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9e1847.jpg
Flash Butterfly
9e1847
I politely decline the offer, for now anyway, saying I'd rather take a look around before making any decision. I have precious little gold to be spending without doing so, and more importantly, I require spell pages to be capable of contributing. It has quickly become apparent that I may have to deal with having little to spend overall, but I suppose that may be mitigated somewhat by the spoils taken from the dungeon itself. The cursed place would not attract so many to it if it did not offer such reward for the danger. I could also attempt to barter, it is practically expected in some places, though I'm not certain how a shop serving heroes
I make my way to the bookshop next, entering the much quieter and less populated shop. There's the tiny tinkle of a bell, hanging above the shop door, but I hardly notice as my gaze takes in all the books. Most are placed carefully within shelves, while others are placed in small neat piles alone the walls, likely awaiting proper placement. To me, the sheer volume and, from the look of things, wide number of topics was enough to have me enraptured. From between two shelves an older man appears, spectacles placed carefully upon his nose. He regards me coolly for a moment before addressing me, his tone clearly unimpressed, though polite.
"Hello and welcome. I am Barnabus, owner and operator of this fine establishment. Is there anything in particular I can help you with?"
"Yes, I... is that a copy of Theories of Influence?"
The book catches my attention, and I can't help but step up to it, finger tracing the spine reverently. The writer, one Howard Mayweather, goes into great detail on the properties and influences of the dungeons upon the world, a topic few ever broach, much less discuss. I had only read excerpts, in one case a treaty flatly denying its proposals, but never the book itself. Barnabus looks mildly surprised before a look of understanding reaches his eyes, even as a small smile graces his lips.
"Indeed it is. Sadly, I don't think it will be selling any time soon. Few appreciate Mayweather's rather blunt style of writing, particularly on such a... touchy subject. From your words, I believe I am in the presence of a fellow seeker of knowledge?"
I nod absentmindedly, fingers tracing other books along the same shelf. Some I've read, others heard of, some I haven't, and still others written in languages I don't recognize. There is so much knowledge to be gained here alone, I almost don't even want to set foot in the dungeon anymore. Alas, if I were to divert my course, I would soon lack in funds. I pull myself away from the shelves, returning my gaze to Barnabus to find he has settled behind a counter I must have missed entirely in my wonder of this place. He draws forth a small book first, placing it upon the counter as I approach, followed quickly by a much larger book, pages sticking out of it haphazardly.
"I can guess then, why you'd come here. A spell tome," and he indicates the smaller book, bound in dull brown leather, "and, as a favor to a fellow searcher, 10 pages of your choice to place within, in the hopes you shall return should you ever feel the need to purchase more. All for 40 gold."
A much better offer than Restan, certainly, though without the simple gear that his would come with. That still brings my total expenses to only 70 gold, however, a much more manageable number, not to mention any efforts I may make towards lowering Restan's prices. Still, Theories of Influence sits tauntingly in its resting place, and I cannot but gaze at it. Barnabus seems to catch my gaze, for a small smile creeps to his lips.
"Another 20, just for you. As a fellow scholar, of course."
I can practically feel my purse dying, but...
>What shall I do?
>If purchase is made, select ten page from the following, in any combination and quantity:
Flametongue: A small jet of flame bursts forth from an outstretched palm. (2 SP Cost, 1d4 Fire, 1)
Lesser Ward: Weak runes and wards spring into being, guarding the user from harm. (2 SP Cost, +3 HP)
Flare: A burst of light spring into being before the targets eyes, blinding them. (1 SP Cost, Blind)
Soothe: A divine presence visits the target, providing aid within the dark. (2 SP Cost, 1d4 Heal, 0)
Aid: Divine will is made manifest, guiding an ally's actions. (2 SP Cost, +1 to all rolls)
>Roll D20 to resist Vice
>Note: A character's Vice is generally a detriment. Most will applies penalties of some kind to a character, in combat or otherwise, while many will also manifest in situations. Mary's, Hunger for Knowledge, will generally activate when presented with a book or scrap of knowledge to be gained, and will invoke a roll to resist the lure, the difficulty being dependent upon the rarity or value of that knowledge. Of course, one can choose to give in without the roll as well.
>Additional Note: Spells stat blocks are read simply. The first is is the Sanity Cost, the second their effect, whether in damage or other outcome, and finally their effective distance, if applicable. Distance shall be explained when appropriate.
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