Palathadric

"Oh, really, just a small tippence. Just to "refill the inkwells" if you know what I mean. Perhaps to the tune of thirty pieces."

"They appeared to be quite freshly picked too."

"Most of all we're fans of your work. At least, I am. I'm a bit of a writer myself, but I haven't published anything...at least not in Eubric. The amazing details and colourful language you used to cover the latest happenings in Eubric was certainly awe-inspiring. I may not be rich, but I would like to make a contribution to the paper, since I know such things can be hard to fund. I would be pleased if you could honour the request of my...associate. I lean forward and whisper to him. "You know how women can be so hard to please once they get their minds set on something."

"Captain, maybe you should show the witch the bouquet you found?"

Grimacing at the thought of actually doing it, but agreeing that the witch was right and nobody else seemed motivated to do so, I search the corpse for any information or clues that could prove useful.

I think you missed my marketplace purchases, WBD. Also with the Fur Coat, the Cloak of the Grand Vizier, and the White Ninja Wraps, my stealth should be at +3?

"Assassin? We want to visit an assassin?"

Petaldan de-equips his shield. Stealth: +1: Cloak of Innocence -1: Armour of Dark Arts Unless I'm mistaken, Petaldan should not have the Gloves equipped, as I believe he can only equip two artifacts.

"I'm ready to go." I hand my loose scrolls to Karie.

Being an artisan has made me lazy. I was sure that was suitable for anyone. Ah, well. "Oh, pardon. I forget that my figure has morphed to fit just about anyone's clothes style. I suppose I shall just wear it myself then. The cloak? No, that is...precious to me." A quiet, guttural "my precious" can almost be heard hissing from my mouth.

I de-equip the Soul Link Chain and replace it with the White Fur Coat, if it doesn't give me a negative stealth score.

"Oh, well...in that case...I guess we'd be happy to have you with us. That is, if our party leader agrees..."

As if my thoughts had been read, I look up, astonished. "Oh...um...forgive me, my...um...lady. I imagine you speak rightly, but still...I do not know you. Though, it seems others with us do..." I trail off pitifully.

Wait! What? I hand my White Fur Coat to Throlar and equip the White Ninja Cowl and Soul Link Chain. "Who will take this chain and the power that comes with it?" I ask the party.

Petaldan looks on, not sure if he's like the idea of Torald handling the dangerous book, or the idea of the witch tagging with them, but either sounds better than the idea of the witch going off with the dangerous book, so he shrugs, relenting.

What about Vind's "Shikokku's Stealth Suit" adding to stealth? Or the Toxic Hood? Also, while it's a shield, Torald's "Shield of Invisibility" would lead me to believe that it should give +5 to stealth.

"What? Are you...um...?" It seems impolite to finish the sentence.

Do I get added bonuses for multiple backwear artifacts: e.g.: White Fur Coat, Cloak of the Grand Vizier, etc.? Also, I suppose helmets will not reduce my stealth, but what about the White Ninja Cowl for enhancing it? I think the Bumble Fan Shirt would make a great disguise too. What hero would wear something so bold and daring? Certainly not Pretzerl! Meanwhile, I de-equip the Dark Steel Armour and Order Imperial Prophet's Armour.

Tears spring to my eyes as I rush forward and give Torald a big hug, stammering over my words. "You're alive! You're alive! I thought...for a moment I thought..but you're alive."

I blush. "I guess I spent more time with a sword in my hand than reading books."

I look back and forth, overwhelmed by all that is going on. "Is there any history about where each of Heroica's original veterans is said to have died?"

"No, Torald!" I wail. Quickly, I summon my courage and attempt to heal Torald.

Speaking of living with mystery, I saw certain people viewing topics that they oughtn't.

"A plant growing from a book?" I question, scrunching up my nose. "Now that is most irregular!"

"Survival? There are many ways that are easier to survive than by fighting? I'm sure no one would pursue you if you chose to put down your sword and live a common life."