6. Gosterwick

Thrudmarr follows Zach through the keep, his eyes darting around at the knights and their gleaming weapons. When introduced to Martin Hadellor, he attempts an awkward bow

"Arms Master! Thrud ready learn!" He hefts his battle axe proudly, showing it to the knight "Thrud have good axe! Learn use better!"

Our dwarven fellow bows fervently. His prayerful proceedings following reverently the teachings of Halidor the Observant.

Well now, I can already say, Brothers, I must refrain from hard drink. I fell into alcoholic ways of meh fightin’ forebears. That’s also how I acquired and gave kept meh beard. But I realize, a good dwarf in this realm abstains from liquor. Gonna do what I need to do, to keep meh-self pure of heart n’ mind.

In between sessions of supplication, Grim scribes a list and begins an accounting of the party’s treasure. Hoping to keep a meticulous record as but a good ol’ dwarf can do!

Astableon the Scribe and Bookseller (Location 29)
"My favourite? Why, that’s an impossible choice! Like picking between one’s children. Every book has its merit, one way or another. Though, as you’ve been asking about dragons, there is one tome I would very much like to acquire should you come across it - 'A History of Dragonkind' by Yasidoranicil. Were you to find a copy during your adventures, I would pay handsomely for it."

Astableon helps Jacky locate a book on astronomy. Between the two of you, you match Jacky’s sketch to the Constellation of the Ibis.

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Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: 13/13, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: 7/7, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: ?/?, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Jacky assures the bookseller that he'll keep the title in mind. "The Ibis?" Jacky says, tugging an ear. "That chamber I copied it from must have some relation to that god Thoth, then." Thanking the man for his time, the halfling purchases some parchment and writing materials before leaving the shop.With that done, Jacky will make for the shores of Totey Lake with his trusty ten-foot-pole-cum-fishing-rod. Fisherfolk surely must have stories to tell, and he'll get a spot of fishing done at the same time - what better way to while away some time?

Zacharias spent two full weeks at The Azure Keep, sweating profusely. It was clear that a 29-year-old body was not the same as that of a 19-year-old. Moreover, he was worried about the bill coming due. He knew Lady Ellagel and Jacky would get the best prices for their loot, but it always irked him to have unpaid bills. Momma always said a gentlemen didn't leave his debts unpaid, he thought for the fifty-jillionth time as he parried a nasty slash to the head with his shield and thrust forward with his bastard sword. I wonder if I'll have any coin left for new equipment.

EditEdit 2

Ellagel spends the next three weeks engrossed in the reading, a quarter hour per day, of the mysterious codex the party retrieved in the Halls. She knows she would be unable to transcribe the contents of the book, but she makes copious notes of the contents she manages to interpret thanks to the eldritch invocations she used every morning.

Taking an afternoon break from his clerical training, our dwarven fellow waddles over to the Smithy. In searching of armorous upgrades!
Aye! Can ye provide a suit of plate mail, r’ banded mail at least, fer an ole dwarf?!
Grim gestures at his studded leather armor, worn calloused stubby fingers. I have this studded leather, if ya will take it on a trade!

Ella in Gosterwick
I don’t have any more specific details of the contents of the codex. However, I will assume that Ella has made sufficient notes that if you come across something in the Halls that might possibly have been mentioned within its pages, then I’ll give you a chance to know something relevant. I will also drop the details of the two spells it contains into the Lore thread.
There are three merchant factors in Gosterwick that provide banking services (some of these are the same factors the merchants in The Broken Head represent):

- The Rarities Factor - the newest of the factors, recently founded by Wicktrimmer, an imperial goblin and retired adventurer. They will accept deposits of at least 150 gp and charge 0.75% of their value each month.

- The Silent Factor - a somewhat mysterious factor that believes anonymity in business transactions ensures that egos, rivalries, and enmities do not spoil good business. The minimum deposit is 500 gp with a 1.25% per month service fee.

- The Prosperity Factor - an empire-wide merchant collective. Minimum deposit of 250 gp with a 1% monthly service fee.
I will assume that you are able to find both a porter (labourer) and a torch bearer (linkboy). Each charges 1 silver piece per day, or 20 silver pieces per month. They also expect you to fully equip them.
In addition to Billie?

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Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: 13/13, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: 7/7, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: 14/14, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Grim in Gosterwick
Between training sessions, Grim makes his way to the largest of Gosterwick’s three smithies. It is run by Torrun, a formidable Wiskin woman and a talented smith. She runs her smithy with an iron fist, directing her teams of apprentices in projects mundane and extraordinary (location 14 on the town map).

Plate armour doesn’t exist in the world of Arden Vul. However, Torunn can craft Grim a fine suit of banded armour for 99 gold pieces.

---
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: 13/13, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: 7/7, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: 14/14, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Ella meticulously calculated the cost of the provisions necessary for a second incursion Into the Halls.

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So if the codex is worth 4000gp, I'd have to pay 40gp per month for its safekeeping by the Prosperity factor? Am I understanding this correctly?
Would the be satisfied with leather armour, shield and short sword or mace?
I'm assuming there aren't trained cave dogs or giant lizards one could acquire and bring along within the halls. As I was thinking of buying three or four large tents, digging gear, enough lamp oil, rations (something like 1à iron ration per adventurer and the two henchmen, fodder for the pack animals, etc.) and rope for an extended exploration, it would seem that a second steed might be necessary.

Grim hands over 99 coins, with stubby calloused hands. Well now, I wanna be thankin’ ya fer yer business, our dwarven fellow says to Torunn.

Here be a suit o’ studded leather, I’ve no longer use fer it. Meh-be it can help keep a young adventurer alive, here in this dangerous realm!

Grim dons his fancy new armor, and waddles back to the temple!

After two, long, arduous, grueling, sweat-filled weeks, Zacharias feels as if he has learned a thing or two more about the fine are of bashing others' heads with pointy sticks. Handing over what to him was a king's ransom of coin, he returns to the inn at which the party has been staying with a feeling of satisfaction tinging his exhaustion. Still, his share of the loot remaining was a bit over 500gp (508.92 to be precise). Maybe I should look into upgrading some gear, he thought, and then deposit the rest so I don't lose it in ther Halls..

Thrudmarr arrives at the Azure Keep each morning before dawn, his face bright with excitement. The training is hard work, but he throws himself into every drill with enthusiasm. He practices his axe swings against the training posts, wood chips flying with each powerful blow. Between sessions, he watches the other knights with wide eyes, trying to copy their movements.

After the two weeks, he emerges alongside Zach, with a healthy pride and an even heavier coin pouch. He gives Zach a hefty slap on the back. "We strong now! And rich!"

Gosterwick
Sort of. Except the codex is worth 8,000 gp (but only 4,000 xp), so technically it would be 80 gp per month. However, the factors are not really interested in storing physical items. It's your coin that they want (so they can "reinvest" it for their own purposes).
The porter and the torch bearer have no intention of fighting, so whilst they would appreciate the leather armour, they have no interest in shields or weaponry (or are even trained to use them). The porter expects you to provide anything they need for carrying stuff, e.g. a backpack, sacks, etc. The torch bearer expects you to provide them with their sources of illumination. They are not adventurers. They are there to do one job, and one job only.
There is a livestock and horse market in Gosterwick (location 31 on the town map). So there's no trouble acquiring an additional steed. A mule costs 20 gp, a draft horse 17 gp and a riding horse 28 gp.
Bed and board at the Yellow Cloak Inn (assuming you keep things non-fancy) is 5 sp per person per night, and the same for Billie’s stabling. Therefore, 3 weeks' accommodation for all of you would be 63 gp.
A nasty rash?

As you might imagine, the fisherfolk of Totey Lake have many a tall tale, but they're mostly stories of "the one that got away". However, one of them recalls how they recently came across a group of dodgy-looking tinkers and tradesmen making their way for something they called the "Forum" at Arden Vul saying that Stephania paid good money for the most basic supplies. They said: "If you want to go to the Forum, shine two lanterns from the left side of the river at night-time. Then look for the basket on the cliff face."

More than happy to exchange stories of past fishing exploits, Jacky hobnobs with the dockside residents. He isn't quite sure what to make of their tale of this Stephania, but it has the ring of some elaborate trick to him. Nevertheless, he makes a note of the instructions.

Zacharias winced as Thrudmarr's mighty slap hits him right between the shoulder blades. "Yes, Thurgood my dear friend, we are rich. At least richer, but don't go screaming it in town unless you want to be robbed! Zach enters the inn, and hands the innkeep his owed rent (OOC - reducing net worth by 2pp and 5sp). We may be here a bit longer, sir; I'll pay as I go, thank you for your patience.

Looking at his remaining funds, Zach considers whether or not he should invest in new equipment or bank his earnings, and if so, with whom. Thinking is hard for Zach, but he pondered whilst sitting on the bunk he had been using for the past three weeks.

Thrud looks confused when Zach calls him "Thurgood" but shrugs it off. Following Zach into the inn, he pulls out his own coin pouch and approaches the innkeeper with a handful of mixed coins.

"Thrud pay too! Umm...help count?"

With that concluded he rejoins the rest of the party assuming they have concluded their individual business before this.
"Thrud say bury gold! That always work for Thrud. But if smart friends say bury at bank-place, Thrud will do."

Burying is good, Theobald", Zach responds to Thrudmarr, "but sometimes it's better to pay someone trustworthy to watch it, so strangers don't dig up your gold.I wonder if these factors have other offices nearer to our homes. It may be safer to carry a letter of credit than coinage. Sometimes. Of course, if they are a fraud, then the letter is worthless. Maybe the Lady Envelope or Jacaruso know more about econo…, elconi…, erkosam…, money stuff. Zach turns to Ellagel and Jackie expectantly.