Chapter 5
Heavy commerce
The market was a long walk from the inn and it was quite busy by the time Gen and Byron arrived. The stalls were set up along each side of the street attached to the front of buildings with large awnings supported by long wooden poles. One of the first stalls they passed was selling fresh fruit. Having missed lunch they stopped and perused the goods.
“Hello there, mam is there something special you are looking for?” A chipper boy about age 10 sat behind the counter perched on a tall stool. “Our apples are especially good today, but my favorite are the plums we don't usually get them this early in the year.”
“Well aren’t you quite the salesman.” Gen smiled as she looked at the sign checking the prices.
Apples: 5 Irons
Plums: 2 Coppers
Blueberries 5 coppers per pound
“I'll take a pound of blueberries 2 apples and 2 plums,” Gen said as she counted out her coins. “Where can I find the caravans we are looking to book passage to the west.”
“Oh, that's easy all the caravans heading west or south set up at the end of this street near the southern gate.” The boy took her coins and handed Gen a cloth sack with her order.
As the two stepped away from the stall Gen handed Byron an apple and a plum to eat as they walked “We can browse as we walk if you like. Is there anything you need that you weren't able to bring from home?”
“Mabe a few books? You said we would be doing rituals right?”
“This area looks like mostly produce and livestock, I bet it's sectioned off. As we move down we will see merchants with items we may need.”
The pair made their way, eating their light lunch as they walked. They saw merchants selling all sorts of goods, animals, rugs, furniture, nick knacks, and doodads. They saw one gnome screaming at the top of his lungs his new and improved invention a “steam-powered alarm clock” would be the next big thing for the working man who didn't have a goodly wife to wake him in the morning. People were giving him a wide birth as several of his clocks started buzzing and hissing as steam escaped. Gen was sure she wouldn't want that in any room she was sleeping in.
“Hey look that guy has Monster Hearts.” Byron pointed at a stall with several burly armed guards standing on either side with an older thin elf behind a half door looking out. A sign over the door read: Monster Heart Crystals Common to Rare. Serious inquiries only. “My father always checked out the Heart crystal shops when we went into town.”
“You noticed that and decided it had something to do with his occupation? Gen asked
“Am I wrong?”
Gen smirked but didn't reply as she walked over to the stall.
“Hello young miss, I must apologize I am only entertaining serious buyers today.” The old elf said.
“Yes I understand, I am a serious buyer,” Gen said as she pulled out a hidden pouch and removed from it a handful of gold coins flashing them to the elderly merchant.
“Of course, thank you, young miss. I am called Eolidan, if you would step inside the shop we can go over my wares.”
“Your friend will have to wait outside” The biggest of the guards stated. “We only allow 1 person in the shop at a time.”
“I understand,” Byron said “My mother and I had to wait while my father went into the shops while I was little. I see a bookseller a little further down I'll be there while you take care of your business.”
Gen nodded and headed into the shop. It was a comfortable room with warm hardwood furniture and plush chairs. After entering Eolidan motioned to a chair on one side of a table.
“My name is Genevive,” She said as she took her seat.
“A pleasure,” Eolidan held out a hand to shake, “Which grade of crystals would you be interested in?”
Shaking his leathery hand Gen replied, “I am looking for mostly Beginner rank crystals, but I would still be interested in some common or low-level Journeyman rank crystals.”
“Ahh the beginner crafter suite, excellent.” Eolidan nodded and went into the back room and shortly came back out carrying a tray that would not be out of place at a tea service.
The large silver tray held a flat padded cushion with 8 faceted gems the size of a small bird egg. They each glowed with a soft inner light of various colors. Three of the crystals had a slightly brighter glow.
Eolidan gestured to the tray with a bit of showmanship, “Here we have 6 Beginner rank crystals once at each level 1-2 and three journeyman rank at level 10. “The first is a Xenofrog, from the exterior they appear to be a normal frog but have an inner jaw rather than a tongue that stretches up to 3 feet latching onto prey.”
“How much are you asking for that one?” Gen asked politely.
“The first three are each 5 Gold,” Eolidan stated matter of factly, “Next we have a subspecies of slime the Blue Slime. Vulnerable to fire but has a cold element to its attacks. The last of the 5 gold is a Jackalope. A large Horned hare. The horns are very sharp and exude a toxin that makes anyone that touches or pierced by it nauseated.”
“That is certainly a wide variety of low-level crystals.” Gen smiled as she motioned asking if she could pick up the Xenofrog.
“Please by all means you may insect it,” Eolidan said.
As she looked into the crystal the Eolidan continued. “The next group is the mid-level beginner monsters, these are 7 gold each. We have a standard array. This one is a goblin, nothing fancy but moderately powerful. These two are a pair of Dire beasts one is a Dire Boar and the next is a Dire Wolf.”
Gen set the one she was looking at back in its place and looked across the crystals. “What is this one?” She gestured to a crystal that had a dark shadow at its center.
“Ah yes… this is quite an unusual one. A Dusk-bat Queen. A bat the size of a man that leads a swarm of smaller bats with a dark element. This is one of the Jeorneyman rank crystals. Though it is rare it is a lower level and cost 12 Gold. The other two are more common, an ogre and a giant scorpion.”
“These are all wonderful, but unfortunately I can’t get them all. I would like to get the Slime, the Xenofrog, the Dire Wolf, and the Dusk-bat Queen.”
“Excellent! The total comes to 29 Gold. I will have them packed up for you shortly let me put the others away.” Eolidan picked up the tray and went back into the rear room.
Gen enjoyed the comfy chair while she waited and counted out 2 platinum crowns and 9 gold. The wait was pleasant as the long walk had begun to hurt Gen’s feet. But the wait came to a swift end as Eolidan returned with a small pouch.
“Each one is individually wrapped in cloth to protect them but I have kept the package as small as possible to be able to secret it on your person.”
“Thank you.” Gen anded over the payment and took the pouch attaching it to a necklace that she tucked under her shirt. Before she bid the merchant goodbye and went to find Byron.
As Gen reached the book merchant Byron was finishing up his purchase of two tomes.
“Find everything you were looking for? Gen asked.
“Yeah, some beginner ritual magic, and alchemy.” He replied as he turned to look at Gen, “Did you find anything interesting?”
“Yes. We can talk about it later.” She ended the conversation quickly and began to look through the stacks of books. After a few minutes, she grabbed three books and asked the merchant “How much for all of these?”
“12 Silver for the lot.” The woman behind the counter answered.
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Gen completed her transaction and turned to Byron. “Ok, we should probably stop engaging in heavy commerce before we are broke and find the
merchant caravans.”
* * *
As the caravan entered the town of Heil the villagers and local shopkeepers gathered near the town square. Intent on bartering with the caravan before it moved on.
The sun had still not made it to the zenith and the Caravan master intended to push on for a few more hours, knowing the local tavern wasn't large enough for his men to enjoy. As his caravan became more prosperous it outgrew many accommodations smaller towns and villages could provide.
“Well this is our stop,” Byron commented as he gathered his things. Preparing to hop off the wagon.
Gen looked around. The townsfolk appeared in good spirits welcoming the goods and haggling the merchants provided them. “According to the information I have, the Mayor owns the inn, and he will likely be busy purchasing some supplies from the caravan so we have time before we can meet with him. Let's browse the town and then head to the Inn for lunch.
Heil was a small village in terms of population but being on a trade route several shops and businesses had set themselves up. Most were typical and mundane a general goods store, a smith, and the like. Some were a bit odd and seemed out of place for a small village, A book shop, a bowyer, and a jeweler to name a few. Almost all were closed as the owners were out. After looking around the pair entered the Inn: The Ranging Goat.
“Welcome to the Goat.” A welcoming voice greeted them. “What can I do for you?” a young man in his early 20s was smiling from behind the counter.
“Hello, we just came in on the caravan and were hoping for a warm meal while we waited for the Mayor.” Gen and Byron took seats at the bar and she explained. “I am Keeper Genevive Del Marc and this is Apprentice Keeper Byron Avernafey. But when we aren’t on business I prefer Gen.”
“And Byron is fine,” Byron added.
“Well if we aren’t talking business you can call me Sam, Samson will do in a pinch though.” He paused appraising the pair. “Keepers? So that's what the Mayor has been so disgustingly chipper about lately. He's been trying to get us a dungeon for longer than I've been alive. Here let me get you a drink and a bite.” He paused before he went to the back room. Presumably, the kitchen if Gen guessed based on smell alone. “You are here for the job, yeah?”
“Absolutely.” Gen smiled. “A nice small town like this is exactly what we need.”
“Alright then, I know Boss was offering free room and board till a house can be erected for ya. So you can keep your coins stowed.”
Sam was back in a flash with two bowls of Mutton stew and cups of deep red juice.
“Smells great! What's this” Byron asked, gesturing to his cup.
“A local drink, Zip berry juice. It puts a pep in your step. I drink it in the morning or after a hard day's work.” Sam grinned.
Gen took a sip. The juice was slick on her tongue and nearly slid down her throat.”
Zip berry juice.
Effects: +2 Dexterity. Duration: 4 hours.
Mana and Stamina regen increased by 1%. Duration: 4 hours.
“I can see what you mean. It's almost equivalent to a low-grade buff potion adventurers would use.”
“Precisely! It's part of why Boss wants a new dungeon in the area. He keeps going on about how cheap low-grade potions like that would be great for beginning adventurers. So how long do you think it will take to get the dungeon set up? I know some of the local farm boys who would love to be adventurers.
“Well, we should probably disabuse them of that notion. Adventuring is not for the faint of heart. Even a new dungeon is dangerous. Of course, they will have access the same as anyone else. But it will be a while; a few months at least. First I'll need to do some scouting to find a good location. Then the guilds need to be notified and the adventures guild gets to vet it first, followed by the keepers guild taking a deep look into it. With the town being so far out from the nearest city….” Gen trailed off
“Well if you need a guide Jorn, the Bowyer’s son loves runnin’ round the mountain tops.”
Hiding her annoyance Gen took a sip of her drink before replying, “Thank you for the suggestion but I think I can manage.”
Shortly after they finished their meal a large man entered the Tavern carrying a large crate blocking his vision “Sam! keep an eye out for two people, the caravan master said two Dungeon Keepers had their last stop in Heil, I'll need to talk to them as soon as I can.”
He dropped the crate on the bar with a thud, “Oh, and take this into the back storage room.”
“Right-O Boss” Sam put his hands on the crate to slide it over but it wouldn't budge. “But about those keepers, you were looking for.” Gesturing to Gen and Byron with his head Sam ever so slowly wedged his hands under the crate and lifted it. “That's them there.” He wheezed out under the strain. His legs bowed keeping his center of gravity low. Taking one step at a time, Sam made a slow exit, nearly crushed by his heavy burden.
Turning to the two at the bar, the tavern owner asked “You two are Dungeon Keepers? I don't mean to be rude but you both seem a little, eh… young.”
“Ah, yes sir I am Keeper Genevive Del Marc and this is my Apprentice Keeper Byron Avernafey.” She stood and confidently extended her hand, "And you are?”
A bit off-balance he sighed “Oh goodness. My manners. I apologize I am Mayor Theodor, But you may call me Theodor if I may call you Genevieve?”
“Yes, you may.” With a small chuckle, she added “But I do prefer Gen.”
Theodor took a seat behind the bar after donning an apron and adjusting his bow tie “Again I am sorry, I just wasn't expecting you here or to be quite so young. I was under the impression older Keepers were the ones that started new dungeons.”
“That is usually the case, But rest assured I have been fully tested and vetted by the Dungeon Keepers council. I also grew up and was trained under my father, a keeper of a Superior Rank dungeon. I am well equipped to grow a new dungeon here in Heil. Byron is also from a long line of Dungeon Keepers.”
“Very well, I will still need the papers the Guild sent to formalize everything. And I will get Sam to show you to your rooms. Now that you are here, what is the next step?”
“We were just talking about that when you walked in. The next part is all on me, I am going to scout the area and choose a location. At that point I'll let you know where I want my home to be built, so right now all you need to do is just wait. In a few weeks or months, we should be ready for the first delves by the Adventurer's guild, then the Keepers guild will want to inspect it. After that, the Dungeon will be open for business.”
Stroking his short-cropped beard Theodor asked “Hmmm, doesn't that sound backward? Shouldn't the Keeper’s guild inspect it before the Adventurer’s?”
“The first delves are a part of the Keeper’s agreement with the adventurers. Since the first people to clear a dungeon get an achievement that increases their combat potential it was agreed that should be reserved for aspiring adventurers and not older adventurers or keepers. They send several high-level adventurers with beginner teams to explore the dungeon and then a Keepers Guild representative enters, they also don't want the representative getting hurt. But before I can begin I do need to know what areas near the town are not claimed by farmers or shepherds. I would hate to put a dungeon in an area already in use.
“Well, that's easy. All the land south of town is grazing and farming land. It’s lower slopes and is easier to work. The north is thick with trees and rocky outcroppings. Good for hunting but not much else without a lot of work, it's very difficult to navigate." Theodor paused for a moment a look of consideration on his face. "I know most Keepers usually open an inn or tavern near the dungeon… what are your plans?" Though his tone was casual his posture was tense and Gen could tell this was an important question for him.
"Yes we usually do, both Byron and I grew up in establishments such as those. I wanted a change, something different but not unusual. A small shop to sell potions and gear for delves, that sort of thing."
Theodore smiled, "Then I think we will be getting along quite well! The town could probably have supported two small inns but I already need to expand. The last few caravans have been too large for my inn and it's starting to hurt the town when they don't stop and trade for at least a day. Having a dungeon will encourage more people to come and that can support us, while we build up to allow the Inn to support all of a caravan's people guards, and animals without asking them to separate."
"You petitioned for a Dungeon even knowing a Keeper could have been bad for your personal business?" Byron asked.
Gen cut in, "It's a sign of a good leader putting his town before his personal wealth."
Theodore chuckled, "Thank you for saying so, But I am sure I would have been fine either way, rising tides raise all ships as the saying goes."
Gen wasn't sure if he was lying to her or himself, but she let it slide. "But speaking of business, would I be able to occupy a small corner of the tavern to sell some potions and gear while we wait for my home to be built?"
"I suppose we could come to an arrangement."
* * *
Gen and Byron were resting in Gen’s room after handing the guild paperwork over to Theodore, and working out a deal to rent a corner of the tavern room. In exchange for 2 coppers a day they could set up a small stand during regular business hours. But that wouldn’t begin till the dungeon was set up.
Byron was sitting on the floor with his back to the wall studying a book about ritual magic, while Gen unpacked and set up her alchemy supplies
“So, you never said, what will you be using to make the core of the dungeon?” Byron asked.
“Well, to make a dungeon mind you need 3 things; mana dense land, an item that is made of crystal, gems, or precious metals, and the lifeblood of a creature. Then a ritual is performed to infuse the item and blood with magic forcing the blood to crystalize around the item. Once the core is created we need to plant it in the ground and perform the binding ritual that links the dungeon to us. For the item, I was going to use something from my parents. I have a locket and a pocket watch. I am planning to find some creatures in the area to choose what live blood to use.”
“You said ‘mind’ is that different from the ‘core’?”
Looking up from wiping out her mortar Gen answered, “No a Core, a Mind, a Heart; they are interchangeable terms. But some keepers like to use ‘mind’ so they never forget that the dungeon is a living being, even if it can’t communicate directly it will have needs and desires.”
Byron had closed his book and was giving Gen his full attention, “How do different materials used for the core affect the dungeon creation?”
“Usually the lifeblood used will be the base creatures that the dungeon starts with. So your father’s dungeon, The Rime Lords Cavern, it’s not on record what materials were used but based on the fact it is a water dungeon we can assume some sort of water monster was used in the creation of the dungeon. The focus Item is typically just an item that helps bond the blood and the mana together. Though it is theorized that some focus items can affect the dungeon. There is a Keeper that swore the use of a diamond ring made diamond drop more often from the mobs in his dungeon.”
Gen pulled out a book and handed it to Byron. “This is a book on Mountain creatures I bought before leaving the city. Take a look and see if there is anything interesting we might find around here”
Byron took the book and began flipping through the pages. Most of the creatures were what he expected. Rocs, Harpies, and Goblins, but many had strange variations based on the environment.
“Slimes are so gross,” Byron laughed, “Listen to this: ‘One slime variant is known as the Pebble Jelly. It collects small rocks as it flows around the mountainous terrain, then projectile vomits them at enemies or prey. If the rocks stay inside the jelly for long periods they would be eaten away at the edges till they are worn down to flat sharp disks.’ Who would want a vomiting slime monster in their dungeon? Don’t get me wrong I'm not against slimes, But I think I would draw the line at ones that have projectile vomit.”
Gen giggled, “Well that actually sounds interesting but you can rest easy. That particular slime variant is pretty rare, and I think it actually likes living above the tree line where it can gather stones easier.”
As Byron read he made a small list of monsters that commonly made their home in the mountains.
Dire beast:
Animals that have grown exceedingly large and aggressive due to large amounts of ambient mana. Subspecies include Dire Bat, Bear, Deer, Pheasant, Rabbit, Racoons, Wolf Etc… Danger level Low to moderate
Eoten:
A subspecies of Giants that are natural spell casters. Though less physically dangerous than their cousins the size of these creatures still makes them capable of uprooting small trees and throwing boulders the size of a deer. Danger level Extreme.
Goblin:
A short Green skinned creature, It is a bipedal humanoid creature with many subtypes. Typically they use tools and weapons but have sharp claws and teeth. Danger Level Low, Moderate in great numbers
Red Cap:
A subspecies of brownie related to the fey. They are 2 feet tall and wield sharp stabbing implements made from wood, stone, and even sometimes glass. They are also known to cast some minor illusions Danger level: Moderate
“I Think A Dire beast will be a good choice,” Byron commented as he was making his list.
“Maybe, But we can't discount any of the more unusual creatures we might find," Gen replied.
“But wouldn’t that mean we would have to kill something really dangerous?”
“We can handle it,” Gen said confidently.