Special Auction

[Artifex Felicis]

The wagon trundled up slowly, wares bouncing and the occasional clink of metal emitting. Four smaller beings crouched on top of the wagons roof. Whenever they moved a slight whirring could have been heard. One of the lamps that hanged from a side seemed to contain pixies, and there were several jawbones attached to the back. Nearly everything imaginable could have been contained in the wagon, from dragon eggs to magic swords. It was a very impressive wagon, and its intent was obvious in the bazaar. It was there to sell wares, and to make money.

The man stepped out of the wagon with a grin on his face, looking at every part like the average man. He had on a strange hat, and made his presence known in the streets with the simple setting up of shop in front of the Auction House. there was the typical salesman's smile and clothes, looking like every man's best friend. He stood on a slightly higher platform, with guards all ready at a moments notice to take care of the very rich man. There hadn't been an Auction this large in a long time.

"The first item is a set of five special leaves. Not any leaves however, but taken from a ground saturated with magic. They would double a person's strength for an hour per leaf, as well as keep them from succumbing to poisons. One interesting tidbit is how they will even heal wounds after they have been chewed when applied to them. The starting price will be 200 gold!"

((Rules!


-Don't try to steal, you will be shot and it isn't the citadel. Nor will the shot miss. No matter how quick or tough you are.
-I will update every day or so, probably more often, on the highest price and whatnot.
-If the highest bidder backs out for reasons unknown, the next highest bidder will win.
-Every Auction lasts until Noted.

2x Strength Leaves - Slayer of the Rot - 420 Gold - Paid
Magic Egg Thingy - Moonlit Raven - 650 - Paid
Vorpal Sword - Letho - 3,500 - Paid
Angel Eyes - 016573 - 500 - Paid
Everlasting Meal - Play Back - 300 - Paid
Dungeon Bow - Sighter - 750 - Not yet Paid

Current Auction is CLOSED for renovations))

[Slayer of the Rot]

The crowd parted towards the far left of the merchant and a tall being in black armor emerged. He was frowning, but only slightly, and his expression was one of vast boredom. Known well here for his expensive bulk purchases, Dan Lagh'ratham's cape settled at the back of his armored ankles, and the people stirred, some staring at his strange ears, others staring at his frightful pointed teeth that revealed themselves as he opened his mouth.

"Two hundred and twenty gold. I suppose they could serve useful at some point or another."

[Serilliant]

Serilliant kept his wide hat tipped downward, shielding his eyes from the sun. He did not anticipate anything of particular interest to appear in this auction, but the allure of special magic items was unavoidable for anyone with a fat purse. Knowing such a location would be a natural goldmine for potential thieves, he kept his sword tucked on display in his scabbard, letting its brilliant prevalida blade, sharpened and shined, catch the eyes of any would-be bandits.

The first item on sale, a set of leaves, did not excite Serilliant. But when a man dressed in black stepped forward and made his bid, the items seemed a bit more interesting. The muscles on the strange man bulged, and Serilliant wondered what effect such leaves would have on him. But then, the consideration made him pause. What might these leaves do to his own lean frame? Speed was one of his biggest advantages as a swordsman, and to add power behind his blows as well would yield a significant edge.

Almost without meaning to, his hand immediately went up and called out, "three-hundred gold". The bid was low -- just testing the waters for now. But as he felt the weight of his gold purse, he felt confident that he would soon find a home for the leafy treasure.

[Artifex Felicis]

"And the current high bid goes to the man in the feathered cap! Do I hear any other high bids for these leaves? Who knows when you might just need that last once of strength to get by, and why take the chance?"

((Acknowledging Serriliant as the high bidder for now))

[Sighter Tnailog]

Findelfin stared at the man who had bid before him. The elf had been on the verge of raising his hand and claiming the items for a pittance when that fellow had beaten him to the punch and raised the price. Raising his hand, he made no bid...it would be understood by the auctioneer that he was simply raising the price by the minimum amount. He could afford 320 GP for such a significant item.

[Letho]

There were times when Letho didn't need magical trinkets that would enhance his strength. During those times of the man he referred to now as Old Letho, there was little that wouldn't bend or break before his might. Shields splintered. Armors shattered. Swords broke. Foes perished. But those times were gone now, nothing but memories of when he was at his prime. He was a lesser man now. Myrhia tried to assure him otherwise, tried to make him see other aspects of himself, but it was hard. Too hard. His titanic strength was a crucial part of him. Now that it was gone, all that was left were the shadows.

That was why Letho Ravenheart didn't just walk by when the traveling merchant presented the strange leaves. They weren't going to restore his strength these leaves, but they could help bringing back at least a portion of what he once was. The effect was temporary, true, but the price was relatively cheap and there was enough gold in Letho's purse that he could spare.

"400!" the rumbling voice silenced all others, coming from the back of the gathered mass and losing none of its power. The Corone Marshal stood with his shoulder against a pile of crates, one gauntleted hand lifting one gantleted finger to clarify it was him that made the offer. Once the merchant took heed of him, the hands were back before his chest, folding patiently.

[Slayer of the Rot]

"I ought to kill the lot of you," the armored man hissed, his posture slumping slightly, his features taking more of a savage tone as apathy was forgotten. It was a trifling matter, to be bid against, and was custom at auctions, but his temper had become far worse than it had originally been, over time.

"Four hundred and twenty gold, then."

((EDIT: Snipe! Eat it, bitches.))

[Artifex Felicis]

"And the leaves will make like a tree with the owner of a sword making up for his manhood!" the strange merchant proclaimed to the group with a wide grin to indicate a joke. He gave the set of leaves to one of the four mechanical gargoyles that rested on the wagon, which in turn flew with creaks and whirrs to the big looking man. It handed over the leaves without incident and returned.

"Now the rest items comes from far overseas, in a land where metal is hated and considered evil. The men and women ride large lizards and spiders instead of horses, fashioning their arms from scales and rock and wood. What I have for sale is one such egg, which will grow with some time to nearly one and a half times the size of a horse with scales that pravelda breaks on. Course that's quite a while down the road, the baby will need a year before it can be ridden, and nearly ten before it's nearly invincible. It'll run faster then a horse before the second year is done, and will shed its hard scales every several months. The bidding for this egg will begin at 500 gold pieces!"

((Slayer Wins Leaves. Due to my "being gone" in vacation, I had to end it early. This one will continue for a little bit, until I'm actually settled. Reposting this to let people know that it's hopefully been sorted out. Will edit this post and top post with the end date of this auction, as well as what is being auctioned off.

Item : Egg that will hatch into one of the following: Large spider, Chameleon or Alligator/Crocodile. All can be used as steeds, and will have special qualities after a while. More details can be given as needed, you only need to ask. Minimum price increase is 30 gold.

Ending July Second))

[Moonlit Raven]

Elena stood towards the back of the crowd watching the lackluster bids that were tossed forth. She crossed her arms as she shifted, pulling back into the shade of a building further. An inelegant snort issued from her as she shook her head, tossing the heavy mass of her hair back over her shoulder.

"Well at least that didn't turn into a testosterone contest. I hate watching men 'hose the deck' It gets tedious after a time." Elena muttered to herself. She half listened to the description of the next item.

"...a year before it can be ridden, and nearly ten before it's nearly invincible. It'll run faster then a horse before the second year is done, and will shed its hard scales every several months. The bidding for this egg will begin at 500 gold pieces!' " Elena picked at a seam on her leather armor, quickly thinking over the pros and cons of the offered egg. What the hell, its not as if I'm going to die any time soon. The creature will be worth the wait.

"Five hundred and thirty." She called out as she stepped out into the sunlight and raised a hand.

[Artifex Felicis]

"to the pretty girl for now!" The merchant cried, acknowledging her presence quickly and the moment she spoke.

((Marking Raven as the current high bid. There's two or three things that will go along with this little beasty, but minor compared to the gain you will get.

This Auction bit ends on the 2nd of July.))

[Karuka]

Karuka looked around. A pet would be a wonderful companion, even though it would be slow to grow up. But how was that different from any baby? It would need fed, held, trained, and cleaned up after...but creatures, unlike people, gave much and asked little.

She saw Elena Nito of the Moontae city step forward to make her bid, and started to rethink bidding. She didn't want to compete with a woman she considered a friend...but Elena was going to have a baby soon, and a baby creature wouldn't compete with a baby of her own.

Stepping forward, the red-head raised her hand.

"I'll ay bid 560 fer th' wee egg."

[Moonlit Raven]

Elena looked around at the opposing bid. She smiled abit at the woman's distinctive accent. Elena inclined her head in greeting to the woman as she studied her expression. For a moment she hesitated, her hand rubbing the top of her rapidly growing tummy and debated bidding aginst the sweet tempered woman.

Elena smiled apolgetically at Karuka as she raised her hand up into the air.

"Six hundred and fifty gold." Elena called

[Artifex Felicis]

"And the woman with the black and red hair has won an egg of awesome!" the merchant said in happiness. An imp crawled from out of the merchant's cart, covering the egg in padding and then bringing it to the woman. He carried it reverently, and gave it with a bow.

"Next item is one that took quite some time to find," the merchant said with a flourish. He produced a beautiful blade, which made a strange sound as it was swung. The first swing cut through a wooden pole with ease, and the merchant only held it in two fingers. "I personally call it a Vorpal Blade, favored by monster hunters everywhere. One was used by an old hero to kill a fearsome beast called the Jabber-something or other. It'll be able to suit anyone, and anything."

As if to illustrate his point, it seemed to grow several times its size, appearing much more like a battle-axe in shape and by heft.

"The bidding will start at 600 gold."

((
Vorpal Sword: A shape-changing and weight altering weapon which takes what its owner wants. It also holds its shape until its owner wants something else. It's hardness is about the same as mythrill. More details may be given as needed.

Minimum increase of 40 gold per.

Auction Ends on July 13th.

Also, transaction complete for Slayer and Raven))

[Letho]

The leaves somehow evaded him and the egg he passed on. The whole deal about the mysterious egg seemed too fishy for him to risk his gold pieces. Not even the merchant knew what exactly would be hatching from the damn thing. For all Letho knew, it could be one big nothing or a huge bird good for nothing but cooking. So he waited for something more usable and he didn't have to wait long.

Weaponry was always more up the Marshal's alley. There were doubts about a shapeshifting weapon, of course. Who was to say that the wretched thing would transform just as he was about to parry a deathblow? But it seemed interesting enough and he still had some coin to spare. So he raised his hand again, notifying the merchant of his bid.

"600!"

[Artifex Felicis]

The weapon changed again, this time to a dagger as long as the seller's forearm. He began to toss and flip it around, playing with the weapon, and to those who knew what they were doing, showing the perfect weight and balance of the knife in that particular form.

"600 to the Marshal, who came so close to the leaves," the merchant replied with a grin. He tossed the knife back and forth casually. "Anyone wish to go higher?"

((Ask any questions as they are needed))

[streak101]

Banda exited the jewelry shop, he was shoved aside by a short, fat man who shouted something about leaves. He tilted his head, why would anyone be excited for a pair of leaves? Even so, if your looking to buy a leaf, you have to be missing a few gold pieces in your head. He followed the man, his curiosity mentally tugging him forward.

When he caught up to the man, he was standing near a wagon, a look of disappointment on his face. People were shouting out numbers, towards a man with a funny looking hat. That guy probably has fewer gold pieces in his head than the leaf dude, but he's got a lot of the gold in his pockets instead. The man held up some leaves, stating that they had healing potency.

Healing leaves? No thanks, I can do that myself thank you very much. The leaves were bought by a scary looking man in black armor, Banda couldn't figure out why a man dressed in that would need healing, but he disregarded it as the man in the funny hat presented a new item. It was an egg, that in ten years time would grow into a foreign creature that could possibly be riden. Streak's waiting for me at the stables, no worries here for a ride, tempting though.

The egg was auctioned off, but then the man presented a different item from the other two. It was a blade, a strong one from the looks of it, and the man called it a vorpal blade. The blade became an axe, and then a different man bidded for the item. The weapon then transformed into a dagger, and the funny looking man began to toss it. Now that is something I could use!

"Six-hundred and forty gold my good sir!" Banda shouted towards the funny looking man.

[Letho]

At the back of the murmuring crowd gathered around the hawker's wagon, Letho deliberated on the usefulness of this Vorpal Blade. His biggest concern was how fickle and responsive the weapon was. The auctioneer displayed the transformation once, but the Marshal wondered just how large (or small) the weapon can become and how easily it responded to the wielder's thoughts. If the weapon was too prone to shifting at the slightest whim, chances are only those with perfect concentration could wield it without it transforming into something undesired.

Ultimately, Letho decided to ask the seller. Six hundred gold pieces wasn't an awful lot of money, but it was too much to give for something that was unusable in combat. As the bearded swordsman pushed through the crowd, a black-haired youth raised the bid by another forty gold pieces.

"I offer seven hundred," Letho said as he finally stepped in front of the mass, standing before the laden wagon. "but only if you tell me just how obedient this weapon is. Are there chances that it would change at the slightest whim in the midst of combat? And just what are the extremes of its malleability? How large and how small can this weapon become?"

[Dissinger]

Deep in the back of the auction house Seth watched with eyes upon each artifact. Occasionally he would hold up a pendant on his neck before he would snort derisively and ignore the item, taking the time to organize his thoughts.

That was, until this vorpal blade came up. The pendant which normally pointed directly at him began to madly lean towards the weapon straining to point it out for its owner. As he raised an eyebrow he realized he had lost valuable ground to two people, both bidding on this mysterious weapon.

Sighing, he looked up at the weapon before he let his voice carry through the room, "One Thousand Gold Pieces."

[Letho]

The crowd sighed and murmured at the sudden jump in the bid. Heads turned and eyes searched for the source of this new voice that joined the auction. They needed not search for long.

Seth Dahlios. There was a good number of memories that the Marshal shared with the Lavinian Demon and most of them weren't the ones he liked to recollect too often. Even now, as the rogue made his offer, Letho wasn't certain whether to greet the man, curse him or just ignore him. He decided on neither. Instead he gestured to the wagon owner.

"One thousand, one hundred!"

[Dissinger]

Stubbornness seemed to be the enduring trait of the day. As he let his voice be heard he heard the last voice he wanted to hear counter it. While normally he would have probably left if only to cure the headache that even now was spawning in his head, he decided to push the envelope and test the water. Raising up his hand he spoke out, "One thousand two hundred gold pieces."

That would probably rile up the Marshall, he thought with a mischievous smirk.

[AdventWings]

((I'll be temporarily taking charge of this auction until Artifex Felicis returns.))

"One thousand two hundred for Mr. Shady in the back!" The merchant smiled even wider, the foot-long blade now transmuting into a slender rapier. Flicking the blade about a few times in the air to show its flexibility, the funny man called out once again.

"One of a kind weapon, good gentlemen. The Vorpal blade can become as large as that battleaxe I showed you earlier and as small as a kitchen knife! If you're ever in need of making dinner and suddenly get jumped by bandits, you won't have to worry about grabbing another weapon. Just change this to a sword an' hack 'em heads off!"

((Current Highest Bidder is Dissinger. This auction bit ends on July 13th.))

[Letho]

When Seth voiced another number, the Marshal wasn't surprised. The thief was never one to back out of anything easily, whether it was a fight with blades or a fight with numbers. And, given the sassy smirk on his face, chances were that the Lavinian tried to outbid Letho out of spite. It was another way of prolonging the rivalry that went on between the two for a while now. It wasn't exactly enmity, however, but it wasn't exactly friendship either.

"Seth Dahlios. Do you not think you cause enough damage with the weapons you already have?" the Marshal said, his voice booming over the throng of murmurs and hushed tones. They seemed to grow rather uncomfortable at the view of a famous Ranger and an infamous Lavininan. To the auctioneer Letho said: "Twelve hundred."

[Dissinger]

Laughter echoed through the room as Seth raised an eyebrow at the clever play. As much as he was at odds with the Ranger, occasionally they did have their humorous moments, one ended with the Ranger buried under the roof of a bar that he had dismantled to pummel the thief. Seth only figured it was fair to continue the charade.

"Thirteen hundred," Seth said raising his hand. He cared less about the crowds, they could mutter all they want, as long as he did nothing against the law there was nothing they could do. Besides, he figured emptying Letho's purse alone would be worth any recognition of him.

[Letho]

Every eye was on the Marshal now, expecting a response to the number that was hanging in the air. Seth was his usual self, quite happy with himself as he kept raising the bid, standing in the back as calm as if nothing could throw him off balance. He would keep this charade going, Letho knew, until either his or his adversary's purse hit the bottom. It probably wasn't even about the weapon anymore, but rather a way to beat his opponent in something. It seemed that Seth Dahlios and Letho Ravenheart were always at blows, regardless of whether swords, fists of words were dealing them.

"Fourteen." the bearded Ranger said, leaving it at that. Seth wasn't chatty as usual; there would be no point in taunting him again.

[Dissinger]

"Digging deep in the purse today? I'm surprised that you could get away with a purchase like that," Seth called out to the ranger as he rose his hand for the auctioneer, declaring his bid, "Fifteen hundred. I figure it'll make a great nail file."

As much as he was taunting, he was hoping his words would do the exact opposite of their intention. If the Marshall realized it was a game, he could get the Vorpal Blade and figure it out. He just hoped the Marshall didn't count on Seth wanting it, or worse, keep overbidding to spite him.

[AdventWings]

"Aaaaaand Mister Shady raises the current bid to one thousand and five hundred gold pieces! Remember, folks! A weapon that can change to meet its master's need doesn't come around all that often!"

The grinning merchant chimed along as the real battle waged down below between the Marshall and the Thief. Who would win the deadly weapon? The Arm of the Law, or the Law of the Shadows?

((Dissinger, with the bid of 1,500 GP. Current Auction bit ends on July 13th.))

[Letho]

"I'm surprised that one that got away with so much could get surprised nowadays." Letho responded in a cold, but grim tone. This game of words and numbers irked the Marshal, but not enough to wave the white flag and walk away. He'd have some explaining to do once he got home, but that battle is bound to come later, between himself and a redhead that was positive he had enough weapons already.

"Sixteen. This weapon needs to be put to good use."

[Dissinger]

"If good use is above a fireplace mantel, then sure..." Seth retorted before he raised his hand. This was his last effort. He had nothing after this. If the Marshall pursued he would win the fight.

"Seventeen hundred," Seth boomed, "Personally some of us would like to be able to actually USE it."

[Letho]

((You son of a bitch! You're making me spend my shinnies!!!))

The crowd was now all ears and sighs, ooohing! and aaahing! as the verbal ball bounced back and forth between the two bidders. Most of them didn't care about the auctioneer anymore; they were already getting a show and they didn't even have to pay for it. Some of them shied away, though, remembering Serenti and thinking that another fight was about to occur. But as much as Letho wanted to beat some sense into Seth, he learned a long time ago that there isn't a hammer big enough to beat some sense into that particular skull. He decided to hammer him with a high number instead.

"Two thousand. Better above a fire mantle then in some mischief of yours."

[Dissinger]

"Tell Myrhia I said hello, just before you explain you spent two thousand on a butter knife..." Seth retorted as he leaned against the wall. A bit disappointed he couldn't get that particular toy, he still had the Changeling Amulet. If he and Letho ever fought, at least he knew it was on more equal footing.

Sighing he waited for the next auction.

(Damn Skippy. Bout time somne dipped into that wallet ;))

[Sighter Tnailog]

Findelfin stared at Marshal Ravenheart, a smile playing on his lips. From what he had seen of the Marshal below the earth, he was sure that Letho had no need of such a weapon. His own adamantine sword was more than adequate.

"Two thousand five hundred, sir. Our good Marshal need not be so greedy."

[Letho]

No sooner did he fend of one bidder, another came. And for this one Letho was certain that he had more then enough coins in his pouch to outbid him. Elves perhaps were wise folk, but it took but one look at their gallant posture and their refined clothing to know that they didn't buy their accessories at sales.

The Marshal opened his purse, full of thick Coronian golden currency, each one worth a hundred smaller coins. He did a quick count, shrugged his shoulders and smirked back at the elf. "Greedy? I think we're both being rather benevolent in offering such amounts to a poor traveling hawker. Here, I'll be the more charitable one. Three thousand."

[AdventWings]

"Three thousand big ones from our favorite Marshall." The funny merchant announced, his voice barely heard over the excited mutters of the crowd below.

Again, the Vorpal Blade twisted and moved before wrapping itself onto his hand, encasing the fist with a gleaming sheath with a wide guillotine blade attached to the knuckles.

"Do I hear any bid higher than 3,000 pieces, good sirs?"

((Acknowledging Letho as the highest bidder. Any questions may be asked ICly or OOC via PM/OOC Note. This Auction bit ends July 13th))

[Sighter Tnailog]

Findelfin laughed. "Charity, Marshal? Far from it." He pulled three slim sheets of a whitish material from his pouch, two of the big Coronian coins that Letho had held earlier, and a smattering of coppers and silvers.
Laying it out on the table, he said, "There you are. That's the highest denomination of Raiaeran currency, you know...small sheets of pure mythril, each worth 1000 of your normal gold pieces. Plus those quaint, thick Coronian pieces and the others, it comes to precisely 3250."

Lolling back, he said, "Ah, Raiaeran Marks. Nothing like carrying mythril in your pocket. Light as a feather, and more precious than gold when it comes to purchasing things. And I might..." he stared pointedly at Letho "...have more at my disposal."

[Letho]

Letho was absolutely certain that Findelfin had more of the funny looking sheets at his disposal. The well known cliche that spoke of wealthy Raiaeran elves was perhaps wrong, but it wasn't too far from the truth. The Marshal visited the land of the elves several times and he didn't remember seeing any beggars on the streets of their cities. And if there were some, they weren't domestic, but rather some wandering bums from Alerar or Salvar. So there was little doubt that the elf could outbid him.

"I like mythril on my shields and gold in my pocket, my elven friend. Try to use that fancy currency in any tavern from here to Serenti and chances are you're going to lose an arm," Letho responded, not unkindly. "If you're in Corone, do as Coronians do."

And to the auctioneer he added: "Thirty-five hundred. Good old Coronian currency too."

[AdventWings]

The crowd no longer paid attention to the ware at stake nor the funny-looking merchant wielding it on display. Homing in on the battle between their favorite Marshall of the Rangers and the rich Raiaeran man, the rest kept their hands in their pockets and their muttering at a hush. Of course, had one the ears keen enough, the hushed tones uttered of which side would win the auction.

"Fifty pieces say the elf's bluffing." A voice murmured to the guy next to him, his eyes shifting between the two warring men.

"Sixty says the Marshall ain't gettin' it." Came the reply.

"You're on."

With the attention diverted from the raised platform and his sale, he knew it was getting close to end this auction bit and prepared to introduce the new item.

"Right-o, folks! Time's running out! Place your bids here and make away with this one-of-a-kind weapon! The Marshall here with the current highest bid!"

Oh, the rush of a good battle of prices.

((Acknowledging Letho as the highest bidder with 3,500 GP. This auction bit ends at July the 13! Place your bid now!))

[AdventWings]

((Vorpal Blade Auction Bit ends! Letho wins the Vorpal Blade.))

"And the Vorpal Blade goes to the Marshall, for a whoppin' thirty-five hundred gold pieces!"

No loud cheer came from the crowd as the auctioning of the strange weapon ended, though there were humored chuckles escaping through the quiet murmurs as a few unlucky men traded gold between each other. After all, an auction was a bit like gambling - figuratively and literally.

No sooner had the merchant finished up the bid for the shape-shifting weapon, the Vorpal Blade changed into a large blade - the same shape it was when he initially drew it from his stash of items. And from within the wagon came a large hairy spider about as large as his own foot, the odd creature scurrying up to its master like a complacent little puppy. The merchant placed the blade onto its back and the spider was off, scurrying on all eight wiry legs to give the Marshall his ware.

The crowd parted as the spider made its way through the crowd, returning to the wagon with the 3,500 gold pieces in a sizable silk pouch on its back.

"Next item on the list," He grinned, digging a pair of items out from the back. Returning with the objects, he held them out for the crowd to see.

"Ever found yourself lost in the middle of nowhere, with no one to ask for directions or can't seem to find which way is what? Ever wondered what's beyond that one really large wall you can't look over, even if you're as tall as an elm? Wanna take a peek through the open window to see if your lover's up to no good while you go for a walk outside?"

The merchant slipped on what appeared to be a black eye patch with a big red cross on the front. Glancing mischievously about the crowd, he grinned as a small eyeball-shaped "thing" with a small wiry antenna hovered idly to his side.

"I call this the Angel Eye, a one-of-a-kind spying tool for your sneaking needs and stealthy wants. Just slip on this eye patch here and you can see what this little guy can!"

To demonstrate its usefulness, he mentally commanded the floating eyeball to whizz through the crowd and peer eagerly at different people. Then, it shot upward, slowly, before returning to the merchant's side.

"Starting price is 400 gold pieces, ladies and gentlemen. Any takers want their own little spy devil?"

((Angel Eyes - a small remote-controlled eyeball controllable via telepathy through the eyepatch. The user can see what the Angel Eye can, though his vision is split between normal and the eye patch. Can fly at 10 mph top speed, no range limit.

Minimum bid increase of 25 GP.

This Auction bit ends on July 18th.))

[AdventWings]

The item at hand seemed to not be doing well with the crowd as the previous ones were. Perhaps it was too specific in usage? Or was it because it was a flying eyeball that people dreaded to touch?

The merchant continued his own little banter, describing how it had once been used by the great generals from a faraway land to scout out the battlefield and later lay waste to the opposition armies. There was also a tale about how it was the key item for any scouts and spies on a mission or simply to peek into the bathroom of the girl next room. Some of the gathering folks laughed, blushing red at the thought while some looked on intently. But there was yet a single sound of who wanted to buy.

"So~ Ladies and gents!" The strange merchant declared, keeping his impossible smile showing to the crowd as the sun dipped lower towards the horizon. "An item like this can't be missed! Starting price only 400 gold pieces!"

"Four-fifty!" A man shouted from down below, prompting the other to jump in with their own prices.

"Four-eighty!" Another man shouted, trying to outbid the first. "Five hundred!" Shouted another, vying for the item.

The battle of prices had just begun. Who would be announced the victor?

((Currently priced at 500 GP. Auction Bit extended to July 24th!))

[Breaker]

I had been content to sit back and watch the auction thus far. Auctions always amused me; watching the bidders snipe at each other was like seeing a chicken peck itself in a mirror. The "Angel Eyes" doodad caught my attention though. I could see a multitude of uses for it, and not all of them creepy or degrading.

"Five hundred then, here!" I raised my hand in salutation, my voice ringing over the crowd.

((EDIT: I'm still waiting for the gold to be added from that battle))

[AdventWings]

((It has been added.))

"Oh, and 500 from that man over there!" The merchant announced, somewhat surprised but still happy. However...

"Mister Lumberjack over there also announced his price of five hundred, before you did unfortunately. Are you willing to put down more than he, sir?"

It was a rule after all - the person who announced the price first got to hold the bid. Now, had the new-comer said five twenty-five...

((016573 with the highest bid, but with an NPC also tying for highest bidder at 500 GP. If no other bidders, the NPC with withdrew his bid and 016573 will receive the item. This auction bit ends on July 24th!))

[AdventWings]

((Sorry for the hold-up. Life got in the way. :p Either way, 016573 wins the Angel Eye for 500 GP! Next item is...))

"Eh... You know what? Nevermind, I withdraw."

The woodcutter who had bid earlier announced, his friends sending him a barrage of boos and cackles of laughter at the blunder he had taken. For whatever reason the man had to no longer want the item, it was now clear who won the bid.

"And~ The Angel Eye goes to Mister Fighter with the Staff!" The funny man announced, maneuvering the flying eyeball towards Joshua after one of his assisstants received the payment from the buyer. As the eyeball hovered into the Secret Agent's hand, the funny merchant took off his eyepatch and threw it into the air, the controller landing right in the hands of its rightful owner.

"Now, how long have we been standin' here in the sun, folks? Feeling a little hunger? Thirsty? But you can't find a good place to eat without tearin' a hole in your pockets?" The merchant spoke with a grin and a twinkle in his eyes, presenting a pair of items to the crowd.

In his hands were a bowl and a small cup, both with a wooden lid closed over the top. The bowl itself seemed to be made of wood, though the exact type was undeterminable from the angle which it was held. The cup was decidedly metallic, possibly brass. In demonstration, the merchant opened the lid of the bowl and showed it to the crowd, revealing nothing but the hollowed out interior. Closing the lid again, he waited for a few moments whilst glancing knowingly up at the sky. And while the crowd murmured in low whispers, the merchant man removed the lid once more.

If he could show them what was inside the bowl without spilling the contents, he would. But inside the previously vacated bowl was now occupied by a meal of warm potato stew, its steam rising out from the container and drifting aimlessly into the sky. Leaning down to show the contents to the nearest viewers and allowing them a taste, he resumed his item sales once more.

"Well, how about that? This is no magic trick, folks! This is the ever-fabled Everlasting Meal set! The bowl refills with stew twice a day and changes with your taste! You want beef stew? Bamf! Your next meal is beef stew! Want vegetable soup? Poof! You got it! Also..."

The merchant withdrew back to his stage and brought out the cup, opening the lid and taking a sip of the tangy, citrine liquid inside.

"Ahh. Nothin' like a good cup of orange juice to finish off your meal. This cup also refills twice a day with a drink of your choice at the same time as your bowl of stew. With this bowl and cup combo, you won't have to worry about going hungry again."

The crowd was immediately riled up in awe and excitement - not having to worry about when the next meal would come was a villager's dream. And not having to pay for food ever again... That was just one of the many things people could ever dream of.

"So~! Place your bids now! Starting at one-sixty gold pieces, ladies and gents! Buy now and I'll throw in a wooden spoon as a bonus!"

((Everlasting Meal - Small wooden bowl and a pint-size brass cup with wooden lids. The Bowl refills with stew of your choice twice a day and the cup refills with juice, water or a choice of alcoholic drink.

Starting price at 160 GP. Minimum increase of 10 GP per bid.

This Auction bit ends on August 3rd. Place your bids now!))

[Bleater]

The capran yawned as he sat at the back of the auction hall. He had almost drifted asleep with boredom on the past two items, having no interest to him. With his forehooves resting crossed in front of him on his vest, his head dipped with dozing again. As his chin touched his chest, the monocle dropped from his eye and startled him awake, and at perfect timing. He looked at the curious cup and bowl set being placed on auction and listened to the auctioneer's description of the item with intrigue.

Now there's something actually worth bidding on. That's the kind of thing that will do famously for a proper gent like myself.

Raising a hoof overhead, he garnered the auctioneer's attention.

"I do say, I'll offer 160 for such an item, my good man."

[AdventWings]

"One-sixty from Mister Goat!" The wandering merchant announced to the crowds, all eyes turning to watch the Capra in surprise.

"Remember folks, this combo meal is an Everlasting Portable Restaurant! You'll have no need to buy another meal again! Do I hear a bid of... Two Hundred?"

((Acknowledging Bleater as the highest bidder with 160 GP. This auction bit ends on August 3rd! Not many days left now, folks!))

[Moonlit Raven]

Yawning slightly, I lightly petted the large egg the contained my new pet. The bidding for the Vorpal blade hadn't interested me too terribly much. The newest item was a different matter though. With renewed interest I listened to the merchant describe the item. Opening my mouth to bid I was cut off by another.

"I'll bid 200 gold." I raised one hand to draw attention to myself and my bid.

[AdventWings]

"And a two-hundred gold pieces bid from the pretty girl with the egg!" He quickly announced, almost too happy to see her interested in the wares. For whatever reasons, one of them would be that she bid more than the last.

((Acknowledging Moonlit Raven as the current highest bidder at 200 GP. This auction bit ends on August 3rd! Hurry while there's still time!))

[Kially Gaith]

A sweet and shrill voice called from the quiet crowd. "2-50." He was quite enamoured to see a possible end to all his troubles, he was a growing boy and really needed something of the sort, in honesty, he couldn't exactly bid higher, but who knows, perhaps those about him had hearts and would not outbid a child in true need of such an item. He had 294g left to play with still, but it meant little, as he could but try.

[Play Back]

Play Back wandered the bazaar like a lost child, eyes filled with wonder. There was so much to do in this world he had just been released into. However, the child had two priorities at the moment; find any information he could on 'The Dark Hearted Man', and keeping his eyes off of the huge crowd surrounding him.

You see, Play Back was claustrophobic. Ever since the child could remember, he hated being surrounded in tight spaces by much of anything. The fear grew so bad that he feared taking baths due to the water enclosed around his body. Slightly over the latter fear, Play Back looked down quickly at the voucher he had earned from just shipping himself over here. The child was proud of himself, and quickly looked up to find a crowd around his form.

To put it simply, the child lost it at this point. Scrambling around towards the nearest building, the teen made his way into an auction house of sorts. Play Back was present just in time to watch the feat with the small bowl and cup, and hear of it's mighty power. He stood in the doorway and listened to the bids, trying to determine if his voucher could be used to purchase this set.

Suddenly, Play Back heard a small voice and scanned the room to find it's owner. A small child was currently the highest bidder on the item, and Play Back quickly thought back to his past. There were few opportunites where Play Back didn't have a meal. As a matter of fact, he pretty much had anything a child could ever want. Play Back suddenly had a change of heart about purchasing the item for himself.

Walking over to the child, Play Back raised his hand. "300!" Exclaimed the masked teen, who kneeled down to the child before him. Play Back's eyes scanned the boy's body, and he began to speak. "I'm bidding higher than you because I'm gambling that no one else is going to want to bid higher than me. I'm going to do everything within my power to get you that set, kid. If I do get outbidded, however, I'm going to give you my money in hopes that our combined cash can outbid them."

Play Back was not sure if the child grasped all that he just explained, but he didn't care. He wanted to help out his fellow man.

[Kially Gaith]

And of course he didn't understand, money was an awkward concept to him still, although his current day had taught him enough that it could get him very nice things.

When the bid of 300 was called out, his face drained of blood and paled off, he'd lost, why he even had hopes of winning the solution to all his problems, he had no idea. He sank into a personal inner tantrum. Bidding? Gambling? Bidding, he'd started to grasp, but words like 'Gambling' were still new to him.

It wasn't the words that spoke to him, but more the older boys sincere eyes. Eyes say alot when words cannot do the job, and Play Backs eyes held that of purest ideal. "Gam...Bling?" He repeated quietly, wondering what the male meant.

With the boy alone in mind, he held out his bag of 294 coins, his lucky found bounty, 6 of which had already been spent upon a ribbon in his hair. "Share?" Of course, he was asking the boy should he win, that would he be willing to share the 'prize', he didn't quite understand, as expected, that the set would be for him and him alone.

[Play Back]

Play Back was astonished by the young boy's thought process. The teen had told the younger one that he was going to give him the set, and the child simply thought Play Back was going to share it with him. Play Back smiled through his mask and shook his head in response to the boy. "No no, I'm going to win the prize up there, and then I'm going to give it to you. You don't have to give me anything, ok?"

Play Back had had many experiences outside of his home, but all of them in the company of others. This was his first time actually outside of the protection of friends and family. The teen thought at first that he should be weary of faring this new world by himself. However, if this child before him was so innocent that he would completely misunderstand Play Back, perhaps Althanas -was- doing something right...

[AdventWings]

"Three hundred, for the stranger behind the mask!"

The price was quickly rising and the crowd grew more excited. Who was going to have the final bid to the Everlasting Meal?

The battle had just begun and he was going to capitalize on the excitement.

"Do I hear a bid higher than three hundred pieces, ladies and gentlemen?"

((Acknowledging Play Back as the highest bidder with 300 GP. This auction bit ends on August 3rd at Midnight PST - a little less than 24 hours from now! Place your bid while time still lasts!))

[Kially Gaith]

He stood back, looking towards everyone with pleading eyes, silent begging some may call it. Were it for someone else to buy it for him or were it that he wishes no one else would bid? No one would know, it wasn't in his voicable vocabulary yet.

He offered the masked male a weak smile, he now at least understood the boys intentions and that he had a very kind heart, the boy must be rich, he thought, that would be it...Rich.

[AdventWings]

((At the price of 300 GP, Play Back wins the Everlasting Meal set, free with one wooden spoon made of the same wood. No enchantment of any kind for the spoon, though, except for the excellent design at keeping the soup from seeping into the wood too much.))

The sight of a young boy sticking his money out for the younger brought tears to the merchant's eyes and, seeing no one else call out for a bid, concluded the set's final price.

"And the Stranger in the Mask wins the Everlasting Meal, for three hundred pieces!" The merchant announced, placing the lids back on the two wares and stepped down from his lofy platform. Placing the two items in Play Back's hands and receiving the gold that was promised, the odd merchant grinned in satisfaction before returning to announce his next wares.

"Alright, fellow adventurers and dungeon-crawlers..." The merchant resumed his cocky, smiling face as he leapt back onto the wagon bed, "Stay around and keep yer bags o' gold counted... because you'll be needing every single piece of it. What I have here is a must for you archers and rangers in the making."

Reaching into the amalgamation of odds and ends, he produced an unstrung bow of strange waxy brown wood reinforced with bone. It looked like any other bow one could find at the local armoury... except this one had no strings attached. Literally.

"No need to buy anymore arrows for your long excursions into the unknown lands. No more need of having to string, unstring and restring that bow of yours when things are hot on your trail. Just aim, pull and fire that magic arrow outa here!"

The odd man waved his hand once and a small team of black hairy balls swarmed out from the wagon, lining themselves up in front of their master. Shrill, squeaky phrases rang out from the one at the head of the five-ball team announced their presence, ready to tackle the task at hand.

"Alright, S Squad." He placed a small block of wood in front of the leader of soot balls. "Put this here on the edge of that well, would you?"

With a small "yes sir" squeak and comical saluted from the team, the five minute troopers hauled away the block of wood and through the crowd, which parted ways to give these tiny troopers the road they need. Placing the "target" at the edge of the well, not without some comical mishap that nearly landed one within the watery pit, the team of five retreated back into the safety of the wagon's holds.

"Soot ball troopers. Gotta love their enthusiasm." The merchant chuckled before spreading his legs apart and shaking down his limbs. With the path cleared in front and behind the wooden target, the crowd interested in watching the display carefully ushered the passerby to avoid the area, he aimed the bow and drew back the invisible string... When a bright white arrow appeared on the glowing bowstring. Straining and aiming at the same time, the merchant pulled back the arrow and - with a single snap of his wrist - let loose the ethereal projectile.

The magical arrow whizzed through the air and impacted the wooden block in a magnificent burst of light, the target sent flying into the air and straight through an open window on the second floor.

"Now! How's that for the Dungeon Bow?" The merchant sneaked a brush of his brows, wiping away a bead of sweat that threatened to streak down his face. "Talymer and bone, six feet long from tip to tip. Magically creates arrows on its own every hour in sunlight, for a max of ten at a time.

Seeing the crowd buzzing at the declaration, it was time to announce the price.

Starting price... is only Five Hundred Gold Pieces! So, who's interested!"

((Dungeon Bow: Talymer and Bone in construction, this long bow fires magical arrows that explode with the force of a small grenade on impact. The bow has no string and, because it was made with Talymer, a bit hard to draw. Nonetheless, it is a powerful bow with limitless supply of ammunition. The arrows are recharged at a rate of 1 per hour in exposure to direct sunlight for a total of 10 arrows at a time.

Starting price is 500 GP with a minimum bid increase of 25 GP.

This auction bit ends on August 11th!))

[Kially Gaith]

Amongst a fit of giggles, at the announcement of Play Backs success, the child would begin to dance about the room, in cute little circles arround bemused bystanders and bidders, some of whom did not hesitate to grin at the little lads antics.

"We woooon, we wooooon!" He declared proudly, perhaps bragging somewhat although that were not the intention. Now bouncing up and down like a kangaroo, he made his way over to the still unnamed male whom had made the bid. He grinned up at him, wishing he but something other than gold to offer him. And then the idea came over...

"...Friends?" Sure, it wasn't much, but friendships in a hostile place such as Althanas were hard to come by, even if they were only 4 foot tall and able to slice an inch thick piece of wood in half with their hand alone...

It was then that his bouncing up and down stopped, he was lead by a larger unnamed males hand to the side, as the crowd parted, for what he didn't know. He'd been far too caught up in his own excitement than to listen. Noticing the glowing white item that was drawn upon the long bow, he tilted his head. Something like that would have been useful to him back in the days when he actually needed food. So, providing Play Back kept his kind word to the boy, that need was now permanently removed.

The fizzle of energy of magickal arrow to wood was quite a spectacle, though the boy was not one of those to see it. He heard the delight of the crowd, but currently the bigger delight was his, a large cheesey grin flashed up at Play Back. Mischievious and loving in nature.

*Inserts FF8 victory fanfare for great justice*

[Play Back]

Upon the announcement that the duo had one, Play Back smiled. He watched as a couple of guys brought him the meal set and the wooden spoon that came with them. The teen looked down towards the child he made the bid for and heard him offer his friendship. Play Back's smile grew larger as the child made such an offer to him, and he nodded.

"Friends it is," he commented, taking the childs meal set from the men. He then watched the child get dragged off by an unnamed man, to which he quickly followed suite. It was then that the magical bow and arrow also caught the attention of Play Back. Such an item could be useful to the warrior, had he had any experience in using long-range weapons. The teen quickly shuffled his way back over to the child and kneeld down, handing him the stew set that he had just recieved.

"My name's Play Back, and I'm looking for people that will help me find a mean man. Perhaps you want to help, or know somebody who could?"

[Kially Gaith]

Helping...Hmm, that seemed a fair deal. Recieving the items from the boy, he hid his thirst and hunger and long enough. He immediately took a large drink from the cup, basic water for now, he knew of nothing else that he could desire just yet, so clean water was pleasurable to an empty stomach, when he finally removed his face from the cup, he gasped for his breath before contently soothing out a word. "...Ahhhhhhhhh."

"I c'n help!" He had not a single idea of what was required of him or what he had to do, naiveity had that effect on children.

"I Kially." He stated with a contented smile, the meal would be later, it was his thirst that was most important right now.

How he had forgot his manners, he did not know, and hence, although late, he offered a deeper smile than the one before, his eyes offering most gentle love. "Thankoo, mister." His day was one of great luck, perhaps it was only going to get better?

[Sighter Tnailog]

((I assume, since no one has bid, that this auction is not closed despite it being past the time limit?))

Findelfin took a long slow look at the Magical Bow. His bow was better, he was sure of it...and there was no doubt that carrying around two bows would just be clunky. But there was no point in the people around him getting a go at the good stuff for super cheap prices.

"750, good sir." A good bid. Whoever got the bow would have to pay more than base price, at least.

[Artifex Felicis]

((You got it. and the bow. The Special Auction is now closed! Thanks everyone for participating!

OR rather. The Special Auction is closed for some quick renovating.

*Currently editing in a real response.*))

The strange and weird man smiled at the buyer of the bow. He walked down, casually and gracefully moving towards the elf. He took the payment from the famous elf, handing over the bow with a flourish that made the late Brock look like a teenage bow. He gave a bow that was as silly as he acted, accidentally dropping an egg from his pocket that hatched and grew into a small chicken before it touched the ground.

The same chicken began to run towards the wagon, squawking and suddenly stopping. It adopted a military attitude, getting many of the smaller creatures to begin to hitch up and close the wagon of trinkets an trades. The man threw off his cap, letting it land in the audience where one man cheered out in triumph of getting it.

"Well that'll be the end for today folks!," The man said as he climbed onto the contraption holding more gizmos and gadgets then any single person would ever need in their lifetime. A spark flew out from the side of the wagon, and a small lizard crawled from under it and disappeared from view.

"I just need a day or two. I'll be here soon."