Ragnar had to show his ring to convince the guards to let them into the armory. They were giant men in resplendent armor that made them look even more imposing. The door itself was a giant piece of wood, with runes carved into it. The door swung open at a slight push with a speed that belied its enormous weight. As they stepped into the cavernous chamber, the doors shut behind them automatically. It was lit with essence lamps, and spotlights shining over glass displays could be seen at the very end of the chamber. The room was filled with neat rows of wood shelves. Metal signboards hung from the ceiling indicating what each row contained.

Beorn was amazed at the variety of the weapons on display. Shelves and shelves of throwing knives, daggers, hand-axes. Rows of shields of every kind, interspersed with two-handed greatswords, warhammers, halberds, spears, javelins, and axes. And that was only the entrance. Beorn could feel the air hum slightly. He was certain there were more powerful essence-fused weapons stored in the pedestals at the back.

Beorn and Ragnar stared spell-bound at the variety of death dealers on display until a slight cough interrupted them. An old man with spectacles atop his head, a frowning mouth, iron-grey hair, and thick whiskers appeared at Beorn's elbow. Ragnar noticed him and exclaimed, "Eriadus! Beorn this is Eriadus he's the keeper of the armory. He knows where everything is."

Eriadus gave a slight bowl, "Can I be of assistance master Ragnar?"

"Oh yes, aunt told Beorn to take whatever he wanted from the armory, can you help?"

Eriadus turned to face Beorn, "Certainly master Beorn."

He examined Beorn and looked in admiration, "Thought you seemed to be well-equipped already. Such fine maille, enchanted leather..." He notices the dagger sheathed at Beorn's hip, "Is that?... How rare, I have never seen one wielded by anyone but an elven Warden," he looked up at Beorn, "may I examine it?"

Beorn was surprised at the breadth of the keeper's knowledge. He had correctly guessed at the origins of his armor. Even more surprising, he had identified his dagger from the hilt alone. He had had the dagger for nearly four years and only just learned of its significance from Nathaniel, but Eriadus had recognized what it was almost immediately. He unsheathed it and handed it to the keeper. Eriadus received it reverently, he wore his spectacles and examined the blade carefully reading the inscriptions along its edge.

"Marvellous, I daresay even the dwarves would be envious of this blade. Combining metal and magic in perfect harmony along with the potential for unlimited growth.," he handed the dagger back to Beorn.

"This dagger will accompany you for life stronger along with you. Your current armor should prove sufficient even after gaining a Blessing."

"Seems to me like you are well equipped in terms of armor for your profession. I do not advise taking with you any essence-infused weapons yet, since you are always welcome to come to visit. We have nothing here that can meet your needs currently unless you wish to learn how to fight in heavy armor...?"

Beorn shook his head, "I usually have to stay hidden and run around a lot.," he nodded towards the shields lining the wall, "Do you have a shield that is small, light, and strong enough to fend off wolves?"

Eriadus did not seem fazed at the odd request, he tapped his temple, "Hrmmm, nothing springs to mind, unless...," and shuffled into a side room. Sounds of rummaging about echoed through the armory, with a few muttered curses sprinkled in. Eriadus finally appeared covered in dust, his glasses askew clutching a cloth-covered shield., it was slightly bigger than a dinner plate, "Here, I nearly forgot we had this, its dwarven make so its durability is guaranteed, and small and light enough to wield along with your sword or carry it during your hunt," he handed it over to Beorn.

Beorn gave a sneeze as he uncovered the sheet, underneath was an undecorated concave disc of wood rimmed with metal, with a boss in the center to block weapons. It had leather straps that allowed one to slide it onto a forearm or hold onto it as a normal shield. Beorn tried it on his left arm and swung it around, the weight was noticeable but nothing too distracting, it was perfect for his needs, "This is great, it must be for a dwarven ranger or scout?"

Eriadus looked a bit embarrassed, "Ahem, it's a training shield made for dwarven children."

Ragnar gave a short chuckle before suppressing it. The others looked at him, "I uh... I-I'll go have a look inside." Nodding he rushed into the depths of the armory.

Beorn swung it around a bit more, "Well, I don't mind, it's great."

Eriadus seemed relieved, "I notice you wield a hand-and-a-half sword, do you require any sharpening stones and oil?"

Beorn blushed, "Uh I forgot about maintaining it. Was in a hurry..."

Eriadus nodded understandingly, "Of course master Beorn, a busy man such as you should not waste your time on maintaining your weapons.," that felt a bit harsh to Beorn, he opened his mouth to protest but Eriadus made his way to where the swords hung and picked one before handing it to Beorn, "It has minor enchantments of durability and sharpness."

Beorn took the sword and shut his mouth, "Oh, so you weren't being insulting... thank you this is just what I need."

He thought for a bit before asking, "Do you also have uh... a grapple?"

The keeper nodded, and bustled to a lower shelf where an assortment of random tools and bric-a-brac were kept, he rummaged about before popping up with two items in hand. It was a small grappling hook with small gears and brass carvings, that looked more like an ornamental piece with its decorative holster. He handed the odd-looking hook to Beorn, "Confiscated from a halfling thief, a quite successful one I might add; before he decided to rob the Castellan's office. I noticed at as gnomish work, they do come up with the most interesting gadgets." He nodded at the hook in Beorn's hand, "This hook is quite innovative, push in the tines if you will master Beorn."

Beorn followed his instructions and was surprised to find that they folded into the shaft with a click.

"If you press the button at its base it well extend the hooks once again. Great for concealing it under a coat or in your sleeve."

Beorn flinched slightly as the hooks popped out from their recesses. He secured them and sheathed in its holster, attaching it to his belt. He looked up but Eriadus was back near the shelves.

Eriadus seemed to be on a roll, he rummaged around some more, muttering to himself. "No, not this... too big... useless...Aha!," he jumped in joy clutching what looked like a torch and small leatherbound carry case. He gave the torch to Beorn excitedly, "More gnomish work, this torch has two separate compartments, one holds the oil and wick shielded from the elements, and smaller one near the tip holds a small amount of dwarven wrath powder, just a tiny spark and catches fire easily and burns even when wet. And these beauties..." he opened the case, in it were nestled 8 small metal balls with a tiny wick on top, "smoke bombs. Absolutely ingenious work, small amounts of wrath powder contained in a sealed capsule along with secret oil that produces copious amounts of smoke when lit. Unfortunately, I only have these, please keep them away from fire. Although the amount of wrath powder is minuscule individually, they will burst with spectacular force if lit together."

Beorn handled the case gingerly. He looked up at Eriadus with a broad smile, "Thank you so much. This is extremely helpful."

Eriadus bowed, "It is my pleasure master Beorn, I thank you for letting me examine your dagger. If you find anything interesting in your travels, please do come again and give me a chance to examine them."

Beorn bowed slightly before calling into the armory, "Ragnar, come on. You need to get me a map."

Sounds of metal clattering to the floor echoed from the back, Eriadus shook his head.

"Ouch... I am coming Beorn, wait for me."