At the center of the gilt district, and sunk to some degree below it, is the Mountain Vault. It is a simple stone building, fewer windows than those around and those windows it does have are laced with steel or crystal. The interior is cool and breezy, light cottons hung from most of the walls in order to offset the accumulation of dust in the expansive building. The director of the mountain vault is the always presentable Landen Fairway, a wiry man with jet black hair tied into a tight pony tail who favours an interesting combination of local guild fashions.
The Vault houses an institution of surprisingly good repute in which people may store their wealth, their possessions and even get financial advise. The good repute of this establishment is surprising because it is run by a group that identifies themselves as the Thieves Guild. Though anyone you meet in Elexia will tell you the guild does not even exist, the Thieves Guild in Ash will not only confirm it but give you a little insight into how they do business.
The mountain vault was busier than normal, with lots of rough mercenary types gathered around the dozens of laid out chairs. All furniture was pointed towards a podium at the front of the main room. Every now and then a small group of mercenaries or tradesmen seemed to be led into a side room, cordoned off by a velvet rope and guarded by a tall, thin kindirin woman.
Vilhjalmr entered the Mountain Vault a little while after Yack and Cassie. The armored man took a look at the wares that were be being shown at the moment.
Vilhjalmr saw nothing on display in the main room, but did notice the groups entering and leaving the cordoned off room. Good money said whatever wares were being auctioned would be on display in there.
Kindir- Speak to mister Fairway over by the podium. He's organising paddles and credit lines.
The woman, obviously a warrior of some sort, pointed over towards the podium. The wiry haired man who stood there had his hair slicked back and tied in a neat ponytail with a slither of turquoise ribbon. His outfit was a sharp dress suit, lined with a short fur around its cuffs, topped off with a turquoise cravat.
Vilhjalmr - Vilhjalmr Liulfr, it is good to meet you as well. I am a member of the Warrior's Brotherhood. As far as the line of credit, if you could explain it to me, I wouldd be most appreciative.
=========================
Juris entered the Mountain Vault and looked around for someone to speak to.
Landen- Its quite simple really. For the length of the auction we will offer you an amount of gold on loan, with whatever items you wish to exchange kept as collateral. If you end up bidding beyond your current wealth, we will keep the items in exchange for covering the difference. If you don't, they will be returned when you leave.
Juris saw a few people milling around, though only a few looked like they were involved with the vault itself. A tall, wiry haired man in a turquoise scarf, a kindirin woman guarding a cordoned off room and a portly man walking round with a stiff parchment jotting things down almost constantly.
Vilhjalmr - Ah, that sounds like a good deal, unfortunately I can not at this moment put anything up for collateral. I would still like to take part in the auction though.
=========================
Juris walked over to the portly man. His Peackeeper sigil easily spotted on his chest.
Juris - Sir, would you mind if I asked you some questions? I've never been to Ash before and I've heard some things about this auction and the Mountain Vault that worry and confuse me.
Landen- Of course. Here you are, if you'd like to browse the wares just show Ingrid over there your paddle. The auction will begin later this evening.
The man handed him a rectangular wooden paddle with a '12' etched into it.
The note-taker looked up at Juris, caught sight of the sigil and sighed.
Scribe- I assure you peacekeeper, you needn't worry. The guild operates completely legitimately within the walls of Ash, we are merchants and accountants, not pickpockets.
Vilhjalmr made his way back over to Ingrid and showed the paddle to her to gain entry to the cordoned off room.
=========================
Juris - I had heard as much. I do have one question though. What led to your guild operating as such here? I know it's a silly thing to ask, but it would put me at a bit more ease if I heard it from a member.
Ingrid stepped aside and removed the cordon long enough for Vilhjalmr to enter. As he looked around he saw numerous glass cases, a few wall mounts and (at the back of the room) two cages covered in silk cloth.
One glass case appeared to contain four vials of liquid, coloured ribbons tied around the top of each. Another case contained a silvery flask marked with a skull and scimitar. Another contained two bottles of ink and a set of paints. The last glass case contained a bronze amulet, engraved with the image of a wilting tree and a selection faintly glowing moss clumps.
Mounted on the wall were a black wooden spear who's tip seemed to blaze with blue-white electricity and a large round shield that seemed to be carved from some sort of bone, carved with the image of crossed bore tusks.
---
Scribe- Ash was originally a place more of the kindir than the guilds, as we began expanding they held us to a lot of their standards. Transparency was evidently one of them.
Vilhjalmr walked over to the case containing the silvery flask. He looked at the case for any information it might have on the item.
=========================
Juris - Ah, thank you for the lesson on the history of Ash and your guild as it stands here. Who would I speak to about participating in the auction if I wished to do so?
=========================
Ian, who had used his new coat's power to clean himself and his stuff up, walked over to Landen. The man seemed to be the one person that was involved with the auction that wasn't either guarding a room or busy talking to someone already. He held out his hand to shake Landen's.
Ian - Hello. Ian Kilms. I'd like to participate in the auction.
There was a little card inside the case, propped in front of the flask.
Ghostly Bumboo - Liberated from the island of Bon Vivant, apparently involved in the celebration of a quelled undead uprising. Analysis suggests potent restorative properties when drunk.
---
The scribe pointed Juris in the direction of Landen.
---
Landen turned from another inquiry to answer Ian.
Landen- Certainly, if I could just have your name, affiliations and ask if you'd like to take a line of credit for the auction?
A few minute ago, Landen seemed rather perturbed by the interaction with Yack and his brood, though he tried valiantly to hide it. Adjack ended up with a paddle engraved with the number 13 and a credit note for 120 gold.
Mirth got a similar but more subdued reaction, ending up with paddle 14.
Meanwhile in the present:
Landen- A fine item. Take this and feel free to browse the wares in the next room. Just show Ingrid your paddle.
Landen took the favor and handed over paddle 15 and credit note for 100 gold.
---
'Noon' and 'Midnight' Inks
Supplied by a Sylvan lore keeper who acquired them in an ancient temple. Contain seasonal magics. Sold separately.
Saaurian Body Paints
A set of paints of the saaurian style, these paint burn into the flesh and make permanent tattoo like markings. Traces of light, plant, earth and fire magics found within. Sold as a set.
Vilhjalmr moved over to the case with the amulet and the mosses and read the information for them.
=========================
Juris walked closer to Landen.
Juris - Hello sir. I'd like to take part in the auction. I think I've figured out the requirements. My name is Juris Aiolos and I'm an Arbiter. As far as collateral goes. I have these to offer. The token isn't a Peacekeeper only item, it's good for anyone to use.
Juris showed the Field Bag and its contents to Landen. Then he showed him the Peacekeeper Token.
=========================
Ian showed his paddle to Ingrid and entered the back room. He walked over to the spear and shield and read about them.
Juris got paddle 16 and a credit note worth 180 gold.
Amulet of Decay
Donated by a Sylvan lore keeper and found in an ancient temple. Grants the wearer the ability to cause plants to wither and recede.
Lightbringer Moss
Gathered from an expedition by an eccentric merchant. When rubbed on an item the moss grants an non-enchantment luminous effect, allowing it to be used to light areas like a bright candle.
Stormclad Spear
Rumoured to be part of a set of storm related weaponry and armour. Seems to return to the wielder after being thrown.
Freyan Shield
Glows with a magical light when commanded by its wielder, this light has undetermined magical properties. Rumoured to be twinned with a bone spear.
Vilhjalmr moved toward the silk covered cages at the back of the room and looked around for anything that would let him know what they held.
=========================
Juris walked to Ingrid and showed his newly acquired paddle to her and then entered the room behind her. He walked over to the case containing the four vials and read about them.
Ian turned to see a tall kindirin warrior, clad in leathers and wearing a silvery gauntlet on one hand and coral plated clove on the other.
Ulrich- And they're both tied to others out there in the world. Those kind of bonds make for great tales.
--
The cages had little notes above them:
Jadpajak
Kurrian spider with parasitic tendencies, can form a bond with an owner for a long period of time, granting strength in exchange of sustenance.
Unearthed Crustacean
What seems to be a juvenile undead creature, part bear, part crab.
--
The ribbons around the vials were Red, Grey, Green and Olive coloured.
Mysterious Serums
Found floating in a crate in Elexia. Seem to endow abilities to the drinker based loosely on those of gorion beetles.
The Vault houses an institution of surprisingly good repute in which people may store their wealth, their possessions and even get financial advise. The good repute of this establishment is surprising because it is run by a group that identifies themselves as the Thieves Guild. Though anyone you meet in Elexia will tell you the guild does not even exist, the Thieves Guild in Ash will not only confirm it but give you a little insight into how they do business.
Cassie - "What's an Awk-shun papa?"
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
Vilhjalmr - Hello, I would like to take part in the auction.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
The woman, obviously a warrior of some sort, pointed over towards the podium. The wiry haired man who stood there had his hair slicked back and tied in a neat ponytail with a slither of turquoise ribbon. His outfit was a sharp dress suit, lined with a short fur around its cuffs, topped off with a turquoise cravat.
Vilhjalmr walked over to Fairway.
Vilhjalmr - Hello. I was told that I should speak to you if I would like to take part in the auction.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
Landen- Landen Fairway, pleased to meet you. I'll need your name, any affiliations and whether you'll be taking a line of credit.
=========================
Juris entered the Mountain Vault and looked around for someone to speak to.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
Juris saw a few people milling around, though only a few looked like they were involved with the vault itself. A tall, wiry haired man in a turquoise scarf, a kindirin woman guarding a cordoned off room and a portly man walking round with a stiff parchment jotting things down almost constantly.
=========================
Juris walked over to the portly man. His Peackeeper sigil easily spotted on his chest.
Juris - Sir, would you mind if I asked you some questions? I've never been to Ash before and I've heard some things about this auction and the Mountain Vault that worry and confuse me.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
The man handed him a rectangular wooden paddle with a '12' etched into it.
The note-taker looked up at Juris, caught sight of the sigil and sighed.
Scribe- I assure you peacekeeper, you needn't worry. The guild operates completely legitimately within the walls of Ash, we are merchants and accountants, not pickpockets.
Vilhjalmr made his way back over to Ingrid and showed the paddle to her to gain entry to the cordoned off room.
=========================
Juris - I had heard as much. I do have one question though. What led to your guild operating as such here? I know it's a silly thing to ask, but it would put me at a bit more ease if I heard it from a member.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
One glass case appeared to contain four vials of liquid, coloured ribbons tied around the top of each. Another case contained a silvery flask marked with a skull and scimitar. Another contained two bottles of ink and a set of paints. The last glass case contained a bronze amulet, engraved with the image of a wilting tree and a selection faintly glowing moss clumps.
Mounted on the wall were a black wooden spear who's tip seemed to blaze with blue-white electricity and a large round shield that seemed to be carved from some sort of bone, carved with the image of crossed bore tusks.
---
Scribe- Ash was originally a place more of the kindir than the guilds, as we began expanding they held us to a lot of their standards. Transparency was evidently one of them.
=========================
Juris - Ah, thank you for the lesson on the history of Ash and your guild as it stands here. Who would I speak to about participating in the auction if I wished to do so?
=========================
Ian, who had used his new coat's power to clean himself and his stuff up, walked over to Landen. The man seemed to be the one person that was involved with the auction that wasn't either guarding a room or busy talking to someone already. He held out his hand to shake Landen's.
Ian - Hello. Ian Kilms. I'd like to participate in the auction.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
Yack - "Yack."
**Pulls out Hyst**
Yack - "Hyst. Bondmate. Sentinals. Credit. He will handle."
**The man passes over a strength orb, a flight orb, and gives Hyst three gold.**
Cassie - Get me something too, Hyst!
**Cassie cheerfully adds an emerald seaweed to the pile of credit and gives Hyst 50g more.**
------
**An orange freepa flies in as well. How it's lugging a pouch of gold around is a mystery for the ages.**
Mirth - "Hiiiiiii! I'm Mirth! I'm Arl's spirit guide! She's a peacekeeper! No credit!"
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Ghostly Bumboo - Liberated from the island of Bon Vivant, apparently involved in the celebration of a quelled undead uprising. Analysis suggests potent restorative properties when drunk.
---
The scribe pointed Juris in the direction of Landen.
---
Landen turned from another inquiry to answer Ian.
Landen- Certainly, if I could just have your name, affiliations and ask if you'd like to take a line of credit for the auction?
=========================
Juris waited behind Ian.
=========================
Ian - Well you have my name. I'm a Bard and I've got this to put up for credit if it's needed.
Ian handed over the Golden Favor.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
Mirth got a similar but more subdued reaction, ending up with paddle 14.
Meanwhile in the present:
Landen- A fine item. Take this and feel free to browse the wares in the next room. Just show Ingrid your paddle.
Landen took the favor and handed over paddle 15 and credit note for 100 gold.
---
'Noon' and 'Midnight' Inks
Supplied by a Sylvan lore keeper who acquired them in an ancient temple. Contain seasonal magics. Sold separately.
Saaurian Body Paints
A set of paints of the saaurian style, these paint burn into the flesh and make permanent tattoo like markings. Traces of light, plant, earth and fire magics found within. Sold as a set.
=========================
Juris walked closer to Landen.
Juris - Hello sir. I'd like to take part in the auction. I think I've figured out the requirements. My name is Juris Aiolos and I'm an Arbiter. As far as collateral goes. I have these to offer. The token isn't a Peacekeeper only item, it's good for anyone to use.
Juris showed the Field Bag and its contents to Landen. Then he showed him the Peacekeeper Token.
=========================
Ian showed his paddle to Ingrid and entered the back room. He walked over to the spear and shield and read about them.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
Amulet of Decay
Donated by a Sylvan lore keeper and found in an ancient temple. Grants the wearer the ability to cause plants to wither and recede.
Lightbringer Moss
Gathered from an expedition by an eccentric merchant. When rubbed on an item the moss grants an non-enchantment luminous effect, allowing it to be used to light areas like a bright candle.
Stormclad Spear
Rumoured to be part of a set of storm related weaponry and armour. Seems to return to the wielder after being thrown.
Freyan Shield
Glows with a magical light when commanded by its wielder, this light has undetermined magical properties. Rumoured to be twinned with a bone spear.
Voice Behind Ian- Beautiful weapons, aren't they?
=========================
Juris walked to Ingrid and showed his newly acquired paddle to her and then entered the room behind her. He walked over to the case containing the four vials and read about them.
=========================
Ian turned towards the voice.
Ian - Yes they are.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.
Ulrich- And they're both tied to others out there in the world. Those kind of bonds make for great tales.
--
The cages had little notes above them:
Jadpajak
Kurrian spider with parasitic tendencies, can form a bond with an owner for a long period of time, granting strength in exchange of sustenance.
Unearthed Crustacean
What seems to be a juvenile undead creature, part bear, part crab.
--
The ribbons around the vials were Red, Grey, Green and Olive coloured.
Mysterious Serums
Found floating in a crate in Elexia. Seem to endow abilities to the drinker based loosely on those of gorion beetles.
=========================
Juris walked around the rest of the room and read about the other items within it.
=========================
Ian held out his hand to Ulrich.
Ian - I'm Ian Kilms. It is good to meet you. I've just acquired an item that seems to be part of a group of them myself.
Come on and check it out. You know you want to.