The Operations of the Adars

[Artman77]

...After a short while he returns with two books; a large brown tome with worn pages and scuffed corners titled 'Cities of Minoto Valley' and the other a small book bound in green cloth titled 'Magic Stones'.
"May I be of any more service to you Sir?" the servant asks.

Within the pages of the first tome you find a catalog of some of the most prosperous cities in Qin'Yon, most of which started out as mining towns.

Kamanati, as it turns out, had little success in mining but attracted many wizards with its lush scenery and meditative atmosphere. Subsequently, the wizards purchased diamond dust and precious metals for casting spells increasing the trade between Kamanati and nearby towns. Then, in the nearby mining town of Gonton, a large vein of an unknown crystal was found.

The crystal had many mysterious and wonderful properties, and responded to arcane energies unlike any other since the discovery of the link between magic and diamonds. Jewlers, runecasters and enchanters quickly went to work discovering the potential applications of these crystals, crafting rings, wands, rods, and a new device called a "spell stone". The use of such a stone was more efficient than a scroll; require less arcane knowledge by the user, and less expensive and less dangerous than brewing a potion.

The second book details the process of harvesting, cleaning, and storage of the Gontonian crystals by the miners and tradesmen of Gonton, and a vauge description of the enchantment process used by the wizards of Kamanati to produce the final product. Included is a list of Kamanati crystals one could expect to find for sale should he travel there, as well as a long list of spells imbued or attempted to imbue by the Kamanati enchanters.

[Artman77]

...Your eyes fall upon an older man with a short silver beard and blue robes, and you recognize him immediately...

He is Nethar Prodius, Master Transmuter and frequent visitor to the Great Library in Souel*. You shared drinks with him one time at the Thaumaturges' Club. He introduced you to various herbs and spices you could smoke besides tobacco, and spells you could cast in conjunction with smoking.

Looking now at the "Coat of Arms" on the back of his chair you can't help but smile. A simple shield free of decorations, painted black, with hundreds of arcane symbols scribbled all over it as if done by a three year old. Undoubtedly Nethar's idea of a joke. You pity the artist that had to carve that.

You see by his attire that he still has the inside deal with one of the emperor's tailors. In addition to his top hat, which is new, he still wears the old blue robes that are supposed to be reserved for His Majesty's Royal Guard; the Starbound Magi. Nethar's have no insignia of course, but the high quality materials and craftsmanship scream royalty.

You wonder if he will still recognize you after all this time...

*Capital City (Hence the name, Souelian Empire)

[Artman77]

Also, you notice your Mage Armor dissipates once you appear in the room.

[4th number]

Is there anyone whom Ethan might be able to trust within the Emperor's immediate advisers?

[Artman77]

Richard Yates, born and bred in southern Opesan, near the border it shares with Kubland. He and your father were not friends, but had common enemies, and sat on the council together. They often shared political views and were nostolgic about the "good old days". (Back when serfs were serfs, not possible spellcasters, and when there was respect in the royal court, etc...)

[Artman77]

The ring appears to be a simple band of silver that gets slightly wider in the front and bears the image of a Hydra head. At least, you think it is a dragon head--it could be dragon head, lizard head, drake head, or even the head of a lizardfolk; the craftsmanship is good enough, but the details were left out making the form somewhat ambiguous.

[4th number]

Back in the lead pocket it goes.

[Artman77]

You cannot get a read on Ocelevos Delgarias in the slightest. He is playing his cards very close to the chest.

Sir Nathar Prodius seems to have a hidden agenda, there is something bugging him but he refuses to tell the Hydras what it is. He may have an ulterior motive for being here.

You get a sense of apprehension from Lord Keal Vorten. You can tell he doesn't enjoy being locked in a room with no windows, doors, or perhaps even allies.

Lord Abram Getar appears to be acting. The fist pounding in particular seemed very forced. His facial expressions don't seem to be genuine, but who is he putting on a show for? Hydra, or everyone else?

Malthrenarthiyr the Black is hard to read, but you get the feeling he doesn't want to be here at all. He seems both bored and irritated.

[4th number]

Ethan takes the book, the firewhiskey, the potions, the crystal, and the purse. The small items he pockets, taking care that anything magical is in the lead-lined pocket.

The book and bottle, along with the noble clothes, he stuffs into a bundle inside a pillowcase, taking it with him. He leaves the ring in the desk drawer, locked but with the key in the lock.

[4th number]

Errands to run offscreen when opportunity presents:

• Exchange coins for equal amount freshly minted silver and gold (ideally bartering whiskey for an off-the books transaction)
• Find out what Liquid Enlightenment is
• Locate best available tailor for nobles
• Find out where to coincidentally run into Prodius and/or Vorten

[Artman77]

The money can easily be exchanged at the bank, and the whiskey sold off at the winery and spirits shop, both of which are located a few blocks from your office in downtown Souel.

After some research, you find out Liquid Enlightenment is a very expensive potion made by the elves of Lorian which increases your spellcasting potential.
(OOC: +500 exp, +2 permanent enhancement to your ability tied to spellcasting, and your next attempt to learn a spell is automatically successful, and you can add it to your class list.)

You have your own personal tailor residing at one of the servant houses of your estate. He would be your best bet for a fitting, unless the outfit was overly complicated/fancy/expensive/of foreign make.

Vorten is from the fringes of the Mythos province; it is highly unlikely you would "run into him" anywhere. Before talking to Prodius at the Thaumaturge's Club, you had seen him several times at the library. If that is where you end up going to research liquid enlightenment, you may find him there.