A Kingdom in the Shadow Awaits...

[Black Market]

The streets of Underwood stretched outwards in all directions.

To the north, the grand capital Radasanth where the Empire reigned with an iron fist.

To the south, Serenti, where warriors and daring youths seek out the best of combat arenas to prove their mettle against the champions of the land.

To the east, the town of Jadet welcomes travellers on their way to the other lands.

To the west, Gisela feeds the land as well as the livelihood of all the soldiers stationed throughout the land.

In the middle of it all, a crossroads waiting to be exploited.

And within its darkened shadows, a tiny door leads to a store hidden from all but the few who knew. A store where wares of dangerous proportions await those brave enough to step over the line... And bear the consequences.

Welcome to the New Market.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Yeah I have permission to post here and what not.

Twirling the mysterious talisman (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=16605) he'd acquired from that bizarre back-alley fellow, Lorenor found himself staring at a mysterious structure. Also in the back alley kingdoms of Radasanthia, a mysterious dream fueled by the will of N'Jal lead Lorenor's person to the mysterious hidden door.

A direction revealed by prophetic dreams. The mutant stared at it for a moment as he twirled the talisman in his hand. He was promised access to once in a lifetime wares for a bargain price. Well, what he assumed was a bargain price anyway. The mutant swallowed his fear and prepared to venture forward into the unknown.

His hand shook a bit as he opened the door. His feet guiding him to the exact spot where the great mysteries awaited. He opened the door and entered the darkness within the structure. The trip to this location had been a long and arduous one. The mutant having finally found the place a few nights prior. It took him all of his contacts and connections just to find the secret location and make his way to it.

But the trip had been worth it. He entered the room and a series of scents bombarded him that made the mutant cringe for a moment until he focused on one particularly sweet scent. He made his way into the structure and prepared to face his destiny.

[Black Market]

The depths of the hidden store was filled with many fantastical things from tomes to blades of fanciful design, however, all but the two shop keepers were mere illusions.

Sylas, taking a step forward, grinned a chilling smile. “Ahhh…Yah made it, stranger. I trust you can suguest my friend and I a most delicious desert?”

Leaning against the wall in silence, Threntis rubbed his temples attempting to massage away a growing headache, grunting at the idea of a customer and perhaps the ability to peddle his wears.

Welcome to the Black Market, being the only customer to have taken part in the 'key quest', we are giving you a promotional deal of the ability to purchase two items. I, on behalf of the Black Market staff, would like to thank you for your time. Take heed, adventurers! For these fantastical items could have been yours!

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor stared at the individuals within the mysterious for a brief moment. His eyes memorized the strangers' appearance quite quickly. His senses allowed him to burn the images into his mind should an attempt at a double-cross be made. He looked at the items within the shop and was able to tell that they were mere illusions. Clever illusions, but illusions none the less. Despite this, his interest was piqued.

He remembered that the guards were called to the spot the last time he came across these mysterious individuals. That thought was always on his mind as he considered the situation at hand. He was dealing with an undiscovered country, and he was dealing with individuals who were quite skilled at their craft. They made the bazaar merchants look like chumps.

"Let's take a look at those wares then my friends." Lorenor said that line quite carefully. His voice was leveled and even. He was showing not a single ounce of hostility towards these individuals.

[Black Market]

"You cannot sugguest a delicious desert for my friend and I?" A look of concern flushed over Threntis' already pained expression, eyeing up this man with careful eyes, this man had not presented the key and thus had no right to buy their goods.

Sylas however, continued, eager to deposit his goods for a cash sum.

"Are you sure you do not know of or have a desert for my friend or I?"

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Seeing an image of the talisman in his hand, Lorenor remembered the single word wirtten on the back of the talisman. Cake! You cannot sugguest a delicious desert for my friend and I? Lorenor smacked his forehead and chastised himself for being such an idiot. How could I not remember something so damned simple? Lorenor took the talisman and spun it so that he saw the word in his hand.

"I do have a desert for you. Nice cake." Lorenor said calmly breathing a sigh of relief when he spoke the password on the back of the talisman. "Would that be a good enough desert for you?"

[Black Market]

"Ah yes! Cake! Truly a delicious desert." A smirk finally crashed over his face, tilting it upon side as Threntis also gave a grin. "You have taste my friend. Perhaps you could help us bake one? What would you desire? Cake ingredients? Or tools to bake a cake?"

Threntis stepped forward in his long overcoat, still rubbing his temples with both hands. "Finally, boy, thought yuh'd never speak." The blacksmith sat himself on a desk, a solid illusion but an illusion none the less.

Sylas opened his coat, revealing two sets of items, but how the coat held them was beyond explanation. Inside the coat was a tiny crate of rum and a small sachet, the flap of it open, revealing a purple dried herb. "Perhaps liquid that'd numb the pain of the drinker? That'd be a good ingredient would it not?" A snicker from a dark face. "Or maybe you're the sort that likes to eat his cake at night...But surely then, you'd need to be able to...see in the dark..." Eyes trained onto the sachet of herbs. "A good drink of rum would set you back, say...To you, my friend, 400 gold, I'm sure you know good alcohol when you see it." It was obvious these goods were not your standard items and that there was also room for at least SOME hangling. "Or perhaps you're the peaceful sort, maybe a night time herbal tea? That'd be a low 450, a price that is more than justified by their use...Oh yes..."

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Ingredients for the cake huh? Lorenor listened with only half hearted interest at the items were listed. So far, nothing of interest came to the mutant's attention. But he wanted to see the tools for making the cake itself. This is what was interesting him the most. These were unique wares and the mutant wanted to take full advantage of the wares available.

"Let me see these tools you have available for making the cake."

[Black Market]

"Ahhh...A shrewd customer...I have here, a most fine knife, you know, for cutting up your ingredients? Or incapacitating your foes...Whatever comes first, I much prefer a good cake myself." Whether this duo were crazy or not left much to the imagination, but strange they sure were. Stepping forward came Threntis.

"Ah go' it righ' 'ere." Opening up his coat, there it was, a strange dagger whos blade glowed a strange eery blue and light crackling sounds came from it every now and then.

"Spen' a good while makin' this, ah did." Threntis presented the dagger out for the male to examine. "Handle be dragon bone, that gemstone yuh see is Topaz, don't be breaking it yah hear? Yuh break it, yuh buy it. Now the blade...That my friend is an interesting combination...It's yuh good ol' steel plus some o' the high quality stuff, an alloy, we call it in tha trade, steel an' damascus steel, makin' it a sturdy piece...See though, you push that into yah ingredients and it'll cook 'em up real good, ya hear? I'll start yah at a fine 900g"

"Secondly..." Spoke Sylas, as if snaking back into the conversation with an eery tone. "Yuh got yah slicin' tool...But what if ya need a bit of extra heat? Ya know, to truly get those flames stoked?"

Threntis laughed manically, immediately regretting such as it pierced into his migraine. "Urgh..." Lifting a hand, a large puff of smoke brought forth a sword made of high quality damascus with a fine cutting edge, this weapon, however, was not held out for 'try before you buy', being a large pride and joy of the fellow whom had crafted it.

"See, now, ya got this tool here..." Facing away from Lorenor, he gave it a swing whilst out calling a single word in a gruff heavy tone. "Engulf!" With the swing, two head sized fireballs shot in a direct line in the direction the blade had been pointing, these, in turn, coursed for a few moments through the air before hitting the fake store wall and dissipating. "One o' me finest pieces o' work...But o' course...A good piece comes at a good price...1600 I'll call ya for..."

Sylas looked to Threntis who gave a nod, perhaps they could sell their most finest and expensive ware...

"There is always one last thing, ya know...If cake isn't your thing..."

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor's glowing purple eyes shined brightly from beneath his mask. The wares suddenly got interesting. He wanted to at least see the final ware before he made up his mind. He was highly interested in that sword! It was made out of damascus and enchanted with a mighty useful spell. He could use something like that. Lorenor smiled to himself and nodded.

"Let's see this special ware of yours. I want to see all of your offers before I make up my mind." Lorenor said casually, his imagination was already running wild with possibilities.

[Black Market]

"Well my friend...For those who don't like cake...We got ourselves what we call the Soothesayer...Coz who doesn't like cake?"
Threntis took an uneasy step back, knowing well the insanity of his friend.

The 'Soothesayer' was revealed, a large fanciful pistol with three barrels that functioned much like a flintlock. "Now this here...The barrel is made of a fantastic titanium...Yuh can change this little doo-dag here and fire upto three bullets at once...Ya know? Just to make sure the job is done right...It'll easily pierce steel, maybe higher stuff, ya know? At close range." Holding the gun out he aimed at a wall and took a pretend shot at it. "BANG!" He'd speak out loud, the wall shimmering as Threntis played along, using his own magic to influence his friends toying. The gun was of an intricate design, three barrels in silver whilst the barrel was a fine long length of supportive titanium. The handle was of solid oak with a damascus firing pin and trigger.

Sylas aimed the gun at Lorenor with a grin. "Oh do say you like cake..." Another grin and he would call out yet again. "KAPOW! Yah dead." Yet another grin spread across his face, Threntis in the background now bawling with laughter, the two found themselves caught up in ever deep cackling until Sylas, without warning solidified in stature, emotionless and uncaring. "...So if yah don't like people who don't like cake...Like we don't...Then that'd be putting yah back arround 2400, we'll even give yah an extra three shots, coz you like cake, right?"
Up for sale at prices stated:
1: Triple-barrel flintlock + 6 blackpowder shots - Titanium Barrel, damascus firing pin and trigger, silver holding chamber, golden decoration.
2: Flamethirst - longsword able to shoot 2 fireballs 5 times a day. Command Line: "Engulf" - Decorative but fine blade of a single piece of Damascus, making it sturdy and strong.
3: Painkiller Rum - Dulls the pain sensations for 5 post; 1 bottle = 3 use and becomes drunk afterwards
4: StormSinge - Dagger with infused lightning power. Causes mild burns and static shocks - Topaz inlaid dragon bone handle, damascus/steel alloy
5: "Unknown Herb" - Gives night clarity to the person who chews it, lasting for about an hour. Causes migraine afterwards.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor clapped his hands with delight. All of the items for sale were truly wonderful indeed. He was glad that he'd taken his step into the dark side of the marketplace. Despite this, the thoughts of the original sell out were fresh on his mind. The Knights of Dawn were a constant danger and the mutant knew that this location was probably dead marked as well. He would need a secondary exit to get his ass the hell out of there.

If the Knights of Dawn were in on the deal somehow, they could sell out the whole entire Gol'Bron in one fell swoop. Lorenor couldn't have that. He would get what he came for, and that would be that. Calculating his funds in his head, he decided that he would have to wait another time for the fancy gun. Though it was as interesting weapon, the mutant had a crossbow in his possession which did the job just as effectively. No. He wanted the sword. "Let me get that Flamethirst since I do like hot cake. I'll offer you 1,700 for it." The mutant said calmly, glad that his face was hidden behind a mask. Unless they had some other way of seeing him, they couldn't positively I.D. him. All he had to do was wear different clothing after he left the shop to avoid local authorities if the items were as hot as he thought they were.

[Black Market]

"...Hmm...1500, you say? I suppose you do like cake..." The fellow put his right hand to his chin in thought whilst his left still softly caressed the gun, after much thought, he gave a smirk and nodded, removing his hand from his chin and clicking his fingers. "Threntis. The sword!" He commanded with a voice that the other knew not to argue with.

Stepping finally from the wall and towards the dark masked stranger, Threntis held out one hand for the money whilst the other offered out the sword. Sylas took a step back holding the gun up ready for any smart stuff. "Now, you hand over the money, we hand over the sword. Kapeesh?"

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor hesitated for a moment. Something about this didn't sit well with him at all. The mutant pondered the other illusions in the store for a moment, but these objects seemed real at least to him. Lorenor shifted uncomfortably where he stood. Once he heard the basic offer, he didn't like the position he was in at all. He turned to look at the door for a moment and pondered simply leaving. This was too coincidental. The first night out at this place where he initially got the talisman, guards showed up at the exact location. What was to prevent that from happening again?

Lorenor looked at Threntis and Sylas very dangerously to let them know he meant business. "If I even sense a double cross. I'll gut both of you bastards, understand?" Lorenor said with acid in his voice. He took the money in his hand, the exact amount he offered and handed it to Sylas and Threntis. "The sword. Now." Lorenor said, a hand going to one of his own masterwork damacus blades. He was prepared for the worst of eventualities. If this was a double cross, Lorenor would fight them, grab their stuff and escape with his life intact all before the Knights of Dawn showed up to claim the price on the mutant's head.

With his hand upon the hilt of one of his weapons, Lorenor took a loose combat stance just in case they tried something. "My sword. Now. I will not ask again."

[Black Market]

The sword in The merchant's hand eased into Lorenor's own, though somewhat apprehensive of the customer's suddenly hostile stance. Sylas cocked an eyebrow in the darkness of his hood, a thin smile making its way across his shaded visage.

"No need to be so rude, Stranger. After all, we both like cake, am I right?"

Sylas moved back to the front while his partner counted out the gold, settling for the price they had agreed on instead of the full sixteen hundred. The room rippled slightly as the shady merchant focused his mind, reinforcing the illusory establishment until the deal was done.

"Is that all, stranger? No rum to go wit the cake, then?"

Sylas the One Eye peered from under his hood at the mutant, coyly probing his mind for any indications of hesitation. "Cake goes rightly so with rum, oh yes, it does."

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Holding the sword in his hand, the mutant held it tightly along with the scabbard that came with it. Lorenor held the sword by the scabbard and relaxed his position after he saw that the transaction was complete. He was grateful that he was wearing a mask so they couldn't see his face and sell out his location to the Knights of Dawn or someone worse than that. The mutant looked at Sylas and the other, nodded to them and prepared to take his leave.

"I thank you for your business. Next time we meet, I'll be sure to have a bottle of fine rum with me. Cake is always excellent." Lorenor said casually and prepared to take his leave with a deep bow to the two shady dealers. He walked towards the door slowly unless they needed something else.

[Black Market]

"See you again, stranger..."

The last words of the shady merchants hung in the air as the tiny little shop rippled and buzz. One moment where a creaky old door once stood vanished into the rusty red brick wall, the shadow of a tavern house concealing any trace of a market that once stood within.

The road leads north out of Underwood to the capital city of Radasanth.

The road leads east to a small seaside town of Jadet.

The road leads south to the battle arena of Serenti.

The road leads west to the golden fields of Gisela.

But none shall lead to the Kingdom in the Shadow... For the Kingdom would not be found my mortal eyes alone...

((Transaction Completed... Enjoy your ware, stranger...))