Session 29: The Wandering Emporium Report
General Summary
The session started with a recap, and followed up with the party going into the collection of brightly colored tents with Infernal vehicles horseshoed around them, known as The Wandering Emporium. Approaching it they saw a sign, initially blocked by a large winged devil, that said,
"All are welcome here. No fighting! No spellcasting! No exceptions!"
Upon entering they were greeted by wonderful smells, lilting music, the sounds of numerous voices, and a wealthy merchant lord who introduced himself as Mahadi and offered to help them find what they needed. Initially looking for practical things like weapons the party was directed towards the Firesnake Forge, however, upon hearing about a restaurant and spa (including a bath), Sylvira immediately made a beeline for the infernal rapture guided by Mahadi and followed closely by Nerilee and Ocean. Thecan, Tris, and Nephthus headed in a different direction, taking in the sights and finding their way to a money-changer, a grotesque looking creature known as an Amnizu, to exchange their gold for Soul Coins. Nephthus exchanged for one, Tris for two, and Thecan for one, which he gave to Nephthus to hold.
Next they stopped at a shop for magical components ran by a pleasant gnome woman. They inquired about buying diamonds for spell components for Ocean, and found that, due to the exchange rate, there was a significant markup when paying with gold. They made note of the price, and location and decided to return there again later.
They then stopped by a chatty barber so that Tris could get her hair cut and heard some gossip about the front line fight with the demons always shifting, demons spawning from black ichor, and a wizard in a tower appearing. Finally they went to the Infernal Rapture to wait for The Drunk Aunts.
Meanwhile the Drunk Aunts found that to enter the Infernal Rapture, they must first sign a contract simply stating that they must pay for any food or services before they leave. Nerilee noted an implication that if the debt wasn't paid, that they would be stuck there working until they could pay. They entered what turned out to be a demiplane with the atmosphere being much cooler and more comfortable than what they just left. They found the food a delicious affair with pickled vine blight salad and two orders of pan fried myconid cap with garlic butter for appetizers. For the main course they ordered roasted wereboar seasoned liberally with pepper and paprika, and two orders of deep fried miniature giant space hamster, seasoned to perfection with rosemary, basil, thyme, and tears. And finally, for desert, they had candied phase spider eyes in a raspberry liquor reduction and two orders of sweet apple tart with celestial caramel drizzle. All of this was washed down with coffee, tea, and milk. The whole while the tiefling waitress flirted shamelessly with Sylvira.
After dinner they were treated with massages, manicures, pedicures, skin care, and general grooming and bathing. They left feeling refreshed (and under the benefits equivalent to a Hero's Feast spell rolling 12 for their temporary increase to their Max HP)
Upon leaving, Mahadi offered Sylvira a powerful weapon in exchange for her soul (on behalf of Asmodeus) which will be collected when she eventually perishes. There was a long discussion with Ocean and Nerilee trying as best they could to talk Sylvira out of it, but in the end she signed the contract, putting her left hand, along with that of Mahadi into a surface cooled pool of lava that appeared in front of them to seal the deal. After their hands were removed the lava fully hardened into a stone slab, the terms of the contract etched into the stone above the hand prints. Mahadi snapped his fingers and the contract disappeared. They then left the Rapture, Sylvira with her new toy, and Nerilee and Ocean looking somewhat disheartened.
They met The Blue Bois and Tris waiting for them outside. Back together again they decided that their next stop should be the shop to get diamonds for spell components. Stopping there, Sylvira and Nerilee bought 300gp worth of diamonds and 100gp worth of diamond dust. Taking a look around, and with ample encouragement from the friendly gnome, they ended up leaving with: An enduring spellbook and peacock feather quill pen each for Thecan and Ocean, and a wand of secrets for Sylvira.
Leaving the shop they headed towards the Firesnake Forge to purchase some weapons. Ocean, Sylvira, and Thecan stopped at a trinket shop nearby and Ocean purchased a robe with numerous small pockets (each in a different color) and a knucklebone trout necklace carved into the shape of a fox's head
At the forge, Tris bought 20 arrows, and Nerilee bought a (+1) shortword as well as a mundane shortsword.
Meeting back up together and deciding that they were done for the day they started their way back to their vehicles. On their way they noticed an Amnizu surrounded by many imps coming and going. One of the imps said something to the Amnizu and pointed towards the party as the Amnizu turned to look where the imp was pointing. Ocean noted that this creature looked just like the shadow they saw on the wall back in Vanthampur Villa being cast by Thavius Kreeg, and this is where we left tonight's session...
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