[PbP 1] We're Off To See The Kobold

[Oedipussy Rex]

Babies? How old is the widow? Nobody mentioned babies before.

Change of plan: visit the magic shop and see what wares they have, get that meal to go, get directions and find the hermit.

[Kersus]

Yes babies. There was blood at one of the abduction scenes. The baby-less widow is in her mid-twenties but seems ragged just the same. She's kind and not hard on the eyes, but beautiful would be stretching it. The hermit has a shack due East. He isn't really known well to the Mayor other than he exists and keeps to himself. Since the attacks started he hasn't actually been seen but he's the only other known intelligent humanoid nearby. Plus he's an Elf and they know things.

The shop has various items. Many things you might consider ingredients or spell components. Tons of superstitious type stuff, flasks, and even some weapons of questionable construction.

The shopkeep introduces himself as Vasil Ivy and asks if you're looking for anything special?

[Oedipussy Rex]

"Just having a look." Castor keeps his eye open for anything that might be for more than separating the uneducated unwashed from their coin. 1d12 rolled for a total of: 12 (12)
Explosion: 1d12 rolled for a total of: 10 (10)-1
Total: 21
[Metagaming comment from the author of the system: spells in ə don't use material components. I purposefully designed it that way. But this is your game so if you say they do, then they do.]

[Kersus]

[OOC: "Many things you might consider ingredients or spell components." I worded it that way, which may not have been perfect, to imply that there would be thinks like Deadly Nightshade and Mandrake Root.... Not to make the SCHWA magic system work, but to potentially complement it, create some new things, poison people in error, or just be good in a salad. It was how I could describe in my head what the shop had. I couldn't think of the right word besides crap.]

Indeed Castor is very aware that just about everything in here is either a scam or some naturalist crap you either don't believe or isn't actually magic. There is absolutely some balms that increase healing, focus, and even might silence the fall of feet to some degree. There is glue, hallucinogenics, and most certainly various degrees of poisons. Only two items actually stand out as magical to you.

A stick labelled "Find Water Stick" that is a little gnarled and shaped like a Y (closer inspection sees the letters KOOL etched into it), but is most certainly a branch from a legendary Osier that while potent, can be unpredictable when activated. It's possible that this is THE Neōwiht Butchaws, in which case you're not sure whether to fear it or hunger for it. You are absolutely certain that you are not powerful enough to control it.

What is the Neōwiht Butchaws you ask? A powerful item created by an insane adventurer who harvested it from previously mentioned Osiers of Legend (powerful ancient bushes that exist somewhat out of synch with time) and crafted it to turn the tide one way or the other - or so some tome you once read stated. Sometimes it's considered cursed. Kind of like how Ben Kenobi rants about certain points of view. As complicated as this sounds, Castor is even more confused. What he does know is that to use it, he points it and says a command word to activate it. He's not sure what that word is, but it is likely "Cool," "Nothing," "Chaws," or "Neōwiht Butchaws." There is no way to know without testing and it will be limited in charges.

Oh, what's the second thing? The shopkeep has a neat belt that looks slightly out of sync and is probably a teleport belt with very limited usage.

The shopkeep doesn't seem overly keen on putting things on a tab.

[Oedipussy Rex]

The shopkeep doesn't seem overly keen on putting things on a tab.

[Nor does Castor. "Hey, Mighter! This guy says your mother sucks eggs."
Mighter: "Raawwrrr!!!" Triple-Power Attack: 1d8 rolled for a total of: 8 (8) (Remember that Orcs can increase the effectiveness of a weapon by 2 Ranks)
Explosion: 1d8 rolled for a total of: 8 (8)
Double Explosion: 1d8 rolled for a total of: 7 (7)
Total: 8+7+6=21

Assuming a Defense of 2, that's 19d16 rolled for a total of: 213 (10, 8, 15, 13, 7, 11, 14, 6, 7, 13, 13, 13, 14, 5, 16, 13, 11, 15, 9)

Castor: "Bwahaha. The Neōwiht Butchaws is mine. All mine. Good job, Mighter. Now grab the cash box and let's get out of here."

But seriously....]


Castor: "I don't know if you've heard, but we've offered our services to help the village with it's situation. We're getting ready to look for the Hermit Elf -- we're told he may be able to help. Do you know anything about him? Or maybe you could come along to assist."

[Kersus]

[split timelines..... I just saw an episode of Psych that did this but playing out the split might give things away]

Vasil: "That's very kind of you to help this little place out. I've felt very much at home here and am doing what I can to protect them already. I don't know much about that Elf. I think he's a crazy old hermit who only comes to cause trouble for newcomers. I wish I could go assist you, truly, as it would be an honour but I must remain here to protect the village. Is there anything here you'd like to purchase toward your cause?"

[Oedipussy Rex]

Castor: "Unfortunately, we're of rather limited means at the moment. We'll be going now and let you get back to your business."
Castor to Mighter after leaving: "I really do not like that guy."
Mighter: Grunt of agreement

Castor and Mighter take their meal and Head East in search of the Hermit Elf.

[Kersus]

Heading East you follow a very lightly used path and come across a small hut.

[Oedipussy Rex]

"Hello, the hut."

[Kersus]

It does not respond or attack. There is a door and a shuttered window. You hear a bird making a racket nearby and a butterfly floats nearby.