cold stare, emotion drained from his voice, "I'd advise you choose your next actions very carefully. Or, if you grab hold of your senses, you will wait outside with your new friend, whilst your companion and I conduct business."
Parriwimple giggles at Alder,"COME ON NEW FRIEND! Outsides we goes, must wrap up warm though! Else you may catch a cold!"
There is a moment, a split second where the muscles in Alder's body tense as his eyes shift to the oversized child that bounded down the stairs. The ever present tension that curled within his chest, the desire to smash and rend whatever obstacle stood in his way, that urge very nearly flared up at the obvious threat and challenge that was being leveled at him. In the end he held his tongue, and his impulse. This was not the place or time to indulge those base, savage desires. Wordlessly he narrows his eyes once more at the shopkeep before dropping a hand briefly on Baern's shoulder and stepping back outside the shop.
Valerie nods in agreement. "You might be right. So what do we do now?" She looks at Ioben and Sandu then looks around to find the others. "Should we find others first before checking with Mary?"
'No.' Sandu replied softly yet firmly. 'If playing cards has taught me anything, it's that you don't reveal your hand if it's not necessary and you wait for the opportune moment to play your trump card. Besides,'Sandu glanced from side to side before continuing, 'anyone who is mentioned by name and title usually holds a position of authority. And authority means power.'
He waved a finger around in a circle between the three of them. 'I don't think us strangers should tangle with those in power just yet.'
“I couldn’t agree with you more. I have found that if you sit and watch there is plenty to learn before you act.” Indicating toward the door Ione says, “The others have headed out already. Who knows how they will be. I think we can go check things out initially, and if we learn of something that needs there help, we can come back here.” Pausing for a moment, he considers the situation. “What if we leave a message for them with the innkeeper? That way they can follow us.”
There is a moment, a split second where the muscles in Alder's body tense as his eyes shift to the oversized child that bounded down the stairs. The ever present tension that curled within his chest, the desire to smash and rend whatever obstacle stood in his way, that urge very nearly flared up at the obvious threat and challenge that was being leveled at him. In the end he held his tongue, and his impulse. This was not the place or time to indulge those base, savage desires. Wordlessly he narrows his eyes once more at the shopkeep before dropping a hand briefly on Baern's shoulder and stepping back outside the shop.
Parriwimple seems genuinely pleased at you joining him outside, a great big, joyous smile on his face,"HAHA! New friend! Parri and friend have so much FUN!"
He proceeds to scoop Alder up in a great, big bear hug.
A surprised Baern says "look mister, I'm not sure I like your prices nor the threats of murder via your giant here." "So I think you either take this gem I have here in exchange for some good hide armor and a promise in good faith to return your 'bundle' to you if I am amble to find it in exchange for the shield later then I don't think we can do business. I'm sure you have plenty of wealthy heroes coming through here all the time to pay these prices and fetch your bundle though, huh?" Baern produces his gem and gets ready to walk out.
Bildrath adopts a look of faux-hurt, shrugging his arms,"I am not sure what you are suggesting - I merely thought that your companion might enjoy my nephew's company."
As Baern mentions 'plenty of wealthy heroes' Bildrath's lips curl up in a giant smile, he quickly mutters under his breath "You'd be surprised".Before continuing on, "I am sorry that we have appeared to have reached somewhat of an impasse. Should you change your mind, or the bundle I mentioned finds its way into your possession, feel free to pay me a visit. In the meantime I suggest you go about your day. Oh, and please tell my sweet nephew to come back inside - I'd hate to think that he is giving your 'companion' any grief."
With that Bildrath appears to start making busy work - tidying the objects on the counter, looking over some of his tidbits on the shelves.
Alder is taken aback by the enthusiastic man - no, child, really - and tenses up as he is swept into a crushing hug. Pushing back against his instincts, he tells himself that this is no more than a child, despite Parriwimple's massive size and strength.
"Parri...wimple. Put me down, please. You should always ask first to be polite..."
'No.' Sandu replied softly yet firmly. 'If playing cards has taught me anything, it's that you don't reveal your hand if it's not necessary and you wait for the opportune moment to play your trump card. Besides,'Sandu glanced from side to side before continuing, 'anyone who is mentioned by name and title usually holds a position of authority. And authority means power.'
He waved a finger around in a circle between the three of them. 'I don't think us strangers should tangle with those in power just yet.'
“I couldn’t agree with you more. I have found that if you sit and watch there is plenty to learn before you act.” Indicating toward the door Ione says, “The others have headed out already. Who knows how they will be. I think we can go check things out initially, and if we learn of something that needs there help, we can come back here.” Pausing for a moment, he considers the situation. “What if we leave a message for them with the innkeeper? That way they can follow us.”
'I don't think there are many options to get lost in town.' Sandu replied. 'But there is merit in it.'
He turned towards Ismark. 'If our companions ask about us, point them in the same direction you did us.' Sandu was about to walk off before a thought entered his mind. 'Furthermore,' He once more addressed Ismark, 'What's the best place around here to procure lodgings should we have need of those?'
Ismark nods as Sandu asks him to pass on the message to the others.
"Arik will sort you out with rooms here. Don't mind his abruptness, that's just his way." He thinks for a moment,"We could always put you up for the night should you require - the Burgomaster's Mansion has plenty of rooms. Besides, myself and Irena would be glad of the company."
"That would be most appreciated. We may seek you out later then. Will you be here? or should we head straight to the Burgomaster's house?" Ioben got up and starting checking to ensure that he had all of his gear with him.
Baern is initially shocked at the prices, and stays silent as shock turns to anger, or at least frustration. Is this guy crazy, or am I simply very, very far from home and things are different here, he wonders to himself. Trying to control his temper and bite his tongue, Baern collects himself and says "we can negotiate, depending on the task, but first, what about gems?" "Do you have many gems for sale?"
Baern has a gem that would normally be worth 10g where he is from. He wonders what the merchant will say a similar gem is worth here, and then hopes to reveal his own and offer a trade for a shield or armor based off of that value.
Bildrath smiles and raises an eye brow, "I do not deal in gems I am afraid, though I might well be willing to acquire one. In terms of negotiation, well lets just say if you want it badly enough, you’ll pay for it. Armour is going to be quite useful round these parts I think, wouldn't want to be caught short... not at all."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"I've got a good nose for finding gems, if I don't get killed searching in these parts, that is. How big of a gem would I have to go seeking to trade for the hide armor and shield?"
"In the meantime, what task did you have in mind for me to earn the armor, if that proves best?"
Dormark stands outside waiting for Ismark to come out. He already had the body loaded in his hands, but he can’t help feel it would be awarded if somebody would pass me by, but he dutifully awaits while the Ismark talks with the others.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
'No.' Sandu replied softly yet firmly. 'If playing cards has taught me anything, it's that you don't reveal your hand if it's not necessary and you wait for the opportune moment to play your trump card. Besides,' Sandu glanced from side to side before continuing, 'anyone who is mentioned by name and title usually holds a position of authority. And authority means power.'
He waved a finger around in a circle between the three of them. 'I don't think us strangers should tangle with those in power just yet.'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Bildrath's eyes light up with greed at the talk of gemstones, especially when Baern mentions the possibility of finding some, "Hmmm if you are able to do as you say it could be that I have misjudged your worth. In terms of the types of gemstone I would accept for BOTH items - something along the lines of an amethyst, a garnet, or a jade would suffice." ((These would typically be gemstones with a value of around 100gp))
"As for the task I had in mind, it would not be an easy one. In fact one might say that it could well be quite perilous! I have had a tip from one of my Vistani suppliers that there is a certain bundle that I may be interested in near the Ivlis river crossing to the Southeast of the village. Why, I wouldn't say it would take you much longer than 15 minutes to walk there. All I need you to do is retrieve this package from near the bridge and return it to me."
An evil grin creeps across his face, "'Why?' - might you ask, have you not collected it yourself?! The answer is that the bundle might be located in some foul creatures nest! And, last I checked, I was very much attached to all of my limbs. As such I would send a capable looking adventurer, like yourself, to retrieve the item for me."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Alder, uninterested in purchasing anything from the shop himself, merely browses as Baern speaks with the shopkeep. The big man's needs and desires are few so far as material items go. Food, shelter, and drink typically satisfy his needs so far as buying things goes. Even still, the merchant's prices seem extravagantly high for a simple shield or hide armor. Alder moves to stand behind Baern, thick arms crossed over his heavy chest, face set in a stern glower as he looks down on the seller.
"Such high prices must mean items of great quality. But looking around this rat's nest of a shop I have doubts that you could produce something so nice. I can only hope that your wares are of greater value than what I see around me. I'd hate to think that you're trying to cheat my companion..."
He let's his words trail off, his eyes narrowing and lips tightening, in an absolutely dark stare at the man.
Intimidation: 13
Bildrath pales as Alder stares him down, "Now - now you listen here. Your companion and I were having a civil conversation. I - I - I won't be spoken to in such a way in my shop!"
"Parriwimple! Parriwimple! Where's my big boy? Parriwimple! - Uncle has some friends you MUST meet."
There is a brief pause before you hear a deep, and very excited, male voice, "FRIEEENDDDS!". There is a THUD, THUD, THUD as a giant of a man bounds down the stairs and into the shop. Standing in front of Baern and Alder is Parriwimple, he stands significantly taller than the average man and his muscles ripple under his leather overalls.
(Parriwimple)
"AHHHH-HAHAHA! FRIENDS!", Parriwimple seems truly delighted to see Alder and Baern. "Can PARRI be friends, Uncle?! Parri had friends before but they dies." Tears come to Parriwimple's eyes as he continues, "Parri didn't mean to! Parri swears! Parri was only playin'...", he lets out a loud sob, "Parri don't like it when people dies... They go away!"
A giant, wicked grin is plastered on Bildrath's face, "There-there nephew. I'm SURE these new friends won't die any time soon. In fact that big fellow over there just offered to play with you outside, whilst I speak with the smaller one."
Bildrath stares at Alder with an ice-cold stare, emotion drained from his voice, "I'd advise you choose your next actions very carefully. Or, if you grab hold of your senses, you will wait outside with your new friend, whilst your companion and I conduct business."
Parriwimple giggles at Alder, "COME ON NEW FRIEND! Outsides we goes, must wrap up warm though! Else you may catch a cold!"
"Now, where were we?", Bildrath asks Baern.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
There is a moment, a split second where the muscles in Alder's body tense as his eyes shift to the oversized child that bounded down the stairs. The ever present tension that curled within his chest, the desire to smash and rend whatever obstacle stood in his way, that urge very nearly flared up at the obvious threat and challenge that was being leveled at him. In the end he held his tongue, and his impulse. This was not the place or time to indulge those base, savage desires. Wordlessly he narrows his eyes once more at the shopkeep before dropping a hand briefly on Baern's shoulder and stepping back outside the shop.
Valerie nods in agreement. "You might be right. So what do we do now?" She looks at Ioben and Sandu then looks around to find the others. "Should we find others first before checking with Mary?"
“I couldn’t agree with you more. I have found that if you sit and watch there is plenty to learn before you act.” Indicating toward the door Ione says, “The others have headed out already. Who knows how they will be. I think we can go check things out initially, and if we learn of something that needs there help, we can come back here.” Pausing for a moment, he considers the situation. “What if we leave a message for them with the innkeeper? That way they can follow us.”
Parriwimple seems genuinely pleased at you joining him outside, a great big, joyous smile on his face, "HAHA! New friend! Parri and friend have so much FUN!"
He proceeds to scoop Alder up in a great, big bear hug.
Should Alder wish to resist the hug - Grapple: 16
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
A surprised Baern says "look mister, I'm not sure I like your prices nor the threats of murder via your giant here." "So I think you either take this gem I have here in exchange for some good hide armor and a promise in good faith to return your 'bundle' to you if I am amble to find it in exchange for the shield later then I don't think we can do business. I'm sure you have plenty of wealthy heroes coming through here all the time to pay these prices and fetch your bundle though, huh?" Baern produces his gem and gets ready to walk out.
Bildrath adopts a look of faux-hurt, shrugging his arms, "I am not sure what you are suggesting - I merely thought that your companion might enjoy my nephew's company."
As Baern mentions 'plenty of wealthy heroes' Bildrath's lips curl up in a giant smile, he quickly mutters under his breath "You'd be surprised". Before continuing on, "I am sorry that we have appeared to have reached somewhat of an impasse. Should you change your mind, or the bundle I mentioned finds its way into your possession, feel free to pay me a visit. In the meantime I suggest you go about your day. Oh, and please tell my sweet nephew to come back inside - I'd hate to think that he is giving your 'companion' any grief."
With that Bildrath appears to start making busy work - tidying the objects on the counter, looking over some of his tidbits on the shelves.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Before Baern leaves he says "what's this bundle anyhow, and how would I find it if I'm going that way?"
Alder is taken aback by the enthusiastic man - no, child, really - and tenses up as he is swept into a crushing hug. Pushing back against his instincts, he tells himself that this is no more than a child, despite Parriwimple's massive size and strength.
"Parri...wimple. Put me down, please. You should always ask first to be polite..."
'I don't think there are many options to get lost in town.' Sandu replied. 'But there is merit in it.'
He turned towards Ismark. 'If our companions ask about us, point them in the same direction you did us.' Sandu was about to walk off before a thought entered his mind. 'Furthermore,' He once more addressed Ismark, 'What's the best place around here to procure lodgings should we have need of those?'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Ismark nods as Sandu asks him to pass on the message to the others.
"Arik will sort you out with rooms here. Don't mind his abruptness, that's just his way." He thinks for a moment, "We could always put you up for the night should you require - the Burgomaster's Mansion has plenty of rooms. Besides, myself and Irena would be glad of the company."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"That would be most appreciated. We may seek you out later then. Will you be here? or should we head straight to the Burgomaster's house?" Ioben got up and starting checking to ensure that he had all of his gear with him.
Valerie gives Ismark a bow. "Thank you for your time. We shall meet Mary first, then we will come to see you and your sister if we have time."