Sidequest 4: The Price is Wrong

[Ebiris]

Loot

4312.5gp - Everyone's share of the Githcraft stuff from the Solar Forge ambush that Amonet and Gourash sold to Vrischika.

766gp - Alveria, Gourash, and Keylin's share from what Amonet sacrificed to her shield

Magic Items (purchased, not looted)

Giant Belt - +6 enhancement bonus to strength. 5% chance each day that the wearer will be shrunk for 24 hours as per the Reduce Person spell (even if their Type is not Humanoid). While shrunk, the wearer also suffers -5 to all saves against fear effects, and cannot be affected by any other magic that would increase their size. A Remove Curse spell can allow the belt to be removed which will also remove the shrinking effect.

[Ebiris]

[17:47] <Ebiris> Fresh from their exciting volcano adventure, the party promptly relaxes at the Mielikki's Arrow after Gourash and Amonet had a quick hunt around town for any alternative sources of interesting artifacts to spend their newfound wealth on. Now they need only recuperate from the long adventure behind them and stock up before a presumably perilous excursion to Limbo looms...
[17:49] * Alveria is hard at work rescribing spells from her own battered little diary into the rather ostentatious journal of Majorie's mother. She hasn't blinked for about three hours today.
[17:52] * Gourash leans over to Amonet. "Gourash think Alv sleep writing."
[17:53] * Amonet shrugs. "Friend Alveria is most dedicated to her craft."
[17:55] <Alveria> "Anything is possible with magic, including things that shouldn't be, like mind control," proclaims the witch, closing the book with a thud. "Anyway, what were you saying about shopping?"
[17:56] <Ebiris> "Her writing makes it look like spiders covered in ink used the pages as a racetrack or something," Marjorie mutters under her... well, she just mutters, since she has no breath.
[17:57] <Alveria> "You can still read the fairy tales, though! I annotated them with comments, mind."
[17:58] <Amonet> "Gourash wishes to buy something... unique," Amonet tells Alveria. "An item that cannot be easily purchased even in this city."
[17:59] <Ebiris> "I'm sure your perspective will make the stories even more fantastical..." Marjorie replies in a defeated sounding tone.
[18:00] <Alveria> "Cassandra probably has an idea of where to buy special items," posits Alveria, stretching her red-clad arms. "The most logical thing to do would be to ask her who can make it."
[18:00] <Alveria> "So let's all go get drunk!"
[18:00] <Gourash> "Annotated?" Gourash  didn't recognize with a grunt.   "She was busy."
[18:02] <Alveria> "Oh. Well, I haven't really had time to go shopping," she admits. "I did pick up this great new hat, though!" Reaching under the table, she produces a spiky-looking pointed hat, and dumps it on her head, doing a reasonably good impression of a steeple-tower. "Anyway, what did you want?"
[18:03] <Gourash> "Looks fragile,' Gourash observed.  "A good drink before going to the smelly tunnels."
[18:04] <Alveria> "Oh, right, there was, like, a shop in the sewers," she muses. "I remember, 'cos I scryed on that devil who ran away back in the sun-god temple place." She chortles, amuses. "He was sweeping the floors or something! A bearded devil!"
[18:04] <Alveria> "Serving as a janitor! Yeah, it was pretty funny, he was at some kind of shop."
[18:05] <Amonet> "A shopping expedition with a chance to dispense justice! Oh, how glorious!"
[18:06] <Gourash> "Not see profit in killing devil.  Crush if he gets in the way," Gourash shrugged.
[18:07] <Ebiris> "Doesn't anyone see a problem in going to a shop that has a devil working there?" Marjorie asks hesitantly. "I mean... how can you trust a place like that?"
[18:07] * Gourash quirks.  "Shopkeepers  that kill instead of sell don't last long."
[18:08] <Amonet> "If it's evil, we can't really let such a shop remain in business," Amonet muses out loud. "One way or the other, I think we should visit it."
[18:09] <Alveria> "I'm not fond of mixing business with pleasure," replies Alveria, coughing. "Besides, the city guard should deal with it."
[18:10] <Alveria> "The pointy stick is right, though, we really shouldn't do business with a place like that."
[18:10] * Gourash nods in agreement.  "Gourash not go there to cause trouble.  Gourash go there to do business.  If trouble, leave."
[18:11] <Amonet> "I suppose it is right to relay this to the proper authorities, instead of acting out vigilante justice," Amonet agrees, sounding disappointed.
[18:11] <Alveria> "-er, yes! It's the lawful thing to do!"
[18:11] <Ebiris> "Yes, what if... hey! I'm not a... well, I am, but I have a name, too!" Marjorie protests indignantly.
[18:11] <Alveria> "Exactly what I was thinking."
[18:13] <Gourash> "Gourash not think shopkeeper appreciate such.  Not good way to start business," Gourash wasn't having much of this tell guards without being paid stuff.
[18:16] * Alveria shrugs. "I guess it's out of my hands. Good luck in the search- if they rip you off or anything, you let us know," she proclaims.
[18:16] <Amonet> "Perhaps Cassandra would know more about the shop, even if she is too busy to personally craft anything at the moment," Amonet proposes to Gourash.
[18:18] <Gourash> "Sounds reasonable," Gourash agreed.
[18:18] <Alveria> "I'll come along, too."
[18:23] <Ebiris> It's snowing today in Silverymoon, so the streets are more quiet than normal as the party makes their way to Cassandra's abode, footsteps crunching in the snow covering the ground. Knocking on the door, Cassandra takes a few moments to answer, though she smiles upon seeing the group. "Miss Calhadre! I was almost starting to think you'd forgotten about poor Puk'lor. Or been killed by Githyanki. Something like that..."
[18:25] <Alveria> "They want me alive, not dead," remarks Alveria. "I wonder if they'd try and raise me? Let's hope I never, ever find out."
[18:26] <Ebiris> "It's hard to raise someone who's not willing," the white haired elf notes as she ushers the group into the house and out of the cold. It's rather warm in here, at least, once the door's closed. "Am I to take it you're now ready to go off to Limbo to see if Puk'lor's friends can do anything about the karach essence in your head?"
[18:28] <Alveria> "I'm ready! Just about. I think Amonet and Gourash wanted to know something about that shop you told me about before," replies Alveria, nodding. "I'm still busy scribing spell after spell, you know how it is, always need the right tool for the job."
[18:31] <Amonet> "Yes!" Amonet confirms. "Please, Miss Cassandra, help us dispel the uncertainty around this shop of magic. Gourash wishes to meet Vrischika, who is said to run one in the sewers, yet Alveria alluded that a devil is working there."
[18:32] <Ebiris> "Ahh, Vrischika..." Cassandra smiles as she leads the group into a study with several puffy leather chairs to sit on and a roaring fireplace against the wall.
[18:32] <Ebiris> "I'm afraid my path and hers do not cross, for she is renowned as a dealer in cursed magic, whereas I strive for perfection in all of my creations," she apologises, going to a wooden cabinet and producing several crystalline glasses along with a bottle of some dark red liquid, "Drink, anyone?"
[18:34] <Alveria> "Certainly. I'm impressed she's still in business," remarks Alveria, taking a seat on one of the chairs.
[18:34] <Amonet> "Please," Amonet agrees, even as she frowns to herself. "Are the authorities aware of this shop?"
[18:36] <Ebiris> "Not everyone can afford the best," Cassandra shrugs as she pours several glasses and hands them out with a cold smile. "Celestia's finest, I hope you enjoy it." Sitting down and tossing back a gulp from her own glass, she goes on, "It's said that she can find a buyer for literally anything. Might be useful for you if you ever get your hands on say a Silver Sword and wanted to sell it rather than be sensible and throw it into a volcano."
[18:37] <Ebiris> "I do not know if the authorities are aware, but I'd presume so. Very little happens in Silverymoon without the approval of the Star Court," she adds thoughtfully.
[18:38] <Amonet> "So despite appearances, it may not be evil," Amonet says, thoughtful as well.
[18:39] * Alveria snorts. "Or maybe it is, and it's just too handy to the right people to get rid of."
[18:39] <Ebiris> Cassandra's lips twitch upwards in a flat little smile. "I do note that all the rumours as to her true identity are universally centred around being a creature typically thought of as evil. No one ever hears whispered tales about her being an angel, after all."
[18:46] <Amonet> "A look around, then," Amonet muses. "There is no need to buy the possibly-cursed magical items to determine whether the shop should be allowed to exist."
[18:48] <Ebiris> "People who deal in magical items typically make sure of being quite able of defending their premises if the need arises," Cassandra cautions dryly. "Don't bite off more than you can chew - I'm sure Puk'lor would be distraught if you never returned."
[18:50] * Amonet nods, drinking from her glass. "And you, Alveria? You intend to focus on finishing your preparations as we explore, correct?"
[18:51] <Alveria> "Yep. If I had time to go to the sewers and hunt for some mystery shop, I'd have time to, you know, fix my brain."
[18:51] <Ebiris> The wine tastes quite sharp and tangy, but very refreshing, eliciting a warm and pleasant tingle as Amonet imbibes, despite probably being too young in many cultures.
[18:52] <Alveria> "Which is ever-more reason to be careful, you know- you shouldn't fight magic without magic, and all that. I'll be more than happy to squash anything really bad when we get back, you know?"
[18:53] * Amonet nods again, enjoying the tangy taste she cannot normally enjoy.
[18:54] <Alveria> "Which reminds me, really, I need to talk to Puk'Lor again before we leave," muses Alveria. "You know, to better understand our route."
[18:58] <Ebiris> ---------

[Ebiris]

[19:06] <Ebiris> Departing Cassandra's warm and ostentatious abode, Amonet and Gourash traipse through Silverymoon's snowy streets towards the Rauvin River that runs right through the city, splitting it in two were it not for the magical Moonbridge that spans it.
[19:06] <Ebiris> On the South side of said river it takes a decent walk along its banks to the edges of the city before a drain is found that would be accessible without having to hang over a wall or wade in the river. The drain is blocked by a thick metal grating secured via a padlock, a tunnel seen running ahead past it for fifty or so feet before it ends in a T junction.
[19:09] * Gourash doesn't seem bothered by the difference between a sewer and any other enclosed underground space with lots of water in it as he heads up to yank off the grating.
[19:09] <Ebiris> OOC: strength check!
[19:10] * Amonet has trouble seeing this sewer as any worse that those caves she recently stayed at, and moves over to assist Gourash.
[19:10] <Amonet> roll 1d20+4
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+4 and gets 19." [1d20=15]
[19:12] <Gourash> roll 1d20+5
[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+5 and gets 22." [1d20=17]
[19:13] <Ebiris> Working together, both brave heroes give the grate a hard yank... it resists for a moment, but the lock isn't made to endure this sort of abuse, and its catch snaps apart after a moment of this treatment, allowing them to easily yank the grating free of its surroundings.
[19:16] * Gourash tosses the grate aside. "Silly locks.  Why bother with fragile doors?"
[19:18] * Gourash strides into the sewers.
[19:18] <Ebiris> "I think it's more to stop say curious children rather than... ah, people like you?" Marjorie offers hesitantly, her bright light easily illuminating the grimy tunnel ahead. At least the assorted refuse and effluent doesn't come up too far - just so long as you wipe your feet before going anywhere nice.
[19:21] * Gourash continues on, his militant sensibilities not the least bothered by the refuse.
[19:21] <Ebiris> Proceeding down the path, Gourash can see that the right hand turn seems to lead towards a narrower pipe system that would be extremely difficult (not to mention unhealthy) to crawl through. The path to the left extends farther than he can see.
[19:23] <Amonet> "If this shop has customers come to it, surely it would not force them to literally crawl through refuse," Amonet muses out loud, catching up to him.
[19:24] <Ebiris> "Maybe there's an easier way for regulars?" Marjorie hazards. "All I can say is I'm glad I don't have a nose..."
[19:25] * Gourash nods in agreement and turns left.  "Smell not so bad.  Not worse than rot golem," Gourash grunted, continuing on.
[19:25] <Amonet> "This is but another trial," Amonet responds stoically.
[19:30] <Ebiris> "Rot Golem?" the talkative weapon replies disbelievingly. "Glad I wasn't around for that." Continuing along this passage, Gourash has to stoop a bit, although Amonet at least can walk erect.
[19:30] <Ebiris> Several smaller pipes at chest height are occassionally passed, looking just barely big enough to accomodate a skilled contortionist. Soon, however, the passage opens out into a far larger chamber, a small ladder present to climb down to a lower ledge above a runoff filled with filthy water. An identical ledge is on the other side of the runoff, and the passage extends North/South farther than either can see.
[19:32] <Amonet> "Let us examine this area further before trying any ledges," Amonet proposes, heading North.
[19:33] <Gourash> "wouldn't it be down?" Gourash s hrugged, following.  Not having any better idea where to go.
[19:34] <Ebiris> "Shouldn't we go the other way if we want to get to the edge of the Mythal? This way is taking us back into the city, isn't it?" Marjorie points out ever so helpfully.
[19:34] <Ebiris> OOC: spot checks
[19:35] <Amonet> roll 1d20+5
[19:35] <Gourash> roll 1d20+1
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+5 and gets 16." [1d20=11]
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+1 and gets 11." [1d20=10]
[19:36] <Ebiris> As Amonet walks along, she can see a rat the size of a small dog swimming in the brackish water below them. It doesn't seem to be paying them any mind, however.
[19:37] <Amonet> "My sense of direction underground is flawed," Amonet admits, and turns to head south while keeping an eye out for any huge rats who may be hungrier.
[19:39] <Gourash> "Well, only so much sewer.  We keep walking, we find place eventually."
[19:40] <Ebiris> Turning around, Amonet doesn't see any more huge rats, although a few normal sized ones are spotted clinging to the walls here and there, they tend to swiftly retreat from the bright light Marjorie shines forth. After about a minute or so of walking, they reach a four way junction. Also, another ladder up to a narrower tunnel is seen on the opposite ledge just before said junction.
[19:41] * Amonet decides to proceed southwards to the edge of the Mythal's protection.
[19:43] <Ebiris> Doing so would involve getting wet, or having good jumping skills, unless a bridge could be found. None are seen immediately around the junction.
[19:44] * Gourash looks around considering f he could cross there.
[19:45] <Ebiris> The water filled runoff is a bit over ten feet wide. It could be doable with a runup. As he considers, a series of loud splashes are heard somewhere behind the pair.
[19:46] * Amonet turns to look in that direction!
[19:46] <Ebiris> OOC: spot check
[19:46] * Gourash turns as well.
[19:46] <Gourash> 1d20+1
[19:47] <Gourash> roll 1d20+1
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+1 and gets 7." [1d20=6]
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+1 and gets 19." [1d20=18]
[19:47] <Amonet> roll 1d20+5
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Amonet rolls 1d20+5 and gets 20." [1d20=15]
[19:49] <Ebiris> Turning, both Amonet and Gourash are just in time to see some sort of semi-solid substance spattering into the water perhaps thirty feet behind them, seeming to emerge from a pipe in the ceiling.
[19:50] * Amonet backs away to avoid any spluttering over her person, mindful of the other pipes nearby.
[19:51] <Ebiris> They seem to appear fairly regularly over the middle of the tunnel, though a few do seem to emerge out of the walls to the side here and there, all sorts of grime staining the brickwork around them.
[19:52] <Gourash> "Garbage from above?"
[19:52] <Amonet> "Let's go look for a way to cross," Amonet suggests, shrugging at Gourash's words, and continues to the west.
[19:53] <Ebiris> Going West also involves getting wet!
[19:53] <Amonet> East, then!
[19:53] <Ebiris> OOC: wait, nevermind, I suck, got turned around in my head
[19:53] <Gourash> "I check to south.  You wait here," Gourash said.
[19:54] * Gourash moved back to prepare to jump the gap
[19:55] * Amonet intends to head out for a minute until she either finds something or the time runs out, before returning to the meeting point.
[20:09] * Gourash runs across and leaps at the other side.
[20:09] <Gourash> roll 1d20+12
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+12 and gets 18." [1d20=6]
[20:12] <Ebiris> With a good runup, Gourash is able to clear the gap with a mighty leap and continue to the South, while Amonet makes her way West... After a short distance, the Aasimar finds a small alcove with a ladder leading upwards, while the ledge continues past it with a bridge visible in the distance to the other side.
[20:12] <Ebiris> For Gourash's part, he finds a series of shattered bricks against the wall after travelling a hundred or so feet that barely obscure what looks to be an unhewn tunnel that descends further down. It's not big enough to navigate without crawling, however. OOC: listen check, Gourash
[20:14] <Gourash> roll 1d20+11
[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Gourash rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18." [1d20=7]
[20:14] * Amonet decides to climb the ladder and see where it leads.
[20:17] <Ebiris> Climbing up the ladder, Amonet finds it blocked by a thick iron barrier at the top. It says 'Silverymoon Public Works' on it.
[20:17] <Ebiris> As Gourash takes note of the mysterious tunnel, he can hear a clanging noise, like metal striking stone, from further ahead along the passage he's currently navigating.
[20:18] * Amonet climbs back down, and proceeds towards the bridge in the distance, seeking to cross it.
[20:18] * Gourash mentally notes the strange tunnel and continues on with swift strides towards the hammering.
[20:19] <Ebiris> Amonet accomplishes this easily! She could head back towards where Gourash left her, or continue onwards, where the sewer seems to begin curving to the North.
[20:20] <Amonet> North is the way back, and she wishes to leave the Mythal's protection. Heading after Gourash it is!
[20:21] <Ebiris> For Gourash it only takes an instant - in one moment there is nothing ahead, and then his next step forward allows two beings to suddenly appear in greyscale glory sixty feet ahead. A familiar looking glaive-wielding figure with green skin and a filthy brown cloak seems to be battling a snake-like creature composed of slimy sewage!
[20:23] * Gourash pauses and...assuming they  don't call out, takes the time to go back and pick up Amonet!
[20:23] <Ebiris> They seem to be occupied enough, neither paying any mind as Gourash retreats, soon meeting back up with Amonet just past the junction, finding that she's somehow found her way to the other side after all!
[20:24] <Gourash> "Found another  route?"
[20:24] * Gourash asks. "Gourash found the shop."
[20:25] <Amonet> "Excellent, and yes," she says. "Is it evil, or do we need to investigate more?"
[20:27] <Gourash> "Amonet, we are here to buy things, not slay.  No contract on them.  Gourash like Amonet help, but..." Gourash shrugs, clearly not too pleased with walking into a shop with the intent of assassinating the owner.
[20:29] <Gourash> "Not good business," He concludes with a shrug.
[20:29] <Amonet> "Of course we're not!" she agrees. "We mustn't abuse the trust of our hosts! If the shop must be shut down, I will merely discuss this matter with the City Guard."
[20:29] * Gourash shrugs and leads the way back, figuring worse comes to worse, he'll have to clean his axe when it is all over.
[20:30] * Amonet follows, Marjorie lighting up the way!
[20:32] <Ebiris> Continuing Southwards, Gourash reaches the point where he spotted the battle, but neither the devil nor the sewer snake appear to be present... The filthy water runs off into a grated drain that seems to angle downwards, while the walkway wraps around over said drain. There is a corridor seeming to head to the East however, and a narrow but navigable pipe also goes West.
[20:34] <Gourash> "They were here.  Maybe further down," Gourash kept walking.
[20:34] <Ebiris> OOC: taking the corridor to the East?
[20:34] <Gourash> "Maybe down the pipe?" He considered aloud.
[20:34] <Ebiris> OOC: or the pipe?!
[20:34] * Amonet looks around! For evil!
[20:35] <Gourash> OOC: Just realized that the south path had ended there
[20:35] <Ebiris> Amonet can sense a lingering evil aura here. It's pretty strong.
[20:37] <Amonet> "Well, something certainly was here," she murmurs, looking first in the direction of the available passages, then everywhere else.
[20:38] <Ebiris> It's mostly focused around the end of the current passage, just above the drain. Seems to extend to the East, but the walls prevent Amonet from sensing too far in that direction from her current position.
[20:38] <Amonet> "We should try the eastern passage," she advises.
[20:40] * Gourash nods, starting off to the east.
[20:42] <Ebiris> The floor just before said passage is especially slimy and treacherous, but Gourash and Amonet are still able to maintain their footing. The passage itself however seems to be mostly clear of filth, with no pipes seeming to empty into it. There also appears to be a glowing light perhaps a hundred or so feet ahead, opposite what looks to be an opening in the South wall, though it's too far to see what it opens out to from this vantage.
[20:43] * Amonet approaches to take a look!
[20:44] * Gourash approaches as well, believing they'd found the shop.
[20:46] <Ebiris> Heading further down this corridor, Amonet can soon see that the alcove opposite the light source contains an enormous suit of full plate carrying a sword that's as big as Gourash. It's utterly immobile, however, a silent sentinel over a rivetted metal door below a sign reading "Vrischika's Shop of Many Things". Unlike the rest of the sewers, this area is pretty much spotless.
[20:47] * Amonet makes sure to clean her feet as best as she can before approaching further still and examining the outside of the shop.
[20:49] <Ebiris> There are no windows, simply a metal door set in against the brickwork. It's a pretty large space, although it has to be to accomodate the giant metal man and still have room for anyone to get past.
[20:51] <Gourash> Gourash appreciate clean entryway, keeping an eye on the armor for motion and knocking on the door when he arrived.
[20:53] <Ebiris> The armour remains utterly motionless as Gourash raises his hand to knock... only to find that the door soundlessly swings inward just before his knuckles strike the metal, making a silent invitation... It's dark inside. Darker than Marjorie's light can penetrate and darker than Gourash's darkvision can see through.
[20:55] * Amonet steps inside, believing that her senses will alert her should anything try to attack her.
[20:57] * Gourash nods, continuing with Amonet inside.  "Hear good shop here?"
[20:58] <Amonet> "Or a horrible trap that will kill us all. Horribly."
[21:02] <Ebiris> Amonet vanishes into the darkness! Though her vision is only obscured for an instant before she can see her surroundings on the other side of the doorway - it's a somewhat ordinary shop, with shelves and glassy counters... Though the items on display all appear rather impressive, from a suit of full plate that appears to be made of an ever shifting silvery crystal, to a wicked looking bow made of jagged bone, a large metal horn decorated with horrific demonic scenes,
[21:02] <Ebiris> a giant sized leather book with a far too realistic eye on the cover, and many other items beside. There's a door at the far end of the room. There's also a bearded devil who looks back, seeming to have been about to open said door. "Bah, custom... wait, I know you!" it barks in staccato common, glaring hatefully at Amonet and Gourash.
[21:03] <Ebiris> The devil is strongly evil, and seems to be the source of the lingering aura Amonet felt before.
[21:03] <Ebiris> *horn decorated with horrific demonic scenes,
[21:04] <Amonet> "It really is that devil who ran away from us and was tortured horribly by his own portal, isn't it, Gourash?" she asks, restraining her urges to slay it right away for the time being.
[21:05] <Gourash> "Gourash remember devil that got in the way why running," Gourash nodded, not even demonstrating much shock.
[21:06] <Amonet> "There are so many," she says with distinct distaste. "I'm afraid I keep mixing up the ones who ran away."
[21:08] <Gourash> "Gourash here for shopkeeper.  Shopkeeper not you.  Is shopkeeper in?"  Gourash managed a remarkably civil discussion with one he'd tried to cut in two at a past venture.
[21:10] <Ebiris> Snarling viciously, the Barbazu hefts his sawtoothed glaive and turns fully. "I will make you suffer for an etern-" he begins before the door behind him suddenly opens, knocking him to the side!
[21:10] <Ebiris> "Barnabus, that's no way to speak to a customer, is it?" a smooth female voice enquires as another figure strides into the room. She's tall, almost statuesque, and attired in a form-fitting silky purple gown... she'd be striking enough, without even needing to mention her dark blue skin, glowing red eyes, and the leathery bat-like wings that erupt from her back, currently folded neatly behind her.
[21:10] <Ebiris> "Greetings," she curtseys nicely to Gourash, smiling to expose a row of pointy narrow teeth. "I am Vrischika. Welcome to my humble shop."
[21:12] <Ebiris> The Bearded Devil stumbles against the wall as he's sent reeling by the door, but lowers his weapon, seeming cowed by Vrischika's appearance.
[21:12] <Amonet> Amused despite herself at the devil's plight, Amonet lets Gourash negotiate for his purchases, content to observe and support him for now.
[21:12] <Gourash> "I Gourash.  We are welcome, shop not too hard to find.  Gourash hope to purchase better equipment than in the city," Gourash introduced and stated his goal in a clear and concise manner.  Well, for him.
[21:16] <Ebiris> "I see," Vrischika nods slowly, before glancing sidelong at Barnabus. "You can go clean up the back room, Mr Part Time. Shop talk, you know?" she shoos him along. Throwing one last glare back at the pair of adventurers, the devil stomps through the door, which Vrischika negligently kicks behind her before he's all the way through. The sound of someone falling and muffled cursing is heard as it slams shut.
[21:16] <Ebiris> Slinking over to Gourash, she looks the half-orc up and down, "And just what sort of equipment would such a handsome fellow as yourself be looking for, Gourash, hmmm?" she purrs. "As you can see, I have quite an eclectic collection, but what's on display here does not fully represent all that I have to... offer."
[21:17] * Amonet decides to browse, observing the items present while avoiding touching them, and casually checking that nothing seems too nasty.
[21:17] <Gourash> "Gourash glad to hear that," His eyes roamed a bit long over Vrischika.  "Gourash looking for something to give his blows an even more powerful oomph.  City stuff too weak, not worth good money."
[21:19] <Ebiris> Nothing registers as evil on Amonet's evil-o-meter. The items are all labelled, however, though sadly without concise descriptions. (PM for list, Amonet)
[21:20] <Amonet> "This belt, perhaps, Gourash?" Amonet voices, pointing it out. "Or were you looking for something more... unique?"
[21:21] <Ebiris> "I know just what you need," Vrischika winks knowingly, before gently taking Gourash's arm - she has sharp claws on the ends of her dainty fingers, but seems to be careful in their use - and pulling him towards one of the shelves, this one bearing a thick brown belt is lined with dull red fibres, and embossed with images of titanic figures towering over tiny humanoids who seem to cower in fear.
[21:21] <Ebiris> "This is the fabled Giant's Belt; wear it and you'll be as strong as a titan - if you're not already, that is!" she grins and pinches Gourash's bicep.
[21:21] <Gourash> "Is that everything it does?" Gourash asked, cautious given the warnings as  he grinned toothily back.  "And its price?"
[21:24] <Ebiris> "Twenty eight thousand gold pieces," Vrischika replies apologetically. "I must make a living, after all. Now, you may experience certain side effects when wearing it, yes... but everyone knows that great power always comes with great cost, no?"
[21:24] <Amonet> "Excuse me," Amonet asks, trying to get the shopkeeper's attention, before pointing at two adjacent items. "Could you tell me more about this aegis and amulet?"
[21:25] <Ebiris> "Oh, of course, my dear," Vrischika reluctantly disengages herself from Gourash in order to approach Amonet. "I see your eye has been caught by the legendary Amulet of the Immortal?" she asks, saying the name with utmost reverence. "Wear this and you will never again need to fear the most dark of magics that can slay an unprotected soul in an instant!"
[21:27] <Gourash> "Gourash would like to know said side effects before putting down bags of gold," He turned, watching the two.
[21:27] <Ebiris> "The Aegis of Deflection is a curious item, its origins shrouded in the mists of time," she adds, seeming less interested in it. "Ordinarily a stout and protective barrier against attack, it will sometimes deflect a projectile or ray attack aimed at you to another nearby target, leaving you unharmed!"
[21:27] <Amonet> "Any, err, side effects to either of them?"
[21:28] * Gourash looks around nearby, vaguely pretending he can read the weird scribblescrabble.
[21:29] <Ebiris> Vrischika coughs. "I see you are both most persistent. Very well, the Giant Belt has the unfortunate side effect of making everyone else sometimes seem giant in comparison to yourself - though the strength enhancement will remain even when this malady strikes. As for the Amulet of the Immortal? Well, let's just say that if you suffer mundane wounds that would ordinarily kill you, you will not die, as such, while wearing it."
[21:30] <Ebiris> "The Aegis is remarkably benign by comparison - just don't use it if you're surrounded by friends, no?" she adds with a sunny smile of fanged teeth.
[21:30] <Amonet> "And the price range for these two intriguing items?"
[21:31] <Ebiris> "Five thousand gold for the amulet, and fifteen thousand for the shield," Vrischika replies hopefully.
[21:32] * Gourash considers, looking about for other martial things, clearly interested.
[21:33] <Amonet> "The amulet really does appeal," Amonet admits, biting her lip. "Yet not dying 'as such'... it is not that I am wary of a side effect is I become more effective at what I do, but I should know it clearly so that I am able to anticipate the full price that item extracts in advance."
[21:34] <Ebiris> For those of a martial bent, the obvious items are the crystalline armour, the bow, a white gauntlet with metal studs adorning it, and a wicked looking axe is made of jet black adamantine, and it's haft warped and knotted yet still sturdy looking.
[21:34] * Gourash wonders allowed. "And  these?" He pointed at the gauntlet and axe.
[21:35] <Ebiris> "In basic terms, the amulet will suck out your remaining life force if you ever suffer fatal wounds, and then reanimate you as a rather hideous form of cannibalistic undead," Vrischika sighs. "Still, a nice item to have when you know you'll be facing death magic, isn't it?" she appends, her glowing red eyes looking ever so hopefully at Amonet.
[21:37] * Gourash laughs, almost amused at Vrischika's antics.
[21:37] * Amonet blanches. "I-I must consider this some more," she stammers, before glancing at Gourash. "In any case," she continues, her voice stabilizing, "we are mainly here because of my friend. Is there anything else you feel he could find useful?"
[21:39] <Ebiris> "That axe is a Life Drinker," she adds to Gourash. "I can't in good conscience recommend it to anyone who has life force of their own, for all that it is an exceptionally deadly weapon. The glove is another matter, however!" she purrs, almost skipping over to the display. "This is one of the very rare Gloves of Disintegration - a mere touch with this will utterly remove anything you choose from the face of creation!" she exhorts cheerfully.
[21:43] * Gourash quirks his head and shrugs.  "Fifteen to twenty one thousand, about.  Mmm, Your belt is interesting, but seems ...a touch much for an item with problems."
[21:44] <Ebiris> "The average price for such an item without any drawbacks is thirty six thousand I'll have you know," Vrischika replies peevishly, her wings stretching out a bit. "I'm practically a charity!"
[21:46] <Gourash> Gourash nodded.  "So can an arrangement be made," He seemed clearly willing to spend money and seemed more asking along the lines of a fair to both deal.
[21:47] <Ebiris> "I buy as well as sell," Vrischika smiles, before casting her eye over Amonet, her gaze settling on the glowing lance she holds. "Very interesting weapon you have there, my dear..." she purrs, licking her lips.
[21:48] <Amonet> "She's not for sale, I'm afraid," Amonet says instantly.
[21:48] * Gourash shakes his head, turning to see how loudly she says no.
[21:49] <Ebiris> "You couldn't afford me, anyway!" Marjorie cries indignantly, eliciting a sigh from Vrischika.
[21:49] <Ebiris> "A shame. The demand for intelligent weapons is very high, you know - I could offer a very competitive price if you were to change your mind."
[21:49] <Gourash> "Perhaps you could use something from the planes. We be going to the githlands soon," Gourash offered another option.
[21:50] <Amonet> "In any case, I would be looking for something in the area of six thousand gold or less, as I don't find myself lacking in any particular area. Something to help me in my calling would be most helpful, however. Do you have any suggestions, perhaps from this other stock you mentioned earlier?"
[21:52] <Ebiris> "Really?" the demonic shop proprietress sidles up to Gourash. "I know a fiend who knows a lord... well, if you ever get your hands on one of those Silver Swords, you come see Vrischika, no?" she suggests invitingly.
[21:52] <Ebiris> Sighing at Amonet's interruption, "I'm sure you could spend your six thousand up there," she points at the ceiling. "I can find rare items if requested, but for that much it's really not worth the effort - you'll have to make do with what's currently on display, I'm afraid."
[21:54] * Gourash considers. "We did have several gith blades, didn't we, Amonet?  Perhaps we can bring them and consider  from there?"
[21:57] <Ebiris> "Githyanki equipment is very high quality," Vrishika smiles warmly. "Certain risk in owning it, but I know markets where the Githyanki would not be a great concern - the armies of Acheron are always on the lookout for well made arms and armour. You bring it here and we can talk price, yes?"
[21:58] <Ebiris> "Githyanki equipment is very high quality," Vrishika smiles warmly. "Certain risk in owning it, but I know markets where the Githyanki would not be a great concern - the armies of Acheron are always on the lookout for well made arms and armour. You bring it here and we can talk price, yes?"
[22:00] <Amonet> "It should not be too hard," Amonet agrees. "And, perhaps, I could afford something more expensive after all."
[22:00] * Gourash nods in agreement.
[22:11] <Ebiris> -----------
[22:14] <Ebiris> After a hurried journey back to the Solar Forge, Amonet and Gourash are able to recover the items they hid after defeating the Githyanki ambush there. The journey is mercifully without incident, despite the increasingly nasty weather, and all too soon they make the trip into the sewers to find Vrischika's shop once more.
[22:14] <Ebiris> No sign of Mr Part Time today, but Vrischika herself is more than happy to purchase the weapons and armours at an eminently fair price, though she offers store credit in the first instance to save on having to dig out all the coinage in case anyone wants one of her items at this point.
[22:15] <Ebiris> OOC: she buys the Githstuff for the standard half price that all items sold by adventurers go for in D&D economics
[22:18] <Ebiris> Asked for a discount, Vrischika's smile melts away and she points to a sign on the back wall. It reads "All sales are final. Prices are non negoitable. No refunds. A smile is free."
[22:19] <Gourash> "Good doing business...  mmm," Gathering up some money from Amonet, he considered. "Now, we were talking about the belt?  Gourash see fair deal...though want to be sure, belt not handicap him.  Just make look?"
[22:19] * Gourash nods clearly gathering from his bags a rather sizable amount of coinage.
[22:21] <Ebiris> As the coins are produced Vrischika's fiendish face lights up in happiness once more! "The belt will make you far stronger. However, on random days it will also make you shorter," she recites. "Everything is scarier when you're shorter, trust me."
[22:23] * Gourash nods.  "Strange to make.  Gourash not afraid of things," He proceeded to plomp down 28000 gp.
[22:26] <Gourash> "Trade made?"
[22:26] <Ebiris> "Not all magic effects are deliberate," Vrischika shrugs, hefting the large sack of gold with some effort. "Ugh... you couldn't have got platinum or gems, could you?" she complains, going to the back door and handing the sack to someone unseen.
[22:26] <Ebiris> "Important job, Mr Part Time - count the coins in the sack!" she orders, before slamming the door shut and then going to reach under the rearmost counter, pulling out a belt identical to the one on display. "Wear it with pride!" she beams, handing it over to Gourash.
[22:28] <Amonet> "I'll save up for now," Amonet tells Vrischika. "I'm certain that with enough cash, something exciting and unique could be purchased!"
[22:28] * Gourash blinks.  "That fake?" He pointed at the one on display.
[22:29] <Ebiris> The demonic shopkeep nods brightly. "Everything on display is an illusion - even in a location like this, I still need to be careful of thieves, no?" Turning to Amonet, she adds, "If you're looking for anything special, let Vrischika know and she will endeavour to find it for you!"
[22:31] * Gourash nods and takes the belt, overall pleased w ith the transaction at this point.
[22:31] * Amonet nods at Vrischika. "Something to help Marjorie and I smite evildoers," she says, glancing at her lance.
[22:33] <Ebiris> "How discriminating of you both..." Vrischika replies, sounding almost perturbed. "Did you have anything more specific in mind?"
[22:35] <Amonet> "What is discriminating about stopping others from carrying out their evil acts?" she asks, confused. "It is wrong to just stand idly by and do nothing. But...." She considers. "Something to help us protect innocents better would also do!"
[22:37] <Gourash> "Gourash think she referring to more specific requests," He shrugged, pleased with his purchase.
[22:38] <Ebiris> "Oh, of course, of course!" Vrischika laughs gaily, "You misunderstand, I am of course commending you on being so careful as to not smite those who follow your own path, no? Yes, very admirable that is," she reassures. "But your handsome friend is correct, it is difficult for me to extend my fearsome bargaining skills to locating an item when I have only such a vague idea as what to look for, no?"
[22:41] * Amonet frowns. "Well... I did wish to be able to project my power more. Right now, I am limited to a bow if getting into a melee was unadvisable or outright impossible, but I would prefer not to rely on it...."
[22:42] <Ebiris> Vrischika nods slowly, "Yes, so something to let you... smite at a distance, as it were?" she asks, seeming to be considering.
[22:45] <Amonet> "And while still using this lance," she adds, biting her lip. "I don't know if that is even possible...."
[22:48] * Gourash waits near  the door, eying Mr. Part Time.
[22:50] <Ebiris> The Bearded Devil is in the back room and not visible from here. "I would really have to experiment on the lance if you want me to see if I can give it more powers-" Vrischika begins, interrupted by loud and heartfelt "NO!" from Marjorie. The winged woman continues without missing a beat, however, "But such is not really my specialty. I lean more towards finding new and interesting items, not tinkering with existing ones."
[22:54] <Amonet> "In that case, I will have to think of another idea," Amonet tells her, before glancing at Gourash. "Well, are we ready to go back?"
[22:54] * Gourash nods.  "Good doing business," He grins toothily at Vrischika.
[22:55] <Ebiris> "Come again!" she waves cheerfully in reply.