Three days later, sunlight fills the Adventurers’ Guild training yard. Artania’s injured hand has healed into a stiff, tender scar, while his silver rank earns respectful greetings from passing adventurers.
Brunna Coppervein
A modest celebration first, lad. Spend some silver on food, drink, and supplies that will keep you alive beyond the city walls.
Brunna has arranged a long table beneath a striped awning. Bread, roasted vegetables, fruit, and spiced cider surround a small stack of practical packs, cord, bandages, and trail rations.
Al
The feast smells worthy of your new rank, small one. I will inspect every scrap before you decide what belongs in our traveling stores.
Healer Odelia Marr
Enjoy the meal, then we begin measured exercises. Recovery is not separate from training, Artania. It is part of it.
Silver changes hands as the celebration warms. Guild members offer congratulations, Al receives a generous portion, and Odelia watches Artania’s scarred hand whenever he reaches for another cup.
Brunna Coppervein
When you are finished, choose your first exercise. Stance, shield, bow, or controlled magic. This yard is yours to begin, Silver Adventurer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Shop for adventuring supplies
“Before any thing else I want to shop for adventuring supplies. But first I have something for you two. I hand them thirty silver pieces. Ten a piece for you two, and ten more for Maelin when next you see her. I could not have done any of what I did without the three of you. I will broker exactly zero argument on this matter fixing them with my sternest look and handing them the money.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Artania reaches into the ironbound coffer and counts out thirty silver crowns. He places ten before Brunna, ten before Odelia, and keeps ten marked for Maelin.
Artania Nero Thornson
Ten silver each for you two, and ten more for Maelin when you next see her. I could not have done any of this without you three.
Artania fixes them with his sternest look and extends the coins without leaving room for refusal. The guild yard’s celebration quiets around the table.
Brunna Coppervein
Lad, that is generous beyond sense. I will accept it, but only because arguing with that look would waste everyone’s afternoon.
Healer Odelia Marr
Accepted, Artania. I will spend mine on useful remedies and supplies, not indulgence. Maelin’s share stays untouched until it reaches her.
Brunna gathers her ten crowns, and Odelia closes her hand around hers. The remaining coins are wrapped in a scrap of cloth and set beside the Silver-Rank Parchment for Maelin.
Brunna Coppervein
Now, Silver Adventurer, shop before the best trail cord and field rations disappear. We will help you choose what the road demands.
✓ Quest Accepted
Shop for upcoming adventures
− Scene Quest Removed
Shop for adventuring supplies
“I ask Brunna where an adventurer with some newly earned coin can buy supplies and weapons.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -2)
“I ask Brunna where an adventurer with some newly earned coin can buy supplies and weapons.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Artania Nero Thornson
Brunna, where can an adventurer with newly earned coin buy proper supplies and weapons?
Brunna glances toward the guild gates, where the city’s busy avenues branch toward the market district and the smiths’ quarter. She taps one finger against the table, already sorting the best options.
Brunna Coppervein
For general supplies, use the guild market on Lantern Street. They stock trail rations, cord, oil, waterskins, blankets, and decent packs without cheating adventurers.
Brunna Coppervein
For weapons and armor, go to Forge Row by the western gate. Ask for a weapon balanced to your reach, not the grandest blade your silver can buy. A good shield may serve you better than ornament.
She draws a quick route in spilled cider on the tabletop, marking the guild gates, Lantern Street, and Forge Row with the tip of a crust of bread.
Brunna Coppervein
Take Odelia’s bandages and Maelin’s inventory list with you. Buy field necessities first, then replace or improve weapons only after a smith examines your stance and hand.
Brunna Coppervein
If you want, lad, I will walk as far as Forge Row and help you judge whether a merchant is selling craftsmanship or merely polishing a poor bargain.
“Alright general goods first Brunna. But nothing perishable yet. I plan on sticking around the city for a while to train after I get some things from this shopping trip. Maybe make Al here deadlier. I show off a cocky grin.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Artania Nero Thornson
Alright, general goods first, Brunna. Nothing perishable yet. I plan to stay in the city awhile and train after this trip. Maybe make Al here deadlier.
Artania flashes a cocky grin and rises from the table. Brunna gathers the inventory list and gestures toward the guild gates, while Al lifts his head at the mention of becoming deadlier.
Brunna Coppervein
Lantern Street, then. We will buy cord, oil, waterskins, blankets, bandages, and packed rations, leaving fresh food for later.
Al
Deadlier is a worthy ambition, small one. First, we make certain our packs and paws are ready for the road.
Brunna leads Artania and Al through the guild gates into the bright market avenues. Lantern Street’s awnings crowd the lane, with supply stalls displaying practical travel goods in orderly rows.
Brunna Coppervein
We start with necessities and compare quality before price. Training can wait until your supplies are sound, and Forge Row remains nearby afterward.
At the first guild-approved stall, Brunna presents Maelin’s inventory list. The merchant begins assembling durable cord, lamp oil, waterskins, blankets, field bandages, and sealed trail rations, all nonperishable and ready for purchase.
“Alright, next I need some specialized stuff. Remember that for me I don’t need a pack because I have my magical storage space. I can make it bigger to accommodate more stuff. I need a tent, big enough for multiple people in case I need to help someone. Some parchment, and writing and drawing supplies. And maybe some torches, if I run out of magic.”
FAILURE (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -4)
Artania Nero Thornson
Next, I need specialized supplies. I do not need a pack because my magical storage can expand. I want a tent for several people, parchment, writing and drawing supplies, and some torches in case my magic runs out.
Brunna guides them to a narrower stall where a young adult woman with a sturdy build, brown skin, tightly braided hair, and a green trading coat displays canvas, parchment, ink, charcoal, and bundled torches.
Callan Vey
I have parchment, reed pens, ink, charcoal, chalk, and torches. A true multi-person tent is another matter. The guild stock sold out after the last border relief caravan.
The merchant searches beneath her counter and produces a folded shelter cloth, its seams frayed and one brass eyelet missing. Beside it lies a tiny one-person bivouac tent, clean but plainly unsuitable for several occupants.
Brunna Coppervein
Do not buy that shelter as a proper rescue tent, lad. It might keep rain off one traveler, but it will fail the purpose you named.
Callan Vey
I can sell you the writing goods and torches now, but the only larger tent nearby is custom work at Forge Row. This stall cannot fulfill the full order today.
The parchment, drawing materials, and torches are set aside for counting, while the rejected shelter remains folded on the counter. Forge Row now offers the practical next step for a proper tent.
Quest Complete
Shop for upcoming adventures
Skill Upgrade: Lore Mediocre→Fair
“I will take all the writing, and drawing equipment. As well as the torches, and the sturdier looking single tent for myself. Cannot be to prepared, I say smiling.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Artania Nero Thornson
I will take all the writing and drawing equipment, the torches, and the sturdier single-person tent for myself. Cannot be too prepared.
Artania smiles as he indicates the goods. The supply merchant gathers parchment, reed pens, ink, charcoal, chalk, and torches beside the clean bivouac tent.
Callan Vey
A sensible choice. The tent has waxed seams and a proper ground cloth, so it should serve you well beyond ordinary camp weather.
She counts the supplies, adds the tent’s stakes and cord, then wraps the writing materials in oilcloth. The torches are bound separately for quick access.
Brunna Coppervein
That is a sound personal shelter, lad. Keep the parchment dry, and mark your stores so haste never turns preparation into confusion.
Callan Vey
Since you are buying the full writing set, I will include a small leather portfolio at no extra cost. It keeps charcoal dust from your clean pages.
The merchant accepts payment and hands Artania the complete bundle, portfolio, tent, and torches. Forge Row remains open nearby for the larger custom shelter.
+ New Item Acquired
Parchment
+ New Item Acquired
Reed Pens
+ New Item Acquired
Ink
+ New Item Acquired
Charcoal
+ New Item Acquired
Chalk
+ New Item Acquired
Torches
+ New Item Acquired
Bivouac Tent
+ New Item Acquired
Leather Portfolio
“I stay for a moment. I say how careless of me. I forgot to give my name. I am Artania. I move sideways to show Al. This is Al, he is my good friend and companion. May I know your name?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Artania Nero Thornson
How careless of me. I forgot to give my name. I am Artania.
Artania shifts sideways to present Al beside him, the wolf standing calmly amid the wrapped writing supplies and bundled torches.
Artania Nero Thornson
This is Al. He is my good friend and companion.
Artania Nero Thornson
May I know your name?
Lessa Varn
Lessa Varn. It is good to meet you properly, Artania, and you as well, Al.
The young merchant offers Al a cautious hand to inspect, then smiles and adjusts the leather portfolio atop the purchased bundle.
Lessa Varn
A good friend and companion deserves a proper introduction. If you are heading to Forge Row, Lessa Varn can point you toward a reliable tentmaker.
✓ Quest Accepted
Bring Lessa to Forge Row
“The more the merrier I say, how about you Brunna? I myself love meeting new people, but since this is kind of business, I don’t want to step on your toes.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Artania Nero Thornson
The more the merrier, I say. What about you, Brunna? I love meeting new people, but since this is business, I do not want to step on your toes.
Brunna looks from Artania to Lessa and the carefully wrapped supplies. The market lane bustles around them, but her attention settles warmly on the question.
Brunna Coppervein
You are not stepping on anything, lad. Lessa knows this street and its merchants better than we do. I welcome her joining us.
Lessa Varn
Then I would be glad to come along. Forge Row has honest tentmakers, though I know which ones charge for stitching and which ones charge for reputation.
Lessa secures the portfolio and torches beneath one arm, leaving the remaining bundle balanced against her hip. She gestures toward the western avenue beyond the crowded stalls.
Brunna Coppervein
Good. We will keep the business clear and the company pleasant. Artania, you asked for a shelter for several people, so we will find one built to last.
Lessa Varn
Forge Row is only a short walk from here. I can introduce you to Master Pell, provided his workshop has not already sold the canvas you need.
“Excellent. Lead the way Lessa. Come on Al, I will grab you some food soon.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled +0)
Artania Nero Thornson
Excellent. Lead the way, Lessa. Come on, Al, I will grab you some food soon.
Lessa Varn
Gladly. Keep your supplies close, and I will get us to Master Pell without taking the scenic route.
Lessa turns into the western avenue, guiding them between spice stalls, cloth awnings, and handcarts laden with trade goods. Forge Row’s hammering grows louder ahead.
Al
I heard the promise, small one. I will remember it when the first roast reaches the table.
Al pads beside Artania, his attention divided between the busy street and the tempting scents drifting from nearby food vendors. Brunna keeps pace on his other side.
Brunna Coppervein
There is a good public house near Forge Row, lad. They serve hearty portions, and Al will not leave hungry.
The group reaches Forge Row, where open-front workshops glow with forge light and craftsmen display buckles, tools, armor fittings, and lengths of treated canvas. Lessa stops before a broad timber workshop.
Quest Complete
Bring Lessa to Forge Row
Skill Upgrade: Athletics Great→Superb
“Is this the place Lessa, I look it over.”
SUCCESS (Superb Perception, rolled -1)
Artania Nero Thornson
Is this the place, Lessa?
Artania looks over the broad timber workshop. Its open front reveals stacked canvas rolls, suspended harnesses, polished buckles, and a deep workbench crowded with awls, needles, and measuring cords.
Lessa Varn
This is it. Master Pell makes shelters for caravans, field companies, and anyone sensible enough to plan for bad weather.
A stocky elderly man steps from the workshop, his weathered face framed by white hair and a short, square beard. He wears a dark leather apron, and one eye is covered by a brass-rimmed lens.
Master Pell
Lessa Varn, bringing customers with discerning eyes? Good. What sort of shelter does the young adventurer require?
Brunna Coppervein
A proper multi-person tent, Master Pell. Durable canvas, room for companions, and no clever tricks hiding weak stitching.
Al
The canvas smells sound, small one. I approve of this place more than most.
“Al here says that is smells sound. He has never lied to me. I also trust Lessa. My name is Artania, master Pell. I hold out my hand and introduce myself.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Artania Nero Thornson
Al says the canvas smells sound, and he has never lied to me. I trust Lessa too. My name is Artania, Master Pell.
Artania holds out his hand. Master Pell grips it firmly, his callused fingers testing the adventurer’s steady clasp before releasing him with an approving nod.
Master Pell
Master Pell will do, Artania. A man who trusts a wolf’s judgment and names his companion’s honesty is worth hearing out.
Lessa Varn
I told you he was sensible, Master Pell. He needs a tent for several people, and he means to use it properly.
Pell turns toward the canvas rolls and pulls down three samples: tightly woven gray, weatherproof green, and a pale treated cloth marked with caravan insignia.
Master Pell
How many sleepers, Artania? Companions, animals, or injured travelers change the floor plan. I can build for comfort, speed, or stubborn survival.
Brunna Coppervein
Tell him what the road may demand, lad. A shelter should serve the people you expect to bring home, not merely the party that leaves the city.
“How about all three, master Pell? Comfortable, yet quick to put up, and sturdy enough to be able to withstand weather. I plan to use it for adventuring parties, rescues, and to help weary folks when they need a place to rest on the road.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Artania Nero Thornson
How about all three, Master Pell? Comfortable, quick to put up, and sturdy enough for weather. I want it for adventuring parties, rescues, and weary travelers who need shelter.
Master Pell
Then you want my fold-frame caravan shelter, Artania. Its treated canvas resists rain and mountain wind, while the pegged joints make it quick to raise.
Pell unrolls a broad tent of weatherproof green canvas, reinforced at the corners with dark leather and brass rings. Its spacious floor can house several sleepers, supplies, and a resting Al.
Master Pell
The frame folds into three bundles, and two people can raise it in minutes. It includes a partition, groundsheet, repair kit, storm ropes, and enough room for rescued guests.
Lessa Varn
That is exactly the sort of shelter I meant. Master Pell makes them for caravans that cannot afford a collapse when the weather turns.
Brunna Coppervein
A sound choice, lad. It serves your purpose without wasting coin on decoration, and it can shelter more than the party that carries it.
Master Pell
This one is finished and ready for the road. The price is forty silver crowns, including the fittings and repair kit. Take it, and let its first nights be useful ones.
“I whistle low, what a price! But from what I have seen, and by your explanation I know it will be well worth it. I will ad six silver to that and make it forty-six. Because you were recommend by Leassa, your explanation thorough, and your great craftsmanship on display. That and I suspect this tent will save me on many a weary night.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Artania Nero Thornson
What a price. From what I have seen and your explanation, I know it is worth it. I will offer forty-six silver crowns, for Lessa’s recommendation, your thoroughness, and your craftsmanship. I suspect this tent will save me many weary nights.
Artania opens the ironbound coffer and counts forty-six silver crowns onto Master Pell’s workbench. The coins gleam beside the tent’s brass fittings and folded repair kit.
Master Pell
A generous offer, Artania, and one honestly made. I accept the forty-six. May this shelter repay your confidence whenever the road turns cold, wet, or dangerous.
Lessa Varn
You will not regret it. Pell’s shelters have carried caravans through mountain storms, and now this one has a silver adventurer’s first proper commission.
Pell wraps the brass fittings, repair kit, and storm ropes into three compact bundles, then marks each with a colored thread. The spacious green canvas folds securely around its frame.
Brunna Coppervein
Keep the bundles balanced, lad, and practice raising it before your first departure. A fine shelter still needs hands that know its joints.
Master Pell
Before you carry it away, tell me whether you want the partition weighted for privacy or left loose for faster access. Both choices serve different roads.
✓ Quest Accepted
Take possession of the fold-frame caravan shelter
“Before I decide Master Pell, are they interchangeable? The partitions?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -1)
Artania Nero Thornson
Before I decide, Master Pell, are the partitions interchangeable?
Master Pell
Not entirely, Artania. Both partitions fit the same frame, but they serve different purposes.
Pell lays two folded canvas panels across the workbench. One is reinforced with weighted leather at its lower edge; the other is lighter, with quick-release ties and brass toggles.
Master Pell
The weighted partition hangs firmly, blocks drafts, and gives rescued guests privacy. Once secured, it takes longer to move, though it still folds with the shelter.
Master Pell
The loose partition is faster. You can pull it aside while carrying supplies, tending an injured traveler, or reaching Al during bad weather. It offers separation, but not a sealed room.
Brunna Coppervein
For adventuring parties and rescues, lad, the loose one gives you flexibility. For frightened guests or crowded camps, the weighted one gives them dignity and quiet.
Lessa Varn
Pell can also stitch both into the order. You would carry one panel and choose its position each time, though the heavier cloth adds a little weight.
“Give me both. You can ask Brunna over there, I value flexibility highly, my magic can attest to that.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Artania Nero Thornson
Give me both, Master Pell. You can ask Brunna over there. I value flexibility highly, and my magic can attest to that.
Pell studies Artania, then glances toward Brunna as she steps nearer the workbench. The two canvas partitions lie ready beneath the workshop’s warm forge light.
Brunna Coppervein
He does, Master Pell. His magic has opened routes, protected caravans, and solved problems where one approach would not suffice. Give him both.
Master Pell
Then both it is. I will add the weighted panel and the quick-release panel, each marked for easy identification. You can choose according to the night’s needs.
Pell folds the lighter partition beside the reinforced one and secures both within the tent’s frame bundle. He adds extra toggles, leather ties, and a second set of fastening loops.
Master Pell
The full order comes to fifty-eight silver crowns. The added weight is modest, and the versatility is worth more than the difference.
Lessa Varn
A wise choice, Artania. A rescue shelter should adapt to the people inside it, not force every camp to follow one arrangement.
+ New Item Acquired
Fold-Frame Caravan Shelter
“Alright I pay master Pell the rest of his silver. And give him a bow. At the same time I give him a smile and tell him to watch this. With a dramatic flourish, I open my magic space and expand it to be big enough to hold all my newly acquired supplies. Placing them inside.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Magic, rolled +1)
Artania Nero Thornson
I pay Master Pell the remaining twelve silver crowns, then give him a bow. Watch this.
Artania places the coins beside Pell’s earlier payment and bows with a bright smile. The craftsman closes his hand over the full fifty-eight silver crowns.
Master Pell
Paid in full, Artania. Now show me what your magic can do, though I warn you, impressing an old tentmaker takes more than sparks.
With a dramatic flourish, Artania opens his Magic Pouch. Its interior unfolds beyond ordinary dimensions, revealing a spacious, shadowed vault that can hold the newly purchased supplies.
The folded shelter bundles, both interchangeable partitions, storm ropes, repair kit, tent fittings, writing portfolio, parchment, torches, and personal bivouac tent rise neatly from the workshop floor and slip inside.
Lessa Varn
That is considerably more useful than carrying three awkward bundles through the market. I understand why you trust flexibility now.
Master Pell
Well done. Keep the frame pieces together inside that clever space, and you will save yourself a great deal of cursing when rain comes.
Quest Complete
Take possession of the fold-frame caravan shelter
Skill Upgrade: Lore Fair→Good
“I take Master Pell’s word to heart. Thank you sir. I will. Then I exit the tent with my companions in tow.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled -1)
Artania Nero Thornson
I will take your word to heart. Thank you, Master Pell. I will.
Master Pell
Then remember the joints, the ropes, and the storm ties. A shelter serves best when its owner respects how it was made.
Artania gives Pell one final respectful nod, then exits the workshop with Al, Brunna, and Lessa in tow. The newly purchased shelter rests safely within his Magic Pouch.
Lessa Varn
Lantern Street is behind us, and the public house is just ahead. Al’s promised meal should be waiting before the market crowds grow thicker.
Al
I approve of this direction, small one. Food first, then we may discuss how to make our new shelter useful in the wild.
Brunna Coppervein
A good purchase, lad. Once you have eaten, we can review the supplies and decide whether Forge Row has anything else worth your silver.
Forge Row’s hammering fades behind them as the companions enter a lively avenue scented with roasted meat, fresh bread, and spiced vegetables. Lessa leads them toward a broad, welcoming doorway.
“Okay let’s eat. Lead the way Brunna.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled +0)
Artania Nero Thornson
Okay, let’s eat. Lead the way, Brunna.
Brunna steps ahead and guides the group through the lively avenue. She chooses a broad public house beneath a red-and-gold sign, its open doorway spilling warmth and savory fragrance into the street.
Brunna Coppervein
Here we are, lad. This place serves honest portions, sturdy tables, and food fit for travelers who have spent their silver wisely.
Inside, a server, a young adult woman with a slim build, warm brown skin, and dark hair tucked beneath a white cloth cap, wearing a russet vest over a cream shirt and dark trousers clears a long corner table near the hearth. Brunna helps settle the supply bundles, while Lessa finds seats and Al stretches beneath the bench, nose lifted toward roasted meat.
Al
The promise has been fulfilled, small one. I detect roast, bread, and spiced vegetables, all worthy of immediate attention.
Lessa Varn
I recommend the hearth platter. It is generous enough for adventurers, companions, and one very discerning wolf.
Platters arrive with roast meat, buttered roots, fresh bread, and steaming vegetables. Cider fills the cups, and the companions eat together as Forge Row’s bustle fades beyond the windows.
“I dig in with everyone and make sure that Al, also eats his fill. I ask Brunna how much silver I have left of the 200 hundred plus what I had from my original farm contract.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -1)
Artania digs into the hearth platter with everyone, tearing bread and sharing the roasted meat. He makes certain Al receives generous portions until the wolf eats his fill.
Al
This is an excellent celebration, small one. I accept your careful generosity and declare myself properly fed.
The table settles into comfortable conversation as Artania refills Al’s bowl and takes another serving for himself. Brunna watches the coffer resting safely within his Magic Pouch.
Artania Nero Thornson
Brunna, how much silver do I have left from the Crown’s two hundred, plus what I earned from my original farm contract?
Brunna Coppervein
Let me count it plainly, lad. You began with two hundred from the Crown and twelve from the farm contract, then gave thirty to us and spent fifty-eight on Pell’s shelter.
Brunna checks the guild inventory note against the payments recorded in her memory, including the Lantern Street supplies, then taps the table beside Artania’s pouch.
Brunna Coppervein
After the recorded purchases, you have one hundred twenty-four silver crowns remaining. That is a strong reserve for training, provisions, and the next road.