Compact Craftsmen Competition

As evening falls on Forge’s final day, the sky is cloudy although not with the rain that Mother Dalxar predicted. The long rays fall on the overcast above, casting streaks of red like painter’s strokes across the evening sky

The festival has been set up along the main city thoroughfares.  The Western Main St contains the smiths and masons, the Eastern side is where the carpenters and tailors set their stalls, and The Portway holds a motley assortment of other artisans.

Goals:

Nexrin would like to purchase or commission three items.

Yezra wants to make sure the competition is fairly judged.

Clarity wants to increase community cohesion (Do three difficult things to bring communities together)

Valorie wants to make sure someone purchases the Unicorn artifact that will keep it in a friendly Eastern Community.

## Arrival at the Grounds

Nexrin begins by searching for a leatherworker who would be capable of making an item from the hide of Bruuxvaalos.  His search takes some time, and determines that Ankh, the owner of the tannery, and a Halfling named Miranda Wardner would be good candidates, although Ankh is not known for his decorative flair.

Yezra intends to hold the judges to their word, and intends to use Zone of Truth to make sure they honestly judge.   She asks Valorie for help with the wording, and Valorie comes up with a decent question, but notes that this plan would be very rude towards the other judges.

Clarity takes this opportunity to meet the judges from Tidelight, Xinea Carver and Vraen Madeye. As she goes up to them, she hears Vraen complaining that they wouldn’t let him take his large axe into the festival. They both seem intimidated by all the finery, and with meeting Clarity, who might be the most well-known person in town.

Valorie wants to go to Adamantia’s large tent, and heads inside.  There’s a pressure change, and Valorie suddenly finds herself in a large stone tower in the Duallithi style, specifically in a luxuriously decorated room, complete with a welcoming fire.  There she spies the artifact, a unicorn foal encased in amber.  Other people mill about with awe at the surroundings, as well as the artifact centerpiece.  Valorie then leaves to wander the Market.

Mara Klein then opens the Festival, explaining the rules of the Compact Craftsmen’s Competition. Each judge will be given three ribbons: copper, silver, and gold; worth one, two, and three points.  Each craftsperson may use a purple ribbon to put up one item for consideration.  The item with the most points wins, with ties broken by number of gold ribbons. The judges for Port Vrall are Madeira Waynesbottom and Amadeus Arbock. The judges for New Tidelight are Xinea Carver and Vraen Madeye. Clarity and Yezra make up the two final judges.

The group decides to just follow Madeira Waynesbottom as she judges things.

## Western Main Street

First, the group makes its way through the Western Main Street, where the metalworkers and masons have gathered, and browses the wares available.

Erna offers a set of Butterdraw Scabbards, which make drawing their blades much easier. Valorie commissions a scabbard for her rapier.

The group visits Triumph, who offers a series of Beautiful (+1) daggers, each with inset gemstones. Nexrin takes a liking to an emerald inset dagger and purchases it to replace the one Xovreme strongly encouraged Nexrin to give him.

Next is Thom Brentman. By the time the group gets there, a gold ribbon hangs from a large bronze bust of Madeira Waynesbottom. Yezra tries to figure out if Madeira was the one who gave it (Insight 28). She gathers Thom made it deliberately to attract her attention, and notices that there is a smaller bust of Mara Klein in the back with a scrap of purple ribbon on it, and determines he swapped out his offering when he learned Madeira was judging. He also offers smaller busts of Marzipan, Tolyr, Nexrin, Calliope, Clarity, and Arha.

The next stall contains an excitable person, one which has the guards suspicious. A Goblin, with a pointy chin and prosthetic nose, is selling her wares. He offers Shardbursters (3d6 slashing in 20 ft. radius, 12d6 if eaten) and Caldroppers (Drops caltrops in 30 ft. radius). They have as her offering a rifle which is powered through Everglow fluid. It burns its targets through Radiant light. Valorie buys a Shardburster and a Caldropper here.

The last craftsperson of note is Fion Fiddlefast, who has created a detailed table showing a fight between the Compact and Kazreme. Kazreme's scales are inset with ruby flakes, and his eyes are two large Topaz. Additionally, he has carved miniatures of all Compact members. Clarity, in love with the table, gives it her silver ribbon.

## Eastern Main Street

The group moves onto the Eastern side of Main Street, still following Madeira. Here the tailors, leatherworkers, and carpenters have set up.

Marzipan and Brightstaff know the first person already, an elven tailor named Kal'modo. He offers many fine clothes, as well as a direwolf and mink cloak with silver thread inlay depicting the Inkwell Mountains. Amadeus has given it his blessing with a Gold ribbon, and Vraen Madeye was also impressed, giving it his bronze ribbon. Kal'modo seemed out of sorts with Vraen's unkempt appearance, but Clarity convinces him of Vraen's high station, comparing him to Tamas Waynesbottom, the leader of the Wellwatch (Persuasion 24, +1 Success). She succeeds, and he endeavors to modify his attitude in the future. Clarity decides to stay here and search for clothes to expand her wardrobe. Eventually she purchases a nice red dress.

Valorie leaves the group here to speak with Madeira directly. She attempts to persuade Madeira to purchase the unicorn artifact by implying the Compact would be jealous if she did (Deception 27). Madeira feigns disinterest, but Valorie gathers that this is a ruse, and that the farmer intends to acquire the unicorn. Nexrin and Yezra move on, meeting a dragonborn from New Tidelight, Kalzak Woodbender. He has many spears and javelins for sale, but his offering is a sculpture of two entwined dragons. Xinea is amazed and wants to give it a gold ribbon, but Kalzak seems to have a case of Imposter Syndrome and asks she save it for a worthier item. Yezra attempts to give him a pep talk, but does more to intimidate him into accepting the ribbon than anything else (Persuasion 11).

Next is Aradne of Raalos, who has a couple of tapestries and rugs for sale. Her offering is a triangular tapestry depicting the five deities of Duallith: Sarenrae, Ova, and Heironia at the edges of the tapestry, with Nerulla and Raal at the center. Yezra noticed that several of the rugs and tapestries seem hastily finished at the edges (Insight 11). Yezra asks, and she seems to be stranded in Port Vrall, and intends to use the prize money to fund a trip back to Duallith.

The next shop of note is Ankh's, who offers leather goods, as well as a dark leather saddle with gold embroidery detailing a phrase in Draconic. The saddle was already awarded a silver ribbon by Madeira. Nexrin reads the text, which the embroiderer messed up, resulting in gibberish. He tells Ankh this, who turns very angry about the situation. Yezra and Clarity console him about it.

Nexrin returns to order a brace of thirty Fine (+1) arrows from Kalzak, to be delivered in two weeks. Valorie speaks with Saphira Goldhammer, attempting to imply that purchasing the Unicorn would give her leverage over the Compact to help with her requests (Deception 27). She thanks Valorie for the tip (Insight 16). Valorie notes that Saphira has a terrifying capacity for piercing through deceptions, and also notes that she became guarded as soon as she saw Valorie approaching her (Insight 15).

## The Portway

The last festival area, filled with a motley assortment of artisans.

The group immediately runs into Neoll and Lin'dsey. Neoll offers samples of an aged honey ale, while Lin'dsey is offering hair dye and nail polish. Nexrin buys a drinking horn and has Neoll fill it, but luckily doesn't get tipsy (Con Save 19). Yezra is curious why Lind'sey didn't offer anything for judging. Lin'dsey tells the group that she doesn't want the council judging her naymore than usual, and that she's been too busy dealing with her Barony. Apparently the Council is impeding her ability to leech the poison from the ground.

The next crafter of note is a spellscribe named Muldi Mason. His offering is a scroll of Storm Sphere. Clarity and Yezra attempt to speak with him, but he seems unfriendly. Yezra determines that he doesn't like Nevad, a Northern Half-Orc jeweler the group just spoke to, and doesn't like how friendly Clarity and Yezra were towards her (Insight 21). Nexrin asks if he can help with finishing Delphi's quiver, and makes a down payment for it.

Valorie then purchases some sketches from an artist, Cyana Dermchap. She gets drawings of a unicorn, a threshold cat, and a ghost.

The time for the Unicorn auction draws near, and Day Khana also promised a demonstration of his rifle, Shattering Light. Nexrin gets a refill of his horn and a turkey leg. Yezra notices that Muldi has a malevolent look towards Nevad, and asks Nexrin to stay and keep an eye on them. Valorie approaches Arbock and attempts to convince him that the Unicorn could be a valuable business opportunity, since magic is becoming a larger part of Vrallan industry (Persuasion 10, Nat 1). Arbock remains uninterested, but offers Valorie a loan to purchase it for herself.

## Before the Judging

Clarity and Yezra distribute their ribbons at the Western Main Street, Each giving Fiddle a gold ribbon and Triumph a silver ribbon. Afterwards, they watch Day's demonstration of Shattering Light. She lets off a trio of shots at a wooden dummy, blowing massive holes in it and setting it ablaze (8d8 radiant damage/shot). Yezra and Clarity are impressed and offer them their copper ribbons. Vraen rushes forward, amazed, and gives her a silver ribbon. Clarity offers to purchase the gun, since it's unlikely Day Khana will win, but he refuses. They are hoping to win the competition and become accepted enough in the community that they can move East. Yezra offers her a place on New Tidelight, to which Vraen heartily agrees (Persuasion 25, +1 Success for Clarity).

Valorie attends the auction, which ends up being very short. Saphira is the only bidder, at 2100 GP. Madeira doesn't counter, to Valorie's surprise and Adamantia's annoyance. Saphira wins, Adamantia gives her the unicorn and demands everyone leave her home. Valorie attempts to puzzle out what happened and surmises something must've happened between Saphira and Madeira (Insight 13).

Nexrin gets Nevad a turkey leg and stands with her. He notices that Muldi appears to be casting a spell surreptitiously and warns Nevad (Perception 18). Suddenly, a sphere of darkness covers her table, blocking all sight. Nexrin goes to confront Muldi, who pleads innocence and attempts to turn the blame on Nevad. Frustrated and unable to figure out a course of action, Nexrin returns to Nevad's side. The darkness abates, revealing Nevad's prize ring is gone. The guards come and demand to know what's going on. Nexrin attempts to leverage his Renown to explain that Muldi stole the ring, but Muldi, in a moment of glibness, muddles the situation enough that the guards do nothing (Persuasion 16 v 20). Nexrin tells Nevad that the Compact will handle the situation, and not to do anything rash.

## Judging

Before judging begins, Nexrin tells the group about what happened between Muldi and Nevad, and Valorie sends Persephone to spy on Madeira. They hear her learn the current standings, and then sees her make for Vraen Madeye.

Clarity notices Madeira heading to Vraen with a purpose, and thinks something fishy is afoot. She goes to slow Madeira down while Yezra chats with Vraen, impressing on him that he made good choices. After stalling her, Clarity goes with her to Vraen and Yezra where she attempts to convince him to change his picks. Clarity and Madeira both attempt to sway Vraen, with Valorie intervening with Cutting Words, resulting in Clarity easily supporting Vraen (13-7 v 26).

Clarity gives a speech, then allows Yezra to name the winner. Triumph wins the competition and the 250 GP prize, along with six Renown rolls, bringing his Renown from 2 to 8. Fiddle comes in second with 2 gold ribbons. Thom's bust of Madeira comes in third with one gold and one silver ribbon.

Clarity gains a Renown, and she and Yezra haggle with Fiddle to buy his table. Yezra talks him down to 200 GP ( Persuasion 26), and Nexrin offers Clarity a loan of 100 GP to help her pay for it. He also throws in another 50 GP on his own because he likes the table so much. Nexrin asks Kalzak about his statue, and he offers to sell it to Nexrin for 80 GP, who buys it for 100 GP. During this time, Valorie seeks out Muldi and talks to him about what happened. Muldi denies any wrongdoing, and Valorie sympathizes before waxing poetic about Nexrin's wrath towards racists (Intimidation 29). Muldi turns white in fear and turns invisible. Valorie doesn't seem him leave, but does see Nevad's ring suddenly appear back on her table (Perception 20).

The group regroups, and Valorie informs them of how she resolved the Muldi problem. The group decides not to pursue things further.

Given Clarity's increased committments regarding Port Vrall, she decided to recruit an assistant. She initially approaches Aradne of Vaalos for the role, but is concerned about her inability to speak out against the slavery. Aradne remains afraid that anything less than full support for the enslavement of Mousefolk would be dangerous for her should she return to Duallith. She offers to try and get better about it, but ultimately Clarity decides against hiring her.

## Clarity's Speech

"Good evening! Thank you all for coming to the first ever Compact craftsman's competition. As one of the hosts of today's competition, I'd like to say a couple words in appreciation of those who have made this event possible."

"First, I'd like to thank the Ironwood compact, in particular my good friend Nexrin Vaxilondrax, for putting this event together and putting up the generous prize."

"I would also like to thank these eminent council members of our two great communities, Xinea and Madeira, Amadeus and Vraen."

"I feel very lucky to have been a part of this panel, especially as it represents the mutual cooperation of our two strong communities: Port Vrall and New Tidelight. The judging has proved to be no easy task, as we received many extraordinary entries from many skilled craftsmen. However, having a variety of perspectives proved extraordinarily helpful in making this decision." "Without further ado, I'd like to turn this over to Yezra to announce our finalists."