THE BOOK OF GLINT - [Ch01-Up04] - The Arrival [15.06.2016]

Author's note: Sorry that you had to wait this for a while. These last weeks have been pretty busy for me but should be getting better and easier to do these pretty soon.
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Check the prison

You're pretty sure Marcus isn't a criminal, and even if you wanted to check the prison, you wouldn't be able to get in. The prison here is located inside the Dome, directly underneath Citadel's main military fortress. Incidentally, it also happens to be the place in which captured enemy forces are brought for questioning and conviction. You've heard many stories of the unspeakable horrors that occur within the Dome, and you're pretty sure that if you ended up inside those walls, you would not see sunlight for many years to come.

Well golly, what sort of skills DO you have? In a bustling city like this, there must be work somewhere!

What sort of skills have you picked up over the years?

You have very little in the way of marketable skills, other than the run-of-the-mill abilities available to the common ferrath. You're a pretty good climber, and decently agile to boot, which is standard fare for a full-grown ferrath such as yourself.

Not to mention your species’ trademark feature: an extra set of ears, branching out along your upper temples. Though they tend to make hat-shopping a chore at the best of times, the secondary pair allows for significantly improved hearing among members of your kind. You've heard a theory that they were once used to detect predators during ancient times, but you can't attest to the validity of the claim.

Aside from your auditory arrangement, you don't have a whole lot else to offer the world. You pause for a moment and consider the fact that your habits (which consist of sleeping incessantly and lazing around like a slob) have done little to improve your prospects. But who knows? Maybe your particular talents will end up perfectly suited for the job.

Idly consider prospect of renting out body, immediately discard this intrusive thought

Though you're not very fond of this particular notion, you make an effort to carefully consider each and every thought that passes through your head, no matter how absurd. Still, you’re inclined to disregard any impulse you find to be particularly out-there on a matter of principle. You remind yourself that today is a very important day, and that you should try to keep your wits about you, at least until you get a job and a place to stay.

Go investigate some magical glowing artifacts from that shady-looking lizard woman. Followed by avoiding alcoholic beverages at all costs.

This uh... cat friend of mine benefited from no booze and lizard friends sometime ago.

Nothing wrong with a cold, hearty drink every once in a while. Builds character. Still, you should do your best to avoid getting smashed for the time being. You're a responsible young adult, after all.

Beverage habits aside, you approach the saurian lady, keeping a tight grip on your coinpurse.

You greet the merchant with a smile and ask her if she would mind explaining the purpose of those trinkets.

These things? She runs a claw along the side of one. These are spirit charms that she assembled and blessed herself. They provide the wearer with a variety of boons, including considerable wealth and good fortune. Available only for three gold each, she tells you. Or perhaps you’ve made some enemies? She might be willing to slip in a curse or two, for a few extra gold.

No thanks, you tell her. You were just looking.

Ask around for this Marcus. Keep a tight hold on your stuff.

Any chance that Marcus is a less-than-reputable character round these parts? Might pay to be indirect with your inquiries.

You ask the merchant if the name Marcus rings a bell, holding out for any sort of clue.

She taps her chin contemplatively. Marcus, you say?

Hmmm… Marcus…

Oh yes, Marcus! She tells you that she's familiar with a man named Marcus. She's seen him shopping for supplies around town.

Great! You're beginning to think that this may not be so hard after all. You ask her if she has any idea where he lives.

She sighs, tilting her head dramatically and drawing out her breath. Unfortunately, as much as she'd love to help you, she can only provide so much information to a customer who hasn't purchased anything. She invites you to follow her around the corner and peruse her wares, on the off chance that something catches your eye.

Fine, you mutter, and follow the lady.

Check out the local wares. It's nice to have things to save up for.

Just take a look around, and try not to spend any money, you'll probably need it for the inn.

If she has information regarding Marcus’ whereabouts, you don't really have a choice. You resolve to buy the cheapest thing you can find and get a move on as quickly as possible.

She asks if you're in need of anything in particular.

You tell her that you just arrived, and that it would be nice to be able to defend yourself properly.

Oh, yes. Citadel can be very cruel, especially at night and especially for newcomers. You need to be cautious of everyone and everything you see, or the city will eat you alive.

You glance around nervously, paranoia rising. She grins. Worry not, she tells you. She has just the thing to keep you safe.

This right here is a brocigam. Within its shell lies powerful magic, waiting to be released. Once crushed, it will provide the wielder with immense power for a brief period of time, fading away only after its duty has been fulfilled. She tells you that this is one of her finest brocigams, and that it would most certainly make any potential adversary think twice. Only 20 gold coins, today only. This is a marvelous opportunity, and you would—

You interrupt her and say you don't even have that much money on you.

Oh. That's rather unfortunate. She tells you to hold tight for a moment while she fishes out her, erm, discount brocigams.

She places them unceremoniously on the counter in front of you. As she brushes them off, she informs you that, though they may appear to be less than pristine, they're still very much in prime condition and ready for use. More or less.

Only two gold coins a piece!

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Additional credits

Bin - Editor

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