Neil Diamond

[Slayer of the Rot]

Dan Lagh'ratham entered one of the shops in the bazaar without a complicated and rambling intro because his writer had shotgunned too many beers last night and thought it would be a good idea to smoke a whole pack of his cigarettes. His head was killing him and he could taste someone's vomit in his mouth, so he decided to get on with it so he could get the writing out of the way.

The slayer threw his arms wide open and surrounded himself with a score of his possessions. On his left stood his bulky suit of thick delyn full plate. Across the counter, a dozen items had appeared; a ring with an ivory band and an eye motif, a delyn combat knife, six traditional steel chakrams, six serrated steel chakram, two small, inconsipicuous mythril knives tat had been in the toes of his boots, ten meters of steel razor wire, a steel guan dao, a steel meathook, and a separable double bladed plynt sword. In his right hand, he loosely held a glowing mythril great sword, it's point loosely scratching at the shop's floor.

"That's right, everything must go. Now give me a number that I'm gonna like."

((Selling ring of vigilance, a pair of mythril boot toe knives, a delyn combat knife, six traditional steel chakrams, six serrated steel chakrams, a masterwork mythril sword, ten meters of steel razor wire, a steel guan dao, a steel meathook, a double bladed plynt sword, and a heavy suit of delyn full plate with a Last Resort Sword enchantment on the right gauntlet, to make checking a list easier. Good luck, and sorry.))

[AdventWings]

((Dang, Dan. You're cleaning house, too?))

For a man of such infamy in the Coronian Bazaar, Dan Lagh'ratham sure wasn not making enough effort to hide his name. It could be luck, if you could call it, that kept the man from being outed to the Army right from the moment he stepped into the store.

Or, rather, one could say his lucky inventories saved him the trouble on knocking around fifty militiamen for lunch.

Which was true enough for Sylas, who did not like the Army to begin with already.

"...How does sixteen thousand sound to you, sir...?" The small man glanced up from the stack of item hanging in the demon's magical wardrobe. He did not know of any special things each of the wares might contain - the shrew-like merchant would have to sort them out afterwards by himself.

[Slayer of the Rot]

"It sounds...decent," Dan muttered out of the corner of his mouth, and began to reach for the right gauntlet of the armor. With a flick of his finger, the little plates over the knuckles snapped up, revealing faintly glowing violet sigils.

"Some things to take into consideration though...this piece of the armor is enchanted to emit a blade of energy. Pretty damn handy if the person wearing it gets disarmed, or Hromagh forbid, the idiots break their weapons. The ring..." Dan scooped the thing up, holding it out in his palm, "Will glow if danger is near its owner, or it will glow when close to a source of magic." Curling his hand, he clutched the ring between his index and thumb and held it against the enchanted gauntlet. It immediately began to glow with a dull orange light.

"What I want is fairly simple," he continued, setting the ring down with a sharp click on the counter's wood top. "What I want is one of those," he said, jabbing a finger at a kodachi hung with a number of Akashiman imports. The short sword had a blood grove carved down it's blade, and curved slightly away from the cross guards at it's bottom.

"I'd like a model of that, but in the best metal I can get for under sixteen thousand. Prevalida would be nice. Additionally, I want the price for a large spiked metal ball, at least five times the size of an average man's head, on a long chain - I suppose I'd call that a heavy flail. Damascus, I'd prefer for that."

((Yeah, cleaning up the clutter.))

[AdventWings]

((Mmm... Nice reference to Blood+ ;)))

The merchant followed his customer's gesture, spotting the item in question. The curved sword on display happened to be a strange design, even to the Akashiman bladesmiths who originally crafted it themselves. It was almost like the blood groove was meant for other purposes than to drain the victims of their blood.

"Ah, yes. Prevalida shall do nicely, for a weapon of considerably unique design... I shall ask only four thousand... for its construction... As for the heavy flail you request... I shall ask for another four thousand in standard gold..."

Sylas glanced at the demon's eyes as if gauging his reaction, keeping his hands to himself lest a stray movement would mean the end of his career... Even if it was not a very long one.

"...One month is all that we need... For both of your requests to be complete."

[Slayer of the Rot]

Slowly, the slayer crossed his arms over his chest, nodding. "Yes, that will work fairly well enough. I have business that may keep me busy for a month, at any rate. I'd like to ask of one more thing, though...I am something of a collector of artifacts, and the like." As though to prove his point, Dan lifted one arm up, holding to the side, and summoned the Shield of Vanguard. The mouth in the middle of it opened slightly, emitting a low hiss noise. The black and red dyed metal around the massive teeth wrinkled and bent impossibly, and then the jaws snapped shut with a sharp crack. It vanished immediately, and he settled his arm against his chest once more.

"Primarily, I've been looking for something specific lately. I've been looking for a device to turn my body invisible, whether it be to the human eye or anything else."

((Ha, thanks. Anyway, what I'm thinking of is something like a little plaque or something of a flat object with three colored stones on them. Every time he uses one, the stones would turn gray in turn, and make him invisible for a short time. Something that can be used three times a thread, or a day, whichever, and recharges over night after it uses all of its charges.))

[AdventWings]

Such a powerful artifact would, most certainly, fetch a great price. After all, it was not often one would find an item of practical application in such a place as the Bazaar. Moreover than not, the Slayer was also a wanted man in this region. Sylas could turn him down and call in the guards, although with the threat of having his shop torn apart within seconds.

But provided the man had the funds... Why not?

"...While I may not have what you are asking for specifically... I believe this may be adequate..."

The ratty man dug into a secret store nearby, producing a small jade plaque with three white indents upon its ornate surface. While it was merely the size of the merchant's own hand, its powers were not to be trifled with.

"...This shall do. Invoke it's name whilst clasping it to your chest... It shall turn you invisible to the naked eye... for five minutes at a time, which one white indent shall turn to match the jade. However, you must be wary that it will take a full moon's night to reactivate the ability, restoring your capacity to disappear.... Bask it in the moon's ray for the entire night... until daylight breaks..."

The man glanced up to the wanted man and raised his hand, all five fingers spread out to show him the price.

"Five thousand is the price I ask."

[Slayer of the Rot]

"Very well," the slayer said immediately, and began to reach for the little trinket. A shadow of concern flickered through his eyes a second later though, and his outstretched fingers paused.

"A moment...its name? I don't know its name. It could be Helga or Jim or something stupid like Azural or Derium. I am going to simply trust that you know it." Dan plucked the object out of the man's hand, half expecting a moment such as when he'd taken the Shield of Vanguard. He stood staring intently at it for another moment, then simply shrugged. Holding up his free hand, he shifted his grip on the artifact, and then a slick white blade emerged from his flesh. Fat streams of blood rolled down to his cuff, and he pulled away his shirt, exposing the middle of his chest. With frightening speed he'd flayed a rectangle of skin away, and slapped the plaque against the wound. In seconds, it had begun to scab over - within a few moments the artifact would be part of him. Thinking nothing of it, he popped the flayed skin into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed quietly.

"Have its name for me when I return after a month's time," he muttered over his shoulder, stomping out of the shop.

[AdventWings]

"...Very well. Pleased to be of service."

Sylas narrowed his eyes thoughtfully as the demon stormed out of the shop, counting on his abacus to check the remaining credits the Manslayer had left.

"...I see... Three thousand left on his tab..."

The sly man grinned, pulling out a small book with the name of the artifact's name...

[Slayer of the Rot]

The slayer kept his word. Exactly one month from the day that he'd first placed his order, the brute of a man came lumbering back into the bazaar. A black cloak hung around his body, and a turban hid most of his head. Grainy dust still clung to the folds of his clothes. It was obvious that he had just returned from Fallien. The little brass bell over the door gave a tinny jingle as he threw open the door and marched to the counter, his expression one of annoyance.

"I am not sure if the messenger managed to arrive, but I hope you managed to cancel the order on that spiked flail. Now then..."

Dan rummaged in the cloak he was wearing, and produced his wallet. "The name, the blade, and my money, please. And while you're at it, tell me the location of the nearest bestiary that sells large, vicious animals."

[AdventWings]

Ah, yes. The messenger did appear just as Sylas was about to send the design papers to a blacksmith. What a shame, too.

"Purchase of the spiked flail was cancelled at your request, sir." The shady man replied with a slight hint of disappointment in his eyes. "But the other wares are ready for your retrieval. Please wait one moment..."

The remainder of Lag'ratham's purchase came, one by one. First was the large bag of gold coins, each with a different face value totalling to seven thousand gold pieces. The second to appear was the custom-forged sword, accompanied by its unique sheath of ebony made specifically for the weapon. The last to come was the name of the strange artifact now grafted into the customer's chest.

"...The name of the artifact... is daffodil."

((Having a little fun here, plz don't leave just yet. :p I'll add to the activation ritual in our next post.))

[Slayer of the Rot]

"Daffo - what?!" Instantly, anger burst across his features. The slayer had been in the process of unbuttoning his shirt, revealing the little jade plaque nestled in scar tissue and protruding veins. Taking a deep breath, Dan shut his eyes and leaned slowly over the counter, slapping his hands against it. The flesh of his cheeks slowly began to recede, until each and every one of his razor sharp teeth were glistening with spit in the afternoon light.

"I think you may have misread that, merchant."

[AdventWings]

"...Aye, indeed I may have misread it. Pardon me, sir Lagh'ratham."

Sylas could not help but crack a smile, unfazed by the threatening appearance, but quickly hiding the expression lest the demon returned with another outburst of anger. While it would be nothing the merchant could handle, his shop would be an entirely different matter.

"Pardon me, sir Lagh'ratham. It was a test of your resilience to agitation. Apparently, less than I anticipated. Anywho, I shall relay to you the activation ritual you must perform for the artifact to work."

The shady merchant took out an identical plaque from within the sleeves of his robe, the item having only one white spot remaining upon its face.

"When you wish to use the spell, touch the face of the stone whilst clasping it to your chest. In your instance, merely touching it with your hand shall do just fine. Then, utter its name - Kikurin. As for the rest... You already know."

The jade item shimmered momentarily, but did not disappear. For the merchant had not held it at his heart, the mechanisms did not activate. However, one could see its reaction to know the sly man was telling the truth.

[Slayer of the Rot]

"Kikurin..."

The little jade plaque settled in his flesh tingled and shivered like a mirage in the desert heat, but nothing more. As the flesh of his mouth slowly regenerated, it came as a renewed smile; it was money well worth spent.

"You do good business, merchant. Now then, I'm interested in three remaining things." Dan turned and walked quickly towards the eastern wall, towards a glass display case. Inside sat a gold ring with inset amber stones, a pair of smooth silver plates, and an odd white mask sewn into a folded black cloak.

"How much for these?"

((I'll send you a PM later on the objects.))

[AdventWings]

Sylas glanced over the different items the slayer brought to the table, mentally calculating the prices and importance. With the wares identified, he gave a short chuckle before resuming his duties.

"Ah, yes. The Etherband... Five thousand gold pieces is my price. For the Angelic Emblem, perhaps... Three thousand... And another five thousand for the Serpent's Guise. They come to a total of thirteen thousand gold pieces, sir."

((I'll list the items and abilities at the end of this thread to save some rp space. Is that fine, since we've agreed on its restrictions already?))

[Slayer of the Rot]

"Three thousand short of everything." The slayer stared quietly at the objects for a while, then reached out and picked up the ring and the two featureless plates. The pair vanished into thin air in his grasp as the ring was slipped onto his left hand. That hand fell into his cloak, and reappeared, holding a small sheet of pure mythril.

"You don't see these marks very much outside of Raiaera. They're worth precisely one thousand of the normal gold pieces. It was a lot of trouble getting a hold of them; they usually only give them to nobility, and their body guards tend to be...troublesome. At any rate, I have two more, so enjoy. I believe the overflow from my previous sales should cover the additional seven thousand," he said, indicating the large bag still sitting on the counter. Dan set the sheet next to it, glanced at the new ring, and promptly vanished.

[AdventWings]

"Thank you for doing business, sir."

Sylas lowered his eyes to retrieve the white mask, not bothering to wonder if his customer had heard the merchant's farewell or not. Today was a fine day for him, after all. Elusive as he may be, a deep-pocketed customer was not easily found outside of the military or royalties in this time and age. And who would do business with a shady man like him?

A series of rapid knocks rang from the door, prompting the merchantman to look up from his notes. Even before the man had time to move from his seat, a squad of armed men bursted into his store. Sylas remained calmly watching them as the half-dozen armed men swept their eyes around the store before one of them spoke up.

"Sylas Derricks, I assume? We received a tip that a wanted criminal was seen around this area and entered your shop. Now, what can you tell me?"

Sylas lowered his head, the rim of his hood hiding his eyes from the Coronian soldier.

"...I receive many shady customers, Sergeant. I know not which one you are referring to..."

"The name's Dan Lagh'ratham, rat. Now, tell us where he went or we'll revoke your permissions. You know the only reason why we even allow you to set up shop in here."

The merchant remained silent, motionless even as the army commander moved closer to the counter. But the soldier could not see the sly grin the shady old man had on his face.

"Well? Speak up."

"...Jadet. That was the last few words I remembered him speaking of..."

That was all it took to satisfy the Coronian Armed Forces.

"Good boy, Sylas." The sergeant sneered, moving back towards the door. "Alright, men. We're chasing him to Jadet. Call in reinforcements and have them ready to catch the fugitive."

And the armed forces could search all they want... For Dan Lagh'ratham would not be there.

((Transaction Complete!

Slayer of the Rot loses the following items:

- Ring of Vigilance ((Unique Item))
- Mythril Boot Toe Knives (x2)
- Delyn Combat Knife
- Steel Chakrams (x6)
- Serrated Steel Chakrams (x6)
- Masterwork Mythril Sword
- Steel Razor Wire (10 m.)
- Steel Guan dao
- Steel Meathook
- Double-bladed Plynt Sword
- Delyn Full Plate
- Last Resort Sword Gauntlet (Delyn) ((Unique Item))

And receives the following items:

- Prevalida Kodachi w/ matching Ebony saya ((Unique Item))
- Kikurin ((Unique Item))
- Etherband ((Unique Item; 1))
- Angelic Emblem ((Unique Item; 2))

Slayer of the Rot loses 1,000 GP and receives 100 EXP for good IC interactions.

Thank you for using our services! Pleace come again!))

---

*Unique Item Notes*

1 - Allows short distance teleportation of 8 to 10 ft per use. Inlaid with 3 amber stones which turn to onyx each time it is used to teleport. Thee stones may be used at once to teleport long distances, such as from The Citadel in Corone to Anebrilith in Raiaera. Requires three hours in direct sunlight to recharge it's power after all of the stones turn to onyx.

2 - Used together, the plates emit a pair of ethereal wings which change appearances between possessors. The wings allow flight although draining the user's stamina as if actively flapping the wings - Maximum duration depending directly on possessor's stamina. The wings can be damaged as normal bird's wings would and requiring several hours of rest to repair the damage.