To Market, To Market... (Scene/Episode 2) Radu

Ready to explore more of TLorn outside the palace walls, Lord Radu and his two female companions make their way from the entrance they first entered that night after their arrival through the Great Eye. Two masked guards hold their posts flanking the stout doors.

The skies are as dark as they were then, still. Though, there are sounds of activity heard from down the cobblestone streets, scattered torchlight and magical illuminations to light their paths, and the silhouettes of the city's denizens occasionally seen in the distance.

Radu retraces the path back toward the Great Eye, looking off the sides of that path for any indication of a market in this part of the city.

Not far into their foray, the retracing of the path makes a decided turn to the left and what is at first heard as a faint intermittent sound of metal on metal echoing down the street, becomes more and more pronounced as they continue forward.

The movement in the streets along prove to be noticeably shadowy, and hazy figures seeming to not have many features, including faces.



At the end of the long straight of the street, the trio see an open doorway and feel an increase in the temperature coming from it. The sound is unmistakably that of a hammer ringing against anvil. Above the doorway is a sign depicting such; an anvil and the word Blackmantle.

"Perhaps someone inside could direct us to the market?" Ruby suggests pointing toward the sign.

"Indeed," Radu says. "How strange this place is, even the people and buildings seem to be shadows of themselves." He heads inside what appears to be a smithy, but he remains ready for just about anything at this point.

Stepping through the large open doorway, Radu and his female companions find themselves in a forge. A sweaty muscular, dark-skinned, Human male, with white hair and beard is diligently working at an anvil with a piece of glowing hot metal. Near him, stands a younger dark-skinned woman, with more than a hint of resemblance to the older man.






Seeing the trio enter, she smiles and moves casually in their direction. "Hello. Welcome to Blackmantle Forge. How can we help you? I am Jocelynne."

"Good day," Radu says, "If it is, in fact, day. We are new to the city and took it upon ourselves to explore. I can clearly see you work metal here. What kind of work do you specialize in? There may come a time when my armor requires mending, would I be in the right place to come here?"

"We can handle most weapons and armors here." Jocelynne assures Radu. "We would hope that you'd bring your mending and sharpening needs to us in the future."

"Excellent," Radu affirms, "But how are you with weapons like this?" He pulls free his greatsword and lays it across a nearby table. "Do you have experience working on weapons bound to demons?"

Jocelynne takes a few steps closer to better see the darklight blade, but doesn't get too close. She looks over to the older man.


Sharing a look with the younger, the older man places the piece of metal he is working on down. Wiping his hands with a cloth looped through the apron at his waist, as he approaches, he speaks. "Choyle is my name. Choyle Blackmantle. I have created many a fine weapon and set of armor for the purposes of holding the binding of a demon in my day. But, I only work in metal, wood, and leather."

He points to the sword Radu is displaying. "This weapon has either been changed by its binding to a material other than its original creation or never was."

Radu smiles, impressed. "You certainly know your metal, Master Blackmantle. While it was certainly altered in the binding, but it was much this way when I came upon it. I always assume it was a sort of metal, or stone, but none of my own smiths could say. Have you never seen such a material before?"

The smith shakes his head and scratches his beard with an index finger. "Never. Some manner of manifested negativity I am guessing."

"Hmph," Radu says, picking up and re-sheathing the large sword, "It has never lost its edge, but I hope to never nick the blade if it is not something that can be worked. If ever, I may seek you out anyways, to see if you are up for the challenge. Have you serviced Champions before? I am curious if we are the first such group to enter the city in recent memory."

"The Blackmantle are descended of the blood of the Nihrain and servants of the Balance. It was the Blackmantle forged the invulnerable armor of the Warrior in Jet and Gold many millennia past and we now hold the honor as the celebrated weaponsmiths and armorers of the Lords of T'Lorn." Choyle says proudly. "Our line has served many a Champion in its day, but alas neither I nor my daughter have had the honor of attending to the needs of an active Champion. Though, we do count several former Champions among our patrons."

"It seems you may soon have that honor, and it will be my honor to have such a glorious lineage to work my arms and armor should need arise. Thank you Masters Blackmantle. Who would I see about less martial goods or magical items in this city, any recommendations?"

Madame Mysteri is the finest tailor in T'Lorn. If you are looking for new ensembles for yourself of your lovely companions. Old Marythel is as good an enchanter of items as the city has to offer. And, if you are looking for other things, you might want to pay a visit to the Lower South Market. There are several entrances into the area of the street vendors beyond the Great Eye." Choyle informs Radu.

"Again, I owe you my thanks," Radu says. "I will seek them out, as I desire greatly to learn what this city has to offer." After getting directions for the shops mentioned, he looks to his companions and turns to leave.

Once out of the blacksmith's shop, he looks to Ruby and Rosie. "Perhaps you two could use new outfits - something that fits the aesthetic and style of T'Lorn. Let us seek out this Madame Mysteri."

He leads them, making an effort to follow Blackmantle's direction to the tailor.

End Scene

Following Blackmantle's direction, Radu and his lovelies turn down a narrower street and near the dead end go left. Several display windows flanking a pair of doors, are filled with dress mannikins donning various styles of dress. A small sign over the doors reads: Mysteri's Couture.



Their entry is announced by a small bronze bell hanging over the threshold. Before them is a tailor's shop filled with all manner of goods necessary for creating clothing. Two figures are seated at tables on opposite sides of the room. The nearer, turns at the sound of the chime and stands.


The figure is that of a youthful Human female. Though, it is a quick eye that realizes it is only Human in shape and appearance. Actually, the copper-haired feminine creation is just that: A creation. "Good evening, Lord and Ladies. How may we be of service to you?"

Radu raises an eyebrow quizzically. "My companions seek elegant attire, something fitting for roaming the halls of the palace."

"Yes, if you may," Ruby says, "What do the ladies like to wear in T'Lorn?"

"We only just arrived," Rosie adds.

"There are very few true ladies amongst the citizenry of T"Lorn." The sentient automaton replies. "Of the few who dress and profess, the Lady Sibylla has been the trendsetter. Though, her tastes are rather staid and changes little from season to season."


"Mari!" Though, there is some truth in your words, few would blurt it out so readily." The woman seated farther back on the right side of the shop exclaims. She turns slightly in her chair and glances in the general direction of the three guests to the shop. "I am Mystari and that is my assistant, Mari." She introduces them.

"Lady Mysteri," Radu says in polite acknowledgement. "If what your assistant says is true, perhaps my companions might set those trends. What would you charge to make something akin to what Lady Sibylla wears and modify it into something, hm, flashy and new? Something that will catch the attention of those that see us about. Two somethings, one for each: my Ruby and Rosie."

Mysteri smiles. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."

Radu perceptively notices that the woman doesn't seem look directly at anyone and only in the general direction of the sound of their voices.

"Many things can be altered." She says. "Color, fabrics, or the length of sleeves, skirt. The height of the collar..."

"We would need several hours of course, with the ladies for measurements and selections of fabrics and such." She adds.

"Hmm, of course," Radu says, turning to the women. "What say you ladies, would you care to do this now?"


Both Rosie and Ruby excitedly affirm their interest in the idea.

"Lady Mysteri, I fear I may be expected back at the palace, but perhaps my Queens, Rosie and Ruby, might stay behind with you for this fitting? The streets would be safe for them to return, I assume? I venture to guess there is not much in the way of crime here, yes?"

Mysteri stands from her seat and nods. "Yes. WE can surely do that now if you wish. Your companions will be taken well care of here m'Lord. No harm will befall them."

"Excellent!" he says, grinning and turning to the Queens.

"I look forward to seeing what Lady Mysteri comes up with for you."

Back to the proprietor. "How shall I pay you, my Lady? I...I realize I only assumed T'Lorn deals in the same currency as my home plane."

"Coins, trade. Gems work nicely as well for payment." Mysteri replies.

She glances in the general direction of her assistant. "Mari. We have work to do."

Radu nods and hands a substantial purse to Ruby. "Here. If this doesn't cover it, we'll square the tab when next we're in town. I'll see you again at the palace."

Radu leaves and follows the loose instructions he was given earlier to seek out the enchanter, Old Marythel.

End Scene