Two Letters in the Enclave

[Phantom Lamb]

Two separate letters are sent to the Enclave - hand delivered by a dapper yet bookish half-elf. They are addressed to High Arcanists Sandro and Ramza.

Esteemed gentlemen and renowned wizards,

No doubt you learned of the recent disaster just north of Aquor. A large rock - what I'm told is called "star metal" - has fallen from the sky. I myself was witness to the aftermath.

I left the scene to carry the dwarven dead to their hold in the mountain, but I assume Exigo has laid claim to the remainder of the rock. Whether they have right to do so or not would be a question I leave in your hands.

As for myself, I have come across a sample of said rock, exercising the standard salvaging rights as given to the countless number of adventurers in the Valley proper. Naturally, I sought contact with my most benevolent benefactors first and foremost.

I would like to arrange something mutually beneficial in its examination and use. Needless to say, I will have a portion of the find on display in the museum, but I would know more of its origins as well. To that end, I would like to invite you for tea at the museum within this week. I hope to speak with you soon.

Curiously and magnificently yours,



Maverick Belle
Curator, Aquor Museum of Wonders

[Phantom Lamb]

(( The following is written up per an approved character request. However, DMs feel free to edit, if the apprentice decides to do something less-than-honorable with the crate ))

A bookish young lady arrives at the gates of the Enclave. Behind her, she tows an antique hand cart - salvaged and repaired from the Mirakus Mines. On that half-rusted cart sits a wooden shipping crate about 1/3 her size.

A handwritten note is tacked to that crate, scrawled in flowing, showy cursive.

Attention: High Arcanist Sandro

A pleasant day to you. Inside, you'll find the display piece I promised to for delivery. I hope you are able to learn a good deal from it with your studies. Once we know more of its composition, history, and value, I'd be willing to discuss what should be done with it, should you have interest. Let us both hope the core is more green than grey!

Respectfully,



Maverick Belle
Curator, Aquor Museum of Wonders

This post has been approved by FE. - FE

[sonuvalich]

A letter penned in response

"Master Belle,

Your charming apprentice has made her way to our gates and is being treated to our fine accommodations while we work. Perhaps she shall learn a thing or two while she resides within our walls. As to the contents of your package, I can only say so far that you are correct as to the nature of its contents. I will let you know what further investigation reveals, but without damaging it further analysis will be troublesome.

High Arcanist Sandro
Thayan Enclave, Aquor"

[Phantom Lamb]

Maverick seeks out Sandro at the Enclave to discuss his recommendations in-person.

[Phantom Lamb]

A follow-up letter is delivered by the apprentice, who looks as though she'd been beaten about the brow by word after word from Maverick.

High Arcanist Sandro,

Thank you again for your efforts and research with the sample. I have a proposition for you which I think you'll find agreeable.

There are a number of tasks I must complete in order to open the museum. Most of said tasks are quite mundane, and frankly, bore me. Still, there is show in what I do, and presentation is key. Everything must be up-to-snuff; even wonders need bows and wrapping paper.

My intent is to keep as much of the original interior of the building as possible. That being said, my exhibits will need pedistals, picture frames, and the like. I'm certain some of the locals have these skills and can be procured cheaply, but I haven't the patience to wade through applicants and vet their scruples.

Additionally, I find myself in need of an assistant capable of taking dictation and caligraphy. I know the names, history, and boot size of every artifact I own, but I was lazy in committing them to paper. I have happily been rattling off this information over a bottle of wine to Miss Yara, but it's a terrible misuse of her talents.

And so, I propose a trade for services: a portion of the sample in exchange for the services above, as well as additional research and information about the sample itself. I don't know the exact value of the sample, so I'd rely on your expertise - and the review of a second party - to determine how much of the sample would be worth such an exchange. I am happy to display only a portion of the sample - indeed, a cut-away section to reveal the core may be more interesting to the observer. And, I am open to any other suggestions you may have.

I am happy to meet and discuss further, though I trust Miss Yara to draw up the specifics. I'm sure she'll be excited to hear I'm getting additional help for her.



Maverick Belle
Curator, Aquor Museum of Wonders

[sonuvalich]

"Master Belle,

If you wish to find those capable of mundane tasks, may I suggest we sift through the refugees sitting idly in Aquor? Far too few of them are earning their keep, and it is possible that amidst the rabble there lies one capable of taking dictation and scribing. It is more likely, however, that you will find craftsmen of moderate skill, which may aid in your other chores. It seems every time I enter the city there is some woman going on and on about how she can sew, and I have to imagine she is not alone in being capable of menial tasks. Ramza was working more closely with the refugees, but I can certainly sift through them myself to find capable hands for simple tasks.

I would be more than happy to extract a portion of your sample for our uses in exchange for my time and effort. An initial look at the sample leads me to the conclusion that it is simply a chunk of a larger piece of rock. As such, a cutaway to the core may not reveal much, as it would not be the core of the original whole. If I may offer an alternative, we could cut away parts of the ragged edges to make it more conducive to display, and then cut the sample in half vertically. This would allow a side-on view of the layers to show if it is uniform or not. We could keep the parts we cut off as our fee, and you would get a much more presentable piece for your museum. I look forward to hearing your response, as always.

High Arcanist Sandro
Thayan Enclave, Aquor"