Artania leaves the training yard carrying no weapon, his Magic Pouch secured beneath the light protective binding. Al accompanies him toward Forge Row, where evening coals redden the cooling air.
Master Pell is drawing down his forge shutters when a stocky Ashdown dwarf steps from beside the coals. His braided gray hair, broad hands, blue wool coat, and iron travel boots mark him as a seasoned craftsperson.
Master Pell
Artania, one last provision before you turn in? I have little left tonight, but this traveler insists his ration set deserves your attention.
Dorrik Coalhand
My name is Dorrik Coalhand. These are Ashdown trail rations, packed for cold roads and long watches. They are more than ordinary food.
Dorrik opensDorrik, an adult Ashdown dwarf man with a weathered ruddy face, opens a compact iron-banded case beside the cooling coals. Inside are dark grain cakes, dried root, sugared berries, and a sealed gray packet, each portion arranged with deliberate precision.
Dorrik Coalhand
The cakes keep warmth in the body, the roots settle a tired stomach, and the packet is for when ordinary provisions cannot be trusted. I timed this meeting carefully, adventurer.
Pell glances toward the quiet street, then back to the ration case. Nothing threatens the peaceful forge, yet Dorrik’s careful timing gives the final purchase a significance beyond supper.
✓ Quest Accepted
Earn Dorrik Coalhand’s trust and receive the sealed ration token
“I inspect his wares carefully, pulling my magic and focus into myself very subtly. Using this I inspect his wares with both eyes and magic while asking Mr. Dorrik Coalhand where he acquired such a fine item as this?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Magic, rolled +1)
Artania Nero Thornson
Mr. Dorrik Coalhand, where did you acquire such a fine ration set?
Artania draws his magic and focus inward with practiced subtlety, inspecting the cakes, roots, berries, and sealed packet through sight and spell while the binding allows his hands to move freely.
The wares reveal no poison, curse, or deception. Their preservation is genuine, and the gray packet contains a carefully warded Ashdown emergency ration designed to remain wholesome through severe cold.
Dorrik Coalhand
I acquired them from the winter stores of Frostmere, lad. The grain cakes come from my sister’s hearth, and the packet was sealed by an Ashdown way-priest before my last journey south.
Dorrik watches Artania’s eyes rather than his hands, noticing the quiet scrutiny but finding no offense in it. The ration set’s craft is practical, disciplined, and honestly represented.
Dorrik Coalhand
You inspected them properly. Good. A traveler should know what enters his pack, especially when a sealed portion promises more than ordinary food.
The subtle examination leaves Artania’s focus steady and confirms the set is valuable without hiding any dangerous enchantment. Dorrik waits beside the open case, ready to discuss its price.
“This seems a fine item, and you a studied merchant, and honest to boot. May I ask the price of this item? I also mentally calculate how much money I currently have on me.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Artania Nero Thornson
This seems a fine item, and you a studied merchant, honest to boot. May I ask the price of this ration set?
Artania Nero Thornson
I have twenty silver crowns on me after the market payment. Five silver would leave fifteen, still enough for careful travel.
Artania’s courteous appraisal settles warmly over the forge. Dorrik closes one hand around the case’s lid, weighing the offer and the buyer with equal care.
Dorrik Coalhand
Five silver crowns, lad. That covers the food, the warded packet, and the careful work behind both. I will not inflate it for a curious adventurer.
Dorrik turns the case toward Artania, showing the grain cakes, roots, berries, and sealed emergency portion once more. The price is plain, and the merchant’s manner remains straightforward.
Master Pell
That is a fair Ashdown price, Artania. Pell would charge more for the case alone, and Dorrik is selling the provisions with it.
The purchase remains within Artania’s means, leaving fifteen silver crowns after payment. Dorrik waits beside the coals, patient and unpressuring, while the ration case rests ready for the road.
“I turn my head knowingly toward Mater Pell. I suspect he knows what I am about to do. Giving Pell a wink I turn back to Dorrik. In that case, I will spend seven silver crowns. I will go with master Pells assessment for I trust him. Also I would appreciate you spreading the good word I deal fairly when it comes to business. No pressure though.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Artania turns knowingly toward Master Pell and gives him a wink. Pell’s knowing smile confirms he understands the bargain Artania is about to make.
Artania Nero Thornson
In that case, I will spend seven silver crowns. I trust Master Pell’s assessment, and I would appreciate you spreading the good word that I deal fairly in business. No pressure, though.
Artania turns back to Dorrik and places seven silver crowns into the dwarf’s broad palm. The exchange leaves fifteen crowns in his purse, while the ration case remains safely within his means.
Dorrik Coalhand
Seven silver, then, for the set and for the confidence behind your word. I will tell the road merchants and guild travelers that Artania deals fairly, though they may come asking you for business afterward.
Dorrik seals the case and passes it to Artania, making the purchase complete. His promise earns Artania a useful reputation, but also ties that reputation to future expectations from Ashdown travelers.
Master Pell
A fair bargain, Artania. Dorrik will keep his word, and now you will want to keep yours whenever those recommendations bring another customer to your door.
The forge shutters close against the cooling evening. Artania leaves with the Ashdown ration case secured, fifteen silver crowns remaining, and a small commercial obligation attached to his growing name.
Quest Complete
Earn Dorrik Coalhand’s trust and receive the sealed ration token
New Gift: Trusted Table Grace
+ New Item Acquired
Ashdown Ration Case