DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 3W - Two Paths Diverged Near the Evermoors

<Bern>

He returns to the others with the 'item' they needed

Zhu

She listens intently, taking the items back one by one as they are described. As the Rod is explained she nods again, the tale matching the images engraved in the old tomb they found.

"So, many thanks." She glances around the shop. "I would gather that you have some things travelers such as us could use, especially if Giants come looking for that Rod? We would certainly be interested in purchasing some if you can detail what is available? Items of Healing are always useful but items of protection, items of unusual properties, or items that can harm our enemies are also of interest to us."

(OOC - For the Runestones, you say 3x. Is that three uses and then no more, or do they recharge as well?)

OOC: 3 uses and then they become paperweights. However, using them only requires an object interaction so pretty nifty to stack the spell with other attacks on a turn.

DM

Viera’s eyes widen with excitement as she hears the party ask what else she might have available. She clasps her hands together, bouncing on her toes. "Oh, you want to see what else I’ve been working on, do you? Hehehe! Well, you’re in for a treat! Lately, I’ve been quite busy with a little something special... using troll blood!"

She rushes over to one of her shelves, pulling down a few vials of thick, greenish liquid, each one bubbling slightly. "Yes, yes, troll blood! It’s full of regenerative magic, you see. Very useful for healing potions, but I’ve been experimenting... and oh, what experiments!" She swirls one of the vials in her hand. "I’ve managed to work some of that regenerative magic into potions that can be used on armor, leather especially, or even the hilts of weapons! Imagine your armor helping heal you, or your sword giving you health every time you go stabby stabby with it!"

She beams with pride, then suddenly her expression shifts, and she leans in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "But... there’s a tiny catch. You see, they haven’t exactly been... fully tested. I mean, sure, the regeneration works! Oh yes, it works very well. But there’s a slight chance—just a small one!—that when it heals an injury, it might get a bit... creative."

Viera’s grin turns mischievous, her eyes sparkling. "Now, if you’re lucky, you’ll heal up just fine. No problem! But, well... trolls, as you may know, sometimes grow extra bits. Two heads, four arms, maybe a tail! It’s not uncommon for them, really. But... you’re not a troll, are you? So, there’s a chance—just a little one!—that when the potion does its thing, you might wake up with an extra head or an arm where it doesn’t belong. Hehehe! Can you imagine? A troll with two heads is perfectly normal, but on a human?" She cackles, holding her stomach. "Now that would be quite a sight, wouldn’t it?"

She wipes a tear of laughter from her eye and holds up the vial. "Still interested? Hehehehe! I promise it’s mostly safe. Probably! And think of the stories you could tell..."

Zhu

She nods. "I think so. Any other wonders?"

Pavel

(OOC: Sorry Rolling it back some. From a group that punished metagaming And Pavel was not part of the group when they saw the wall Aqua linked back to. While it may have been mentioned, I err on caution that it lacked description.)

Pavel waited until she was done with her descriptions before asking "And how would one attune to these stones? Is there anything special that must be done? And are there any adverse effects in using them" Pavel said letting the news of the stones sink in. He'd heard that attunement to magical items was subject to the item. And items of possible artifact level also carried penalties.

As the Witch began speaking of the Rod he listened more intently.

"Wait massive construct? I know little of it but some tales. Are you saying the giants seem to be attempting to rebuild a lost war machine? How was it destroyed in the first place? Was that known?" he asked with a bit of fear. Such a machine would be massive and if what they were saying is true just the shrapnel being as wide spread as it was meant the explosion that destroyed the machine was devastating.

Once the time came to describing the items the witch had for sale there he'd started to blank out what she said about potions. That is until she came to the oils for the weapons. At first they piqued his interest but the thought of an additional limb or head caused him pause.

Pavel looked over to Zhu in shock.

"You think so? Think of the risk Zhu. Can you imagine a two headed Dav or Sindar? Except now that I think of it, Sindar might not mind a second head. Especially functional. Imagine the duets he could have with himself." he said with sarcasm.

DM

Viera’s eyes twinkle with approval as Pavel asks about attuning to the stones. She gives a sharp nod, a smirk playing across her lips. "Oh, well done! So many people just dive headfirst into magic without thinking about the consequences. But you, my dear, have the right idea!" She pats him on the arm, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. "It’s important to be careful with powerful items, especially ones tied to nature’s fury—like those stones."

She picks up one of the rune-carved stones and cradles it in her hands, turning it over thoughtfully. "Attunement... ah, yes, you see, magic like this isn’t something you can just pass around during the heat of battle, like a loaf of bread! You need to take time, focus your mind, and form a connection with the magic inside the stone. It usually takes about an hour—meditating on the item, letting its energy flow into you, making it a part of you. You’ll know when it’s done; the stone will respond to your touch, and the rune will practically hum with magic."

She traces a finger delicately over the rune, glancing at Pavel with a knowing look. "Once attuned, you’ll be able to trace the rune—like I showed you—and activate its power. But only you! No one else can use it while you’re attuned. And as for adverse effects... nothing too dramatic, unless you start using these stones recklessly. Or throw them at people... hey, that's a good use for them when the three charges are done! They draw on powerful forces—lightning and fear—and that kind of magic can sometimes feel a bit intense. It won’t harm you, but it’ll be a rush, no doubt! Best to be mindful when calling lightning down from the sky. Hehehe!"

As Pavel brings up the mention of the Vonindod, Viera’s expression shifts slightly, her eyes darting to the rod once more. She leans forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Ah, yes... the Vonindod. A massive construct built by the fire giants in an age long past. It was a terrifying weapon of war, made of adamantine, designed to crush their enemies beneath its feet. And, yes, there are rumors—strong ones—that the giants, or at least certain ambitious ones like Duke Zalto, are trying to rebuild it. Piece by piece. That's what makes that rod you’ve found so dangerous... and so valuable."

She shakes her head, clearly not wanting to delve into a long story. "As for how it was destroyed... well, that’s a tale for another time, dear. Maybe part of the truce? But I’ll tell you this—if you really want to hear the full tale, in all its glorious detail, you’ll want to find yourself a bard around here! They can tell the story of the Vonindod’s fall with flair... in song form!" She bursts into laughter, clearly delighted by the idea. "Nothing like a good song to make a tragedy more... memorable! Hehe!"

She listens to the sarcasic comment about two-headed friends of theirs, grinning. "If only you could guarantee a second head. More likely you'll grow a troll claw on your fingernails."

Jaliera

"Hey, before you all get too drunk, shouldn't we go visit Tamalin Zoar? She has asked for us afterall. Not a good plan to offend someone in her position."

She stands.

"Anyone coming?"

Zhu

She shakes her head. "A slight chance. I'd think it worth the risk. Besides which, were a new appendage to grow, it would be due to a magical cause. Normally such things can be dispelled."

Looking to the Witch she adds, "How many of those do you have?"

She then listens to the description of attunement and the further tale of the Vonindod with interest. Always good to get other opinions.

Looking back at the Witch she asks again, "Can you also tell us what other wonders you have that we might be interested in?"

(OOC - Aqua - If you're looking for us to tell her what we want I could go thru the full magic item tables in the DMG but it seems easier for her to just tell us what she has. Presuming no permanent items, although we'd definitely be interested in those if she has any, then I suppose potions, salves, oils, and so on.)

OOC: There's a whole magic cart at the market with probably more quantity and lower prices. This is like hiring a professional chef to brew you a cup of coffee for $30 instead of stopping at the nearest Starbucks.

(OOC - Well, a Magic Cart at the market! Definitely a place to go, along with the Blacksmith reputed to be able to enchant magic weapons. So I guess then the only question left is how many of the Troll Potions can she provide and we'd have to chat amongst the party about whether anyone wants one.)

Zindra

She raises her mug of ale towards Jaliera. "Yes. That's a good idea. I was going to wait for the others to get back but if I get another drink or two I might say things that piss miss Tamalin Zoar off. I'll go with you. Who else?"

Davroar

He does not want to cause any trouble so he gets out of his chair and begrudgingly says, "Ok... I'll come. Best not to piss her off."

Sindar

"I will also join. We do have to attend to business," he agrees to see the defacto town leader.

DM (in the Witch's hut)

Viera Hobspriggle gives a thoughtful hum, glancing at the bubbling vials of troll blood potions she’s been working on. She wiggles her fingers, counting silently as her eyes flick over the shelves. "Hmm, let’s see... for the special potions—those using the troll regeneration—I’ve got... two ready for the right price. They take quite a bit of work, you know! Troll blood isn’t exactly something I have in abundance, especially when you can’t go shopping in town." She gives a dramatic sigh, then leans in conspiratorially. "I’m working on more, but... time and patience are key. You wouldn’t want me rushing, would you? If you really want a third I can have it for you tomorrow."

She straightens up, flicking her fingers dismissively toward her shelves. "Now, as for regular potions—healing, antidotes, that sort of thing—I could make them, of course! But honestly, you’d be better off going to the market in town for those. They’re much easier to come by there, and I wouldn’t want to waste your time waiting when you could be off on your next grand adventure!" She giggles. "Besides, my specialty is a little more... unpredictable than your standard fare. Hehehe!"

Pavel

"I believe we found a shop of the custom and experimentation, Zhu. Perhaps she is right we should shop for mundane potions in town." he said glancing over to Zhu.

Returning his focus on the witch. "But what of enchanted or magical items. Do you happen to sell anything of that nature?"

Zhu

She listens closely for Viera's reply to Pavel's question, though she doesn't hold out a lot of hope based on how the conversation has gone so far. "The two you have should be fine. What price are you asking?"

Viera

Viera’s usual grin falters the moment Pavel asks about magical items. Her face tightens, and she glances away, her tone suddenly cold and clipped. "I did. Once." There's a long pause as she stares at the vials in her hand, avoiding eye contact. "Not anymore."

Just as quickly, her bubbly demeanor returns as Zhu asks about the potions. She lets out a little giggle, clearly relieved by the change in subject. "Ah, the potions! Now, if they were perfect—tried and true, no surprises—I'd say they'd go for around 2,000 gold pieces each. After all, troll blood's not exactly easy to come by, and these are no ordinary brews!"

She chuckles to herself, shaking her head. "But considering their... unpredictable nature, I don’t feel right asking for full price. Besides, you’ve already been kind enough to bring me a troll bladder, which is just wonderful." She taps her chin thoughtfully. "Tell you what, instead of gold for me that I have no use for and would just attract unwanted visitors, I’d appreciate it if you gave 1,000 gold to Marna Windleaf—she’s a healer at the town market. Helps keep me supplied with herbs and such. I... owe her a bit. Not gold, but favors. I’d sleep better knowing she’s paid off."

Jaliera

So they are four. Should be enough to defer to her importance. She nods to the others and heads towards the place in the invite.

Kriv

The Dragonborn attached himself as a fifth.

DM

The guard casually guarding the hallway to the curtained-off private rooms smiles and waves the party in to see Tamalin Zoar. "You're expected," he says gruffly, but with a hint of a smile. "Second entrance on the right."

Aubric

Aubric keeps the spot at the table, not willing to give up the endless free beverages.

Jaliera

She is happy to let others lead the way now, especially as Kriv is comng along. She stands to one side to let others pass, intending to bring up the rear

Sindar

He nods and walks past the guard. Inside, he enters the appointed entrance. He looks around as he enters and awaits the others other than offering "good evening" to their host.

DM

Tamalin Zoar sits at her usual table in the curtained-off area of the inn's common room, her eyes looking up at the party as they enter. She offers a warm smile, her demeanor as welcoming as ever, though there's a glint of curiosity behind her gaze. The two guards nearby continue their card game, only sparing a brief glance at the returning heroes before going back to their hands.

"Well, look who's returned!" Tamalin stands with the grace of someone far younger, nodding in greeting. "I’ve heard whispers that you’ve brought down a fire giant. Quite the feat! You’ll have to tell me all about it."

She gestures to the chairs around her table. "Please, make yourselves comfortable if you'd like. Have you brought your drinks along with you? If not, I’ll have some fetched in no time."

Tamalin settles back into her seat, clearly eager to hear more. "I’m sure you’ve uncovered more than just the giant, and I’ve got that letter of recommendation for you, as promised. But first, I’d love to hear what have you discovered about the trolls and their sudden aggression?"