A Matter of Faith

You emerge from the dense woods by the afternoon of the following day. The forest thins, and the sky widens above you. As you reach a low rise near the edge of the treeline, you spot a curious figure sitting comfortably on a fallen tree trunk. His hair is a mane of thick waves, unmistakably dyed blonde. His purplish-crimson robe likewise was designed to capture as much attention to his person, so easy to spot over the greens of the forest.

There is a picnic cloth spread on the log beside him, and he is nibbling on a wedge of cheese, but what he sees you stepping out of the shadows of the trees, he blinks in surprise. He quickly stands up and brushes the crumbs from his robe, and gives you a theatrical bow:
"Good Afternoon! Vayek, at your service," he flaps the hem of his robe. "Magician, alchemist, and purveyor of magical delights. And who, might I ask, are you?"

William Winter. These are my associates. We’re journeying back to town, after having rescued these two from evil witches.

Vayek’s face lights up the moment he realizes William and his associates are adventurers.

"Splendid! Absolutely splendid!" He steps lightly over the log, brushing the last of the crumbs from his robe, and gestures at the backpack at his side. "Fate has smiled on you today, my friends. Might I interest you in a charm of protection? It can ward off harm, even curses. Or perhaps you’re the dramatic sort? I recently acquired a horn that can bring down entire buildings with a single blast. Just don't use it indoors. Bad for the furniture" he grins widely at you "Or if you desire anything else, anything at all, just say so! I've made it my business to procure rare ingredients from the far corners of the world most people wouldn’t dare visit. With some time, and coin, they can be fashioned into just about anything!"

Will hears a voice in his head. He recognizes who it belongs to, though this time the man doesn't appear in front of him
"You should really start introducing yourself as 'Halav'. You are going to need to gather an army to bring down the beastmen, and people are far more likely to follow 'Halav' the lawgiver than a 'Will'"

Miyana scoffs. "A horn that can bring down buildings? Nonsense!"

"It most certainly can, young lady, I assure you. And I would have given you a demonstration too, if I wasn't concerned about causing so much collateral damage to this beautiful forest!"

Im not sure you have anything we need, Vayek. How much for the horn?

Stefan gently tugs on Will's elbow, his voice barely above a whisper "Only guild members can trade in magical items. He doesn't look like a guild member to me..."

"He's a charlatan. Let's be on our way."

Boudica looks at the man skeptically and asks, "If you r wares are truly as great as you say, why do you hawk them off a tree stump in the woods? Accompany us into to town; I am sure you will ind many more customers there than out here. Who knows, if you have established yourself, perhaps even we shall become customers."

"I am not a charlatan!" Vayek looks genuinely offended. "The Guild—they’re the charlatans! Permits for this, licenses for that. You can’t sell a magical spoon these days without swearing fealty to their tyrannical board" He huffs "We used to trade freely, you know. A man with talent and good instincts could make an honest living. Now? Everything’s illegal unless you’re part of the ‘right’ organization." He makes air quotes with a sneer.

"But fine. Forget trinkets. What about components, hm? Rare ingredients. That trade isn’t banned. Yet."

He looks at Miyana, having noticed the bow she is carrying

"How about living wood? I know where to find it… a bow made from that would truly be wonderous"

"And how much would you charge for that information?" Miyana asks plainly.

Vayek raises a hand and wags his finger at her: "Oh no, no, no. That information is not for sale"

He seems too pleased with himself
"But... I can procure a piece of living wood for you. Say, five thousand gold. Payable on delivery, of course. I’m not unreasonable."

I feel like your prices are bit out of our range. Come friends, we need to be moving.

"Agreed..." Anton said to Will!'s suggestion of leaving, "...oh and Vayek, just so you are aware, the Guild are not charlatans, they may be a bureaucratic nightmare for thieves, grave robbers, and snake oil salesmen, but that's to protect the people from those who are ignorant to the dangers of magic."

"Of course, of course. Protecting the people, how noble. Always lovely when benevolent institutions decide what’s best for everyone" He sweeps another exaggerated bow

"Well then, safe travels, brave adventurers. May neither of us ever has need for a true miracle, registered or not" He gives Miyana a wink, then returns to inspect the remains of his lunch.

Nice fellow. Seemed a bit bitter though, Will quips half heartedly, as our brave adventurers continue along their merry way.
We should think about naming our adventuring company, friends. Any thoughts?

"Blind Luck," Miyana says, only half jokingly.

"Are these… all homes?" Moryana looks wide-eyed at the handful of farmsteads "So many people live here?" She turns to watch the oxen pulling plows, and her face twists with concern "What are they doing to those poor animals???"