3.61 - Red Smears

3.61 - Red Smears

You cant just send her out like that, Theo said, locking his eyes on Aarok. The Half-Ogre wouldnt give, staring right back.

Ill remind you what we are. By your own words, were a military force, Aarok said. He didnt budge, either in demeanor or position. Shes the only one with an escape option like that. Now, do you mind letting my little soldier give her report.

Theo felt a surge of conflicting emotions. Bal wasnt the most powerful adventurer in town, but he was good. Ranked top 10 in the town, even if they hadnt shuffled the rankings since the Elves arrived. Tresk was still ranked first, Luras trailing at a close second. If the Marshling had to run away using the [Dreampassage] ability, that meant all her other skills were on cooldown. Even with multiple forms of escape, she had to resort to that one.

Please, Theo said, gesturing. He sank into a chair and sighed. There was no reason to go for everyones throat.

Just a couple slick bastards, Tresk shrugged, dripping [Cleansing Scrub] over her head. Waves of white washed her clean in moments, removing the layers of mud. I thought I had the jump on this one guy, but then his friends jumped out of the forest north of the dungeon. They were fleeing to the mountains.

Did you see their faces? Aarok asked, still staring Theo down.

Obscured by some magic crap, Tresk said. Hooded in black. I cut one of their arms with my dagger. Theyll be lucky to keep the arm with Theos poisons.

Bandits? Theo asked.

Perhaps, Aarok said, finally looking at Tresk.

We expected that, Theo said, straightening up. Are these the same people we saw near the river? Either way, what are they after?

Why dont you just ask Khahar, Luras said, chuckling.

There are threads of fate I cannot pull, Khahar said, appearing near Bal. The Human adventurer yelped in surprise.

That left a sour taste in Theos mouth. He looked at Tresk, who didnt seem shaken at all. She held herself with the pride of the strongest adventurer in town. Being a leader meant taking control, but also understanding where he wasnt useful. The alchemist was familiar with subterfuge, but this was different. If someone asked him to attack Broken Tusk, he wouldnt start by picking off people on the outskirts of town. He would infiltrate and sabotage. This seemed more like a petty robbery.

But why would such skilled people need to rob? Running the dungeon made more sense if they just wanted money.

No hints? Tresk asked, grinning at the Khahari leader.

None.

I think its bandits, Theo said.

No one said otherwise, Luras laughed. People were driven from the north, it only makes sense.

But the look Khahar gave Theo said it was more than that. He might not have used his words to communicate the dire situation, but it was there in those eyes. Eyes that faded further from the mortal realm by the day. The walls of Broken Tusk were strong. These bandits, or whatever they were, wouldnt strike at the heart of the town.

We have a plan for this, Aarok said. Sending our only [Shadowdancer] to engage was the first step. We needed information. Now we know theyre strong enough to worry about.

Which means well issue a general call to arms, Luras said. No more solo adventuring until we sort the problem out. Everyone who goes outside the walls, goes with a team.

That was a decent plan. If Tresk had backup, she could have taken the group. Theo could feel that in his heart, information was bleeding over through the Tarahek. Shed underplayed the condition of the man she struck. The potions were strong, and almost impossible to remove unless there was a specialist there. Even the alchemist would have trouble curing his own poisons.

Good plan, Theo said with a nod. Do what you have to, Aarok.

I will, Aarok said, moving on to discuss specifics with Luras.

Tresk was upset that she had to stay within the walls for the day. Theo wouldnt let her risk it since her [Dreampassage] skill would be down until tomorrow. But she understood, vowing to stick by Theos side for the rest of the day. They left the meeting after a while, departing the Adventurers Guild to arrive at town hall. Another meeting with Alise and her administration staff.

Theo explained the situation. The sawmill team needed heavy escorts now, compared to their lighter ones. Golems would bridge the gap of lacking manpower, running around town and protecting the citizens. Half-way through the meeting, Xolsa and Zarali showed up to give their opinions.

No signs of tampering with the dungeon, Xolsa said. He had a broad smile on his face. Ive just been leveling my [Dungeon Engineer] core, so Id see.

Drogramath is silent, Zarali said. Unsurprising. Whats the big deal, anyway? A few rogue bandits shouldnt grind our town to a halt.

Better to be cautious, Theo said.

The door of the meeting room opened again, and Fenian strolled in. He sauntered across the room, the many bangles on his wrists playing a merry tune. The Elf took a seat, kicking his feet up on the table.

So, bad guys? Fenian asked. Shall we meet them in the marsh at sundown?

Id rather not, Theo said.

Bet you could take them, Tresk said, grinning at the Elf.

Fenian just shrugged.

Could you take them? Theo asked.

Id have to see them first, Fenian said. But I dont make a habit of fighting without understanding my enemy.

Didnt think you fought at all, Alise muttered.

Contract

Kaya Wavecrest will provide Broken Tusk with 3 days of labor per week to spin [Starbristle Flax] into [Starbristle Thread]. At her own pace, she shall weave the [Starbristle Thread] into [Starbristle Cloth] for the construction of sails. She shall earn 15% of market value on all items produced. Theo Spencer agrees to support Kaya Wavecrests endeavors to ensure her success within Broken Tusk.

Terms:

Kaya Wavecrest will work the [Weavers Workshop] no less than 3 days per week.

Kaya Wavecrest is responsible for all workers she hires, including distribution of funds.

Theo Spencer (Belgar) will supply all materials for the weaver to work.

Theo Spencer (Belgar) will ensure the safety of all workers.

Theo Spencer (Belgar) will provide [Monster Cores] to upgrade the weaver.

Timeline:

Renewed every year

Theo thought he had some logic to the way he drew up payment on contracts. It was more of a feeling if someone got 10%, 15%, or 90%. She made no changes to the contract, sending it back to Theo with her magical signature. Kaya reached out, still speaking in Taranthian, and shook his hand.

Hey, I guess she likes it, Tresk said, laughing.

We need to tell Gael about this, Theo said, watching as the woman got to work. If his people need tutoring in Qavelli, someone needs to provide it.

Agreed, Tresk said.

Theo inspected the thread that Kaya produced before leaving the workshop.

[Starbristle Thread]

[Textile]

Uncommon

Starbristle Flax is known for its alluring color and strength.

The contract automatically filled in the prompt for [Starbristle Cloth], but without an example Theo couldnt figure out how to inspect it. That didnt matter, though. They had a way to make cloth. Something large enough to create sails for his boats, and the system message said Starbristle was known for its strength. The alchemist would need to come back with an interpreter and find the best upgrades for her workshop.

While he was thinking about his boats, Theo figured it was a good time to check on how the pitch production was going. Tresk joined him out on the street, listening to the calls of Kaya inside. They supposed she was saying goodbye, and moved on. Laedria Wavecrest was at the port, overseeing several bonfires raging on the paved ground. He didnt want to yell at them for burning a grease stain onto his beautiful harbor, so he bit back the words bubbling from his throat.

Mister Mayor! Fancy you showed up, Laedria said. See, I havent been paid for my good labor. Im out here choking on smoke and making your [Ogre Cypress Pitch] without a single copper coin in my hand.

Have you built a boat? Theo asked.

Well, Ive made pitch. And assembled some lumber, Laedria said, crossing her arms.

Theo reminded himself of the proper way to deal with someone like Laedria. If this was someone else, he would have fawned over her efforts. Pitch was a big deal. But Laedria Wavecrest was a pain in the ass. She wanted to knock heads with others for no good reason, and needed a good knock in the head back.

Food is free in town, if you cant pay. You have housing and food. Show me even part of a boat, and well talk terms, Theo said. Until then, Ill assume youre worthless.

Hah! Laedria said, thumping her hand on her chest. I like you, mayor. You want a Glan-damn boat? Ill give you a boat.

Theo thought about the expression she used for a moment. Glantheir was the Elven God of Healing, so that was her way of saying god damn. He tried to hide the smile on his face, moving over to inspect the pitch she was creating. Through burning the [Ogre Cypress Bark], running it over a fire in large copper pots, she had produced [Ogre Cypress Pitch].

[Ogre Cypress Pitch]

[Alchemy Ingredient] [Pitch]

Rare

Pitch useful for sealing.

Properties:

[????] [????] [????]

Im not eating that, Theo said, looming over a pot of foul-smelling sludge.

No one asked you to! Laedria shot back, cackling.

The harbor had more problems than just needing boats. They needed someone to run the harbor alongside their shipwright. Theo couldnt think of anyone for the job, but hed find someone. For now, the harbor was on its way to being the most vital part of Broken Tusk. The alchemist watched the team of Elves stoke fires, his mind swirling with ideas to improve the process. Throks [Flame Artifices] would have been better to work the [Ogre Cypress Bark], but it would be nice to let Laedria and her people sweat over this. A person like her needed hardship to find their place.