Session 5 - Books in Blue Portage
19th Day of Huren (Fall) 1611 (continued) - Arrival at Blue Portage
It is a new day and the party finishes up thier short rest. They see their captive Mushika is not as badly injured as they thought - he has numerous scars that gave a false indication as to his true health.
The group makes its way through the mountain pass and begins the short trek downhill to the Swift River. The new bridge is still under construction and they join the queue to cross. While waiting in line they are approached by guards from Blue Portage (Sargent Bragdon Daris and Private Lenworth Green ). They make friends and learn Mushika is a wanted criminal (50 gp reward which can be collected from Captain Tendal Rhimes in the town).
Mushika attempts to "slip" while crosssing the river hoping to escape in the swift curent, however the party is ready for his shennanigans. He is nearly killed in his attempt, but his life is spared with healing magic from Josef Kratikov. During the attempted escape an apparent accomplice attempts to hinder the party. But Mushika and his accomplce are reapprehened and taken to Captain Tendal Rhimes of the day-guard - who rewards them. There is a discussion about booksellers in the area - there are a few shops, and some sellers in the market. They are on good terms with the captain who suggests the The Swift Inn & Tavern for food and respite and indicates the direciton to the market.
The PCs make their way to the market and find two book vendors - Amberdune Books and Gemdal's Books. The two individuals at Amberdune Books appear to be native Tychans (a long way from home) and the employees at Gemdal's Books are likely Etolarians.
Thurgood Homestead III moves off the edge of the busy market place which is bustling in the am and begins ritual casting. This draws the attention of the guards patrolling the market. Thurgood Homestead III is not interrupted but there is a discussion with other party members and the gaurds. The group is politely told that casting magic in public is genaarlly frowned upon, but not illegal and to not cause a disturbance and they are left alone. The party first approaches the Amberdune Books stall. The individuals present themselves as brothers - one flamboyant and hawing books in front of the stall, tother other more reserved and organizes inventory. The boisterous one holds "an original Mazfroth's Digressions" (the exact same original that was held in a cell and fought them in Lorcaster University. The book detects and transmutive magic and can be bought for a mere 250gp. Thurgood Homestead III also notes more magic in a crate behind the counter. Korfel casts a verbal-only spell (name?) targeting the book which takes 1 point of damage. The books pages flutter and they party is convinced it is alive. For now they leave the book sellers.
At Gemdal's they encounter the elder father (Gemdal Yarinthol a half-elf), and his abundantly attractive 1/4 daughter named Selm. Korfel is smitten by the young woman and she blushes at his flirtatious comments. She shows him a book of Halfling music and asks "papa" if she can gift it to their newfound friends. Gemdal agrees. The spend more time talking and learn that Amberdune Books is "new to The Loop Merchants" . The group seems to connect with Gemdal and he invites them to dinner.
Taraxacam, Korfel and Thurgood Homestead III remain in the market and watch the Amberdune Books stall. They note that at noon a leader (female, Tycan) comes and there is a shift change. The brothers disappear into the crowd and two new workers take over (a subdued young man and an older woman. Most books the venders sell are about 25gp, but they appear to push the 250gp book.
Lane Henderson finds an empty shrine to Fharlanghn and remains there reflecting on his journey. He finds his thoughts go to Taraxacam who is having trouble making friends and fitting into any group. He notes how when he first met him he was alive and eager, but has lately turned depressed - especially after a long week in Lorcaster where he made no friends.
Josef Kratikov takes a long rest in case there is a need for "night work".
The party gathers and discusses wanting silvered weapons in case they run into Mushika or his ilk again. @Josef may have a means of constructing them.
Comments