Dragon's Egg - Act I

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Thank you, Ankari.

"I'll need 25 gold. Studded leather would help deflect some of the blows. If I was wearing studded leather on that ship, this knife"—I gesture to the stone knife in my boot—the one that was in my gut for a critical moment—"never would have… well, no regrets. I am quite happy with this sword.

"Anyway, if Arn can fit her with studded leather, I'd prefer that. If not, you'll get most of that gold back."

((Baldhart has 5G plus whatever Ankari ends up giving her. Also, Aliron still has 4G because of the discount. The Father Harald fund has been depleted.))

I accept Ankari's gold, and even when I realize he got his way and talked Burnbright into following us, I can't wipe that smile off of my face.

Why are you so excited about all this shopping, Baldy?

I can't explain it, Nissa!

Enjoy these moments, then.

"C'mon, Burnbright! I was hoping to bring Arn some more business, and—you can be the first to see it!"

"See what?" she asks.

I resist telling her, and resist the urge to carry her Arn's.

"Time to exercise," I announce.

Burnbright asks, "What do I have to—?"

"Run!"

I start to run, and look back and—those little legs sure are fast!

She's gaining, you big lug! Move it!

I'm trying!

Big strides, you big dummy! You can beat her!

Barely!

 

[Phietadix]

I prevent Ankari from leaving and say.
"I still feel the deal is not fair, I purpose we stick to the equipment we've got and simply buy the longbow."
((How does a Bowyer have this variety in Equipment anyway?))

 

[Steerpike]

((The bowyer has it all because I'm pushing the game ahead into Act II and it is easier to do that if this bowyer has, or has access to, all of the equipment you guys want instead of sending you around to three or four people )).

 

[Sparkie]

Grim's advice is sound. He's been a true ally, really. He may noy see eye to eye with us on what must be done, but I know a good man when I see one.

"Thank you, Grim," I say. "And now if you'll excuse me, I think I need some more rest."

I head back up to the bed I slept in last night and fall into it. It's still early, but I need rest. I begin to drift off to sleep, knowing that tomorrow marks a beginning of sorts. A new adventure awaits us all at the temple of Gefjon, I just know it. I give thanks to Betula in my heart before I fall into hypnos...

 

[Ankari]

((I gave Baldhart 25 GP for Burnbright's armor.))

Matthew stands before me with the fragile arrogance of a man eager to prove his worth. My fingers itch for the bow string. I force my hands into a fist to quell this childish confrontation. We stand motionless and silent, two sentinels waiting for the other to relent.

And then I laugh.

I am on the verge of a verbal confrontation over whether or not to sell his crossbow and bolts. The blame is as much mine as it is his. Perhaps more.

"Very well, young Matthew. You may keep your toys."

I turn to the bowyer and offer an apologetic smile. "Here, take this thirty gold coins in exchange for the goods we asked. I'm sure it is more than enough."

I step outside, the memory of the incident still curling my lips into a smile. "I'll see you back at the Hooded Crow. Be sure to bring your crossbow. I hear the longer you hold it, the stronger it becomes."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I see Arn adding the valkyrie decoration to the hem of my dress. I wait until he finishes, so I don't risk startling the man while he has a needle in hand.

"It's even more beautiful than I imagined," I say gently.

Gently for you, anyway.

He didn't stab himself with the needle, Nissa. I said it gently enough!

"Arn... do you remember how I hoped to bring more business to you if I should have the need for studded leather armor? Well, Burnbright here is training to be a huntress. Her mentor would like to fit her with leather armor. I prefer to spend a little extra and get studded armor.

"Where I come from, 25 gold is the price of studded leather. I have 30 on me. I could use a means of sheathing this sword." I show arn my two-handed sword. "If you're making armor for Burnbright, you'll surely end up with leather scraps. Perhaps you could use some of that leather so I can sheathe my sword along the back of my cloak, over my right shoulder.

"It wouldn't need to be too fancy. If that's not too much trouble, I mean. Burnbright's order is more important, if you only have time for one. I hope a 25 gold studded armor suit is profitable for you, too. That truly is a beautiful dress, and I almost regret that I was able to find scale mail in my size. I wanted to bring more business your way--and thanks to Burnbright, I just did!"

 

[Phietadix]

I barely hold back striking Ankari with my spear. Who does he think he is?
"You seem to think I'm defending what I own. They aren't mine they aren't yours, the weapons belong to Burnbright now. Your Judgemnet seems to be the one that's inpared. While you fight with two weapons, you've proabably been trained for years to do so. The weapons you were selling aren't for your use, and the one you're buying are dual weapons, not for the inexperienced. We need to keep our gold for more nessicary things."
Still angry I turn to the Bowyer, and say.
"We need just the Longbow," Then handing him the light cross bow, "We also need this adjusted for one of average strength and no skill, I'd like a dagger as well. While I have no gold of my own to offer, and I can't offer the gold of others without their consent. I am willing to work for it. I could clean your stables if you have them, I could move heavy equipment, I could . . ." I almost said, work your fields, then I reailized there are none here, ". . . Sweep your shop, just name the task, I have a few hours to spare, and I'm not against working all night if that's what you require. I've done tasks like these most of my life, and am capable of doing them well, and quickly."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I try on my new dress.

"What do you think, Burnbright?"

I twirl as I exit the dressing room door.


((I was going to roll a DEX check, but rolz.org's domain expired! So… Baldhart doesn't bump her head on the door then.))


Wow, Baldy! That kid sure knows how to pay a compliment!

Yes, she does! "Thanks, Burnbright… though I don't think the valkyries will sing songs about me."

I might if you ask nicely.

Later, Nissa.


I escort Burnbright back to the tavern.

"I can't wait to see you in you new arm…or…um…

"Burnbright? Is that Sir Matthew… with a broom?"

She shrugs.

"Nah! My mind must be playing tricks on me. Maybe all this shopping wore me out."

 

[Steerpike]

Baldhart

Arn is pleased that you like the dress, and he agrees to make Burnbright's armor and your sheath for the 25 gold. Burnbright is excited by the dress as well. "I still say you look like the old shieldmaidens from the stories, even without the shield. Someone should paint your picture, and they could put dragons and goblins and stuff all around you and you'd be chopping 'em up one by one." Burnbright mimes making attacks with Baldhart's large sword. "And all without messing up your dress!"

Her spirits seem to have returned entirely as you head back to the Crow, her thoughts on crossbows and leather armor. "I can't believe I'm going to have armor of my very own. I can't wait to put it on. Maybe I'll just sleep in it! No, that's not the right way to treat armor. I won't sleep in it, but I'm getting up early to get ready. Do you think we'll see any goblins tomorrow? Or maybe orcs? Maybe one of them will shoot at me, only their arrow will bounce off my new armor and then I'll get a big grin on my face and grab a sword and go charging into them yelling Tyr! Or maybe Srilkind! Or Brynhild! Can I yell Brynhild, or do I have to be an experienced warrior first? Or maybe I'll just shoot at 'em with the crossbow Matthew is having fixed up for me. Shooting is good too, I guess. I never saw a painting of a warrior shooting at things, though, or heard stories about how Veborg and the other shieldmaidens shot arrows. They just ran in with their swords up in the air and it didn't matter if there were a hundred orcs and if all the orcs were shooting and swinging swords, they ran in and chopped their heads off anyway." The girl pauses the stream of speech for a moment. "I'm thirsty. Are you thirsty?"

Matthew

The merchant agrees to do as you ask. He has no work for you to do in his shop, but says "They're still clearing out some of the mess at the temple. Mostly burnt timbers, that sort of thing. I'm supposed to go over there to help, but that means closing down shop for the rest of the day. If you'd go help in my place, I'll consider us even.

 

[Phietadix]

"Very well, I'll help clear the temple in your stead, it would be helpful if I could pick the crossbow up as soon as I'm finished," I hand the Longbow to Ankari, "take this to Aliron if you're going back to the inn. I'll give the crossbow and dagger to Burnbright on my way back from the temple."
Then, having nothing further to say I walk on to complete my deal.
((Unless someone comes to Matthew while he is working, this is his last post for Act 1.))