Ch 193
“So he didn't say how he knew?” Norri asked carefully as Jay finished his explanation of the King's message and his knowledge of Earth.
Jay shook his head, “It was a brief letter. I had at first thought that might be why he had called us up to meet with him but all he ended up wanting was just to see us all dressed up.”
M'redith barked once, a half laugh half guffaw that she quickly covered up with a sip of her champagne before she recovered. She wriggled in her leather chair and shifted so that she was facing Jay who sat to her left.
“I doubt the King was all that interested in our outfits – although it ended up being a great excuse to call us up there.” M'redith said with a smile.
“Ok then – what did he want then?” Aiden asked in frustration.
M'redith sighed. “Us? I think? He just dressed us four and himself in a fashion no one else wears. Then he set the viewing windows to transparent. Then he called us up for an audience. The point was to drive home tha fact that you have the King's favor. It was all a big show, welcome to politics! Anyone who hadn't heard of the Glimmerhides having the King's favor by today will definitely hear about it after tonight.”
The group got quiet just as the lights in the auction house were dimmed until only the stage shown brightly. There was still enough room to see by but the audience was mostly bathed in shadows.
An athletic looking young man walked on to the stage and those in the audience on the first floor began to applaud. Norri joined in and Jay smiled. She seemed to be having a great deal of fun and was smiling happily.
“Welcome, welcome to you all. A special welcome for His Royal Majesty King Ferrigualt! We're pleased to have you here tonight! And Mayor Figs of K'tharkle City is here as well! Welcome!” the man said happily. He wore a tan vest over a dark green long sleeved shirt. His dress pants were a slightly lighter tan color than the vest. His shoes had been buffed and polished to a dark brown shine.
The man had close cropped curly brown hair and brown eyes. His left eye would drift a little to the left on occasion before it would snap back in to its correct position. It was odd to watch. The man spoke again and drew people's eyes away from his left eye as he pointed at the black stage curtain which began to rise.
“Today we have a special assortment of items that should stir the interests of anyone in a position of authority over a kingdom, city, or town. These items are particularly rare as they were never produced in bulk. Some are even unique one of a kind objects never to be found anywhere else!”
The crowd made appreciative noises and muttered to each other which created a low hum of conversation until the man began to speak once again.
“The auction today will be a gold auction. Every bid must be at least one gold. Additionally, every bidder here tonight has been required to put up a purse of 20 gold. So you can be sure that those who bid are financially capable of doing so!” the man said with a wave of his arm.
M'redith leaned over and began to whisper to Jay before she remembered that they were in a private room and returned to speaking at a normal volume. Norri and Aiden leaned forward and looked to the side to watch M'redith as she quickly explained.
“At some of the less reputable auction houses people will bid just to drive up the price. Anyone can bid even if they don't have the money on them to pay. Afterwards, if they can't pay – well then things tend to get a little violent. Not with the Stringe auction houses. They vet their bidders for every gold auction.”
Jay nodded in thanks as the group returned to watching the man in the tan vest.
“Bidders! Please wait in your rooms after the auction. Your purse as well as any winnings will be brought to your rooms. Without further delay, let the auction commence!” the man on the stage called out and a fresh round of applause filled the room.
The stage curtain by that point had risen completely and revealed a display table. On it was what looked like a clear crystal ball and a three legged golden stand. The audience quickly Inspected the item and the auctioneer kept quiet for ten seconds before he read out the item's description.
Starlight Globe – Artifact – A large, shimmering globe that projects a perfect miniature image of any land the owner rules over. The image may be zoomed in close enough to make out city blocks and individual buildings. Additional layers are available to the user.
The first layer of the display will color code every building by occupancy. Using this layer a city leader would be able to easily see where city expansion might be warranted.
The second layer of the display will color code every road and pathway by usage. This layer allows a city leader to determine traffic flow and plan further roads and pathways.
The globe activates by tapping its surface three times with one finger and may be used once per day. Tap three more times to turn off. Binds on first use.
“This item was gathered by a Guild team on a separate continent from our own. Discovered in an ancient dungeon stuffed with water traps it was believed to belong to a royal house going back over one thousand years ago. While the names of those royals have long been lost to time their magical items have not. Well, at least not this magical item!” the man said with a smile.
The audience laughed in response before quieting down once again.
The man in the vest on stage waved a hand in the air. “The bidding will start at 10 gold. Do I hear ten gold?”
Jay noticed that the private boxes all had a red light set in to the wall below each viewing window. The room across from his was opaque but the red light below the window flashed briefly.
“Room 2 bids 10 gold! Do I hear 11!” he said.
Another red light blinked and the man cried out “Room 1 bids 11 gold! Who has 12? Do I hear 12?”
Room 2 was tucked between two other rooms, one of which suddenly became transparent. Jay could see straight in to the room and saw that it was set up just as his was except there were only two people seated. One was dressed simply and appeared to be a servant or attendant. The other however was dressed in white and gold and wore a fancy looking white hat as well.
The red light under the newly transparent room flashed three times.
“Room 3 has gone transparent and revealed Bishop Levi who bids 15 gold, quite an increase! Who will bid against the Church?” the auctioneer asked and the crowd murmured to each other.
Bishop Levi smiled proudly. Who would possibly bid over 15 gold for such a bauble? 15 was already a bit on the expensive side. Sure, it was a nice item and magical in nature but it didn't confer any major benefit. It would help a city planner do their job but no more. Still, the Bishop wanted it. Mostly because it was pretty to look at.
A red light set just under the King's viewing window lit up and blinked numerous times.
“The King bids 20 gold! Going once? Going twice! SOLD! To King Ferrigualt! Congratulations!”
The Bishop might want the globe, but not at that price. Even 15 gold was a lot. The item went to the King who looked down at the Bishop with a raised eyebrow but nothing more.
“Wonderful! King Ferrigualt managed to pick up a really nice item there, I'm sure it will see some use. Moving on, let's look at our next item!” the man said with a wide smile that showed off impossibly white teeth.
Revealed next was a dusty looking tome bound in purple leather. A metal clasp kept the book closed and looked strong enough to keep it that way unless the book decided otherwise. No title graced its cover. It was roughly the size of a dictionary – large and thick.
Nurian Tax Codes – Artifact – This ancient tome contains the wisdom of a failed dynasty that specialized in the streamlining and optimization of tax codes. While the words within are unintelligible due to the language having been lost to time ages ago the book itself is still capable of passing on a tiny fraction of its original power.
So long as this item remains within a ruler's treasury any taxes set will benefit from a 1% increase to all tax rates. This 1% is not removed from the populace but instead magically created and added to the tax income stream.
The book must be bound before use. A drop of the new owner's blood must be placed upon the locking clasp in order to do so. To activate the book's benefit the owner must first view every page within the book. They do not have to read it as the language is unintelligible but must, at the very least, glance at each page for a period of no less than one second. It is unknown how many pages the book might have. Once completed the book may be left in the owner's treasury and will continue to work until removed.
After a brief moment the auctioneer read out the description aloud before explaining further.
“This book? It is from the renowned Nurian dynasty. While no one can speak or read Nurian any longer we do know of many other civilizations who dealt with them in ages past. They described the Nurians as 'Being able to turn a copper in to gold,' using nothing more than their incredibly advanced, some would even say magical, tax code.” the auctioneer exclaimed.
“All rulers need money – and this book will give you free money! What ruler wouldn't want free money? We will start this item off at 10 gold. Do I have a bidder for 10?” the man on stage asked in a hushed voice.
“Room 6 bids 10 gold!” the auctioneer exclaimed as a room off to Jay's left had its red light flash briefly.
“Forty gold.” King Ferrigualt said and his voice carried over the commotion which lowered to a hush as he spoke.
“40 gold ladies and gentlemen. Can anyone bid against the King? Looking for 41 gold – anyone, anyone?” the auctioneer said with a smile.
The bishop who was across from Jay's room stabbed at the button on the table beside him with a frown. Then he stabbed it a few more times before he looked satisfied with himself.
“50 gold ladies and gentlemen! A truly astounding amount! Any other takers? 51 gold?” said the man on stage as he made pleading gestures with his hands.
“70 gold.” King Ferrigualt replied and the Bishop could be seen frowning deeply in his private room through the transparent viewing window.
The Bishop reached out hesitantly before he stabbed at the red button next to him.
“71 gold!” the auctioneer cried before he was cut off by another voice, strong and firm.
“100 gold.” King Ferrigualt said and the crowd quieted. That was how you showed off wealth.
The Bishop looked furious but made no move to bid further.
The auctioneer let the quiet grow for a moment before he spoke. “100 gold. One hundred gold. Anyone? Going once? Twice? SOLD! To King Ferrigualt goes the Tax Codes! Congratulations! At this rate no one else will be going home with anything!”
The King could be seen laughing at the joke before he leaned back in his chair and smiled.
“Our next item comes from the Jungles of Severost! Behold, the Medallion of Unity!” the auctioneer cried out as he began to read its description aloud to the audience.
Medallion of Unity – Very Rare – A silver medallion that, when worn, projects an aura of peace and goodwill. The aura calms tempers and forces all within thirty feet of the wearer to consider how their actions may affect others. This effect may be used anywhere the user rules over and may be used once a day for thirty minutes at a time.
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When outside of the ruler's land the medallion will instead instill a general sense of well being in any who come within thirty feet of the wearer. The medallion is a flat diamond shaped medallion displayed on a silver chain with chunky links. This item must be bound before use and will bind when first equipped.
“Severost! Land of priests and gods and goddesses! Ancient tales tell of beings that once ruled over Eden long before Gaia established her dominion over all. This medallion is believed to have originated from one of the departed gods and would have been used in their rites and ceremonies. Which god? No one knows!” The auctioneer paused before starting the bidding process. He hadn't finished setting the scene for the gathered bidders.
“Just imagine! You could wear this during your public audiences with petitioners. Or you could wear it when faced with a difficult negotiation. The uses for this medallion to a ruler are almost impossible to list. And now you can have one for yourself! Who will offer a starting bid of 10 gold!” The man in the vest paused to see who might bid.
The bishop in room 3 couldn't press his button fast enough and accidentally depressed it twice. Unfortunately for him, there was no 'accidents' in the auction hall. A bid was a binding bid.
Of course a ruler could just refuse to pay – but then they would be barred from any future auctions. Their enemies would attend those auctions and grow in power as they amassed magical items. Not a great situation to be in as a ruler. So instead everyone played by the rules – it was safer for everyone involved.
“Bishop Levi bids 10 gold and then an additional gold against himself! Quite the opening but hey, everyone makes mistakes! Who will put up 12 gold to beat the Bishop's 11! Anyone?” the man in the tan vest pleaded.
The crowd grew a bit noisy as the moment stretched without another bidder. Finally a light flicked on under room number 5. Room number five was located on level 2 directly beneath the King's spot on level 3. As the red light for room 5 flashed the viewing turned transparent.
Revealed within were three people. One was armed and armored and looked like a bodyguard. The other wore a gray sash across his chest and looked to be an advisor of sorts. The man seated in between them however, was definitely Mayor Figs. Jay could clearly make out his face but even if he hadn't he still would have recognized him from his muscles alone. The man was like a short walking tank and Jay would hate to ever have to face him in a fight.
“Mayor Figs of K'tharkle City ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the auction! Mayor Figs bids 12 gold against Bishop Levi. Ooo – do we have a bidding war forming here?” the auctioneer said with a smile. He hoped they had a bidding war – the higher the price, the more everyone made.
The red light under room 3 flashed numerous times.
“Bishop Levi bids 20 gold! Who has 21 gold?” the auctioneer asked as he pointed from private room to private room.
Jay didn't see any red light flash but realized why after the auctioneer called it out.
“Room 7 bids 25 gold! Things are really heating up folks!” the man on stage said as he hopped in to the air, once, in excitement.
Room 7 was right next to Jay's room. It would be impossible to see what was going on next to them through the viewing window.
“40 gold!” King Ferrigualt yelled down at the crowd and the auctioneer practically clapped in excitement.
“Do I hear 41? Anyone? 41? Going once? Going twice?” the man called out.
“FIFTY gold!” Bishop Levi yelled from his VIP room and the auctioneer made a high pitched noise of excitement in reply.
Before the auctioneer could even reply the bidding continued.
“SIXTY gold!” the King yelled down at the stage.
The Bishop paused a moment. “Sixty seven gold!” he yelled.
The commotion quieted down and the auctioneer took over. “67 gold! Do I hear 68? No? Anyone? 67 gold going once! Going twice! SOLD! To Bishop Levi! What a wonderful item for a bishop to own too! Congratulations Bishop!”
The crowd clapped happily. Things were starting to heat up a little.
“Wonderful! Are you all having fun? Some really great items, right? Let's move on to item number 3!” the man on stage said as the medallion was moved off stage while another item took its place.
Miranda's Surgical Altar – Artifact – This altar is the size of a double bed and is supported only by a self balancing central pylon three inches in width which is all that is needed to magically support the altar. It is made out of a smooth white stone and is polished to a reflective shine. The altar's effects will only work when used within the owner's ruled lands.
Any person sworn to the owner's service may lay on the altar. They must be truly sworn and dedicated – just speaking the words are not enough. While on the altar all healing received is increased by 50%. Recovery rates are improved by 50%. Cooldowns are reduced by 50%. Limb regeneration rates are doubled. Bone growth is improved by 30%. Any curses are paused while laying on the altar.
The altar must be bound by a ruler before use. Laying on the altar will trigger the binding process. The altar may not be used by the bound owner and will have no effect on them should they lay upon it.
The King didn't wait for the auctioneer to start and called out, “50 gold!”
The man on stage laughed and pointed at the third floor where the King sat, “The King says 50! Who will say 51?”
Again Jay didn't see a red light pop on and assumed that it would be a room next to his.
“Room 9 bids 51! The King counters with 60! That's a lot of flashing red lights!” the auctioneer joked and the crowd obediently laughed.
Room 9 and the King bid the item up to 80 gold before another voice joined in.
“85 gold!” yelled Bishop Levi. The whole point of the red light system was so that bidders did not have to yell out their bids. The system had failed to anticipate however the fact that bidders enjoyed yelling out their bids. It was part of the fun. So they did. Yell.
“90 gold from room 9! Who will follow that? Who can follow that!” the auctioneer said as he practically danced across the stage.
“A little more about this item, the altar is a known creation of Miranda, an ancient and well known artificer of magical items. Her items were known for not just their strength but their ease of use! This altar was carried out of a mine in the southern badlands. Imagine that! What a journey that altar has been through!” The man on stage paused and picked up the table. “It's light too!” he said before he carefully set it back on the floor.
“Originally this item is believed to have belonged to a military sect that worshiped one of the lesser known gods. Now it is looking for a new home – perhaps yours! Who will beat 90 gold from room 1? Going once? Going twice? Sold! To room 9 and its mysterious occupant! Congratulations!” the auctioneer said as he clapped along with the crowd.
“These items and prices are insane. I really liked that Medallion of Unity though – I could see wearing that around the city,” Norri said with a sad smile.
Aiden shrugged before he shook his head, “Wouldn't work for you. It said you have to be a ruler. You're great but you're not a ruler. Jay is though,” he said thoughtfully.
Norri sighed, “This is fun but I think I'd love to go to an auction where the items weren't all for kings and mayors.”
M'redith nodded, “Don't forget, we're here to sell – not to buy. But I agree – this is fun but would be more fun if there were items for us on offer.”
The room quieted down as the auctioneer moved along to item number four.
The altar was carried off of the stage and another item was carefully brought out and placed on a velvet covered stand.
Little Book of Unique Professions – Very Rare - This book when read bestows upon the user their choice from a selection of advanced professions. The profession learned will be magical in nature and may come with additional abilities outside of what a normal profession would have. Although the listed profession titles are of common professions be assured that this book will only award advanced and magical versions of the listed mundane professions.
To use the book the owner must bind it first. It can be used by anyone after that so long as the bound owner agrees to allow it. To use the book a single gold piece is placed inside the front cover then held between both hands. After doing so the user will be given a choice from the following list: Cobbler, Fletcher, Manicurist, Bodger, Saddler, Couturier, Potter, Mason, Higgler, Farrier.
Once a profession is gained in this manner the book may not be used to gain a second profession. Any selection made is final. The bound owner of the book may use it or allow others to use it so long as it has an available charge. This item currently has at least one charge remaining. This item must be bound before use.
“Hey, that's us!” M'redith said excitedly as she patted Jay's arm repeatedly.
The auctioneer read off the description and the crowd clapped appreciatively.
“This item is a true rarity. Before it was corrupted beyond hope of saving there once existed a library of truly epic proportions. I am of course talking about the Ashagi Library! You haven't heard of it? Not many have! It has been ages since people graced its halls – people visit, but never return. Until today!” the auctioneer said with a dramatic flourish of one arm.
“This book was whisked out of the Ashagi Library by a Guild team that not only managed to enter the library and find this tome – but also managed to escape with their lives... and the book as well. A truly heroic feat, you now have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of this book without having to enter the Library of Ashagi yourself!”
“Whoever wins this item will have the opportunity to train a citizen in a unique profession. Not just one person either – but two! Our skilled appraisers have determined that this item has no less than two charges remaining! That's two possibly unique professions for whatever city or kingdom ends up with the winning bid!” the man continued.
The crowd clapped as the man on stage began to start the bidding.
Each item was in a similar vein – a powerful object that had been rescued from somewhere difficult and dangerous to get through. Jay smiled as the item his group had managed to collect was auctioned off.
“Who will put up 10? Do I hear ten?” the auctioneer called out.
There was a pause and the man continued, “I have 10 from room 1, who will go to 11?”
The bishop's light lit red for a moment, just once this time.
“11 from Bishop Levi!” the auctioneer called out.
The light under the King's viewing window flashed red quite a few times.
“20 from the King! Who has 21?” the man in the tan vest asked the crowd.
“21!” the bishop called out.
“25!” the King replied with a smile.
“26!” the bishop yelled back.
“30!” the King shouted as the crowd clapped and hooted along with the bidding.
“31!” the bishop yelled after a moment's hesitation.
“40,” the King said and grinned down at the Bishop.
Jay caught a flashing red light off to the left of him.
“41 from Mayor Figs! We have another interested party it seems!” the auctioneer said as he wiped sweat off of his forehead.
“45 gold!” yelled the bishop. His attendant was trying to restrain him from pushing the bidding button again but the bishop pushed him away and stabbed at the button repeatedly.
“50 gold,” the King replied a bit quieter than he had started out.
A light flickered to Jay's left again. “55 gold.” Mayor Figs called out in a strong voice as he pressed his button five times.
“55 going once! Going twice! Going three times?! SOLD! To Mayor Figs! We look forward to seeing what new professions might soon grace K'tharkle!” the auctioneer said with a grin as the crowd all clapped and cheered on the winning bidder.
Jay's group had all broken out in to cheers. Aiden was hugging Norri and M'redith turned to give Jay a not so quick kiss before she pulled back with a big smile on her face.
She stood up and held out her champagne glass. The others all stood up as well and they all clinked glasses.
“To the Glimmerhides!” M'redith said and the others all responded, “Glimmerhides!”
They drank and patted each other on the back in congratulations before Jay sat back down and did some quick math.
“Ten percent goes to the guild, leaves us 50 gold for a final count of ten gold each. That's good, right?” Jay asked as he turned to M'redith once more. She laughed and nodded.
“Yes. That is really good. Really really good!” M'redith said and bounced in her seat, once.
“Moving on to our next item!” the man on stage called out, but Jay's group had seen enough. They were not rulers, except for Jay, and had little interest in most of the items on offer. Drinking, eating, and celebrating their winnings was far more interesting.