Nimly's Adventures
Chapter 10 - Polishing and Potions
3rd of Mirtul, 1492
The sun has already set as the gnome and the giant rat walk through the quietest parts of the Bell Market. Towards the river and on their left, the green space is still a steady buzz in the night air. The Moonlit Market is softly lit on any night, either by the light of the moon or by enchantments in the various structures that are brightest when the moon is dimmest. The orbs are now glowing in a comfortable light to make up for the new moon moving across the sky.
As they cross through the Bell Market and onto the city streets, they travel quietly over the cracked cobblestone. Just ahead, lit up in the darkness, is the Gemcutter’s Guild. Nimly takes in the familiar sight of the intricate carvings on the doors and pillars, with stained glass windows that depict scenes of gem working and mining. A large sign featuring a chisel and a gem hangs above the entrance, making it easily recognizable. The gem itself is the brightest part of the structure, glowing with a deep orange light.
Nimly feels a sense of pride and belonging as he approaches the place that has made him feel welcome on every trip he has taken to Everlund. Inside, the guildhall is fairly quiet at this time of night, with a lone staff member on duty at the welcome desk. Workbenches sit idle against the walls and will be busy once more as the sun rises. Absent are the sounds of tools clinking and the quiet murmur of focused craftsmen. The receptionist, a short slender wood elf, looks up as the pair enter the lobby. He greets Nimly, his voice soft and excited, "Welcome, Master Sparkleshine! It's good to see you this evening. You, and your new friend! How can I assist you?"
Nimly searches his memory for this person’s name and comes up empty. “Greetings! It has been too long. Could I use a workstation this evening?” Nimly puts a hand on the rat’s shoulder. “This is Thorn!”
The receptionist nods agreeably. “Of course, Master Sparkleshine. You can use any of the workstations here in the lobby. Feel free to set up where you wish.”
The receptionist returns to his tasks as Nimly moves to an open workstation. The desk is well-equipped with high-quality tools and materials, ensuring that he can begin work immediately. Thorn curls up nearby. Nimly settles into the familiar rhythm of his work, carefully examining a large uncut emerald. He envisions the potential within the stone, planning to take the long hours needed to transform it into a step-cut octagon. His skilled hands deftly use the tools, making precise cuts and adjustments as he works.
The sounds of his own clinking tools account for all the noises in the guild hall building. Through two passages near the back of the guild, there are some lights flickering near office placards. The occasional whir of his grinder adds to the symphonic duet of transforming potential and the creation of gem dust. Nimly's concentration is intense as he gets lost in the work.
Four hours pass, the gemcutting process holding his full attention. In the last hours before midnight, Nimly becomes aware of the burbling hunger ever growing in his stomach. He looks toward the napping Thorn and rouses the rat. “Let’s go visit Darian at the Stag, for a room and a hot meal.”
The gnome and the giant rat leave the Guild heading towards the Knightbridge, the Moonlit Market more active than ever as they pass. Just across the bridge, they see the Silver Stag Inn, bright and cheerful, with the sounds of happy patrons nearly drowning out the lively melody of a flute. Rubbing his hands, Nimly pictures a Sun’s Glory and a cheese platter and a fruit tray and pot pie. Thorn squeaks and sends his own message of some fish well cured and tasty, next to a cartoonishly large wheel of cheese.
Nimly enters the inn, with Thorn following closely behind. The common room is warm and inviting. The smell of pine and peat moss is wafting from the hearth, swirling around the patrons enjoying their meals and drinks. The innkeeper, a distinguished older man named Darian, approaches with a welcoming smile. "Welcome back, Nimly! It's good to see you. What can I help with?"
Nimly smiles up at the familiar innkeep, “Darian, how are you!? I would like you to meet Thorn…” He steps aside and gestures grandly. “We would like accommodations for a few nights with dinner and breakfast included. The kitchen smells amazing. Is it possible that you have a Sun’s Glory and a cheese platter and a fruit tray and … perhaps a pot pie as well? Thorn will also want a cheese wheel for himself and some smoked salmon.”
Darian's eyes widen slightly as he sees Thorn, but his welcoming smile doesn't waver. "Well met, Thorn! It's not every day we get such a unique guest. I'm doing well, thank you for asking, Nimly. Let's get you both settled in." Darian grabs a ledger from the counter and flips it open. "I’ll get a tab started for you. We have a comfortable room on the ground floor that should be perfect for you and Thorn. I’ll check with the kitchen, we should be able to accommodate that order just fine." He jots down the details in the ledger and then looks up, still smiling. “Will there be anything else?”
Nimly nods, “Could you have everything sent to our room? Thorn and I are ready to settle in for the night.”
Darian waves a hand, “Of course, I’ll have it sent over when it’s ready. Rest well, my friends.”
As they arrive in their room, Thorn finds a comfortable spot near the bed. Nimly takes a moment to reflect on his journey thus far, before settling into an armchair.
The past few days have been eventful and full of challenges. He thinks about the bandits he encountered on the way to Everlund, feeling the victory and relief as he overcame them with Thorn by his side. Nimly's heart swells with pride at the thought of how far he has come from the depths of Glimmerstone, and the five long years he’s spent cultivating a life on the surface.
4th - 10th of Mirtul, 1492
Nimly awakes at the Silver Stag Inn and heads to the Gemcutter’s Guild. The next seven days spent in Everlund pass in a blur. He dedicates his time primarily to the guild, driven by the compelling need to finish the step-cut octagon he’d started. Only taking breaks to eat and sleep at the inn, Nimly immerses himself in his craft. While he intended to spend his days focused on finishing the gem, he gets pulled away again and again by his interest in enchanting.
Thorn spends the days sacked out at the inn and the nights exploring the city on his own, making connections with the local rat populations and becoming more familiar with the alleyways and sewers. The two friends exchange brief conversations when they see each other.
During Nimly’s time at the guild, he requisitions several enchanting tomes from the quartermaster’s library to further enhance those skills. His hours are spent meticulously polishing and cutting the gem, while also delving into the borrowed texts. Over the course of these days, Nimly invests a total of 25 hours perfecting the gem and an additional 83 hours honing his enchanting abilities. This obsessively focused time earns Nimly 124 dedicated hours toward his enchanting, due to the pleasant atmosphere, lack of distractions, and access to written materials.
It is early evening on the 10th of Mirtul. Nimly takes a final look at the gem in progress, though not yet finished, it is exquisite. In the proper hands, it may yet be a masterpiece. He makes his way to the clerk and gets his attention. “I wish to talk with one of our agents in raw acquisition.”
The clerk nods enthusiastically, “I’ll arrange for that immediately. You might be able to speak with Aric, our primary contact for raw materials in this region. He is still in the guildhall tonight." The helpful functionary steps back and bows. "I'll let Aric know that you wish to speak with him. He should be able to join you shortly."
A few moments later, an immaculate high elf approaches Nimly’s workstation. He is wearing a smart three-piece gray suit with red accents. "Master Sparkleshine, it's impressive to watch you work. Your craftsmanship never ceases to amaze me. Your last few days here have proved quite fruitful."
Nimly acknowledges Aric with a nod. “It is good to see you again, Aric. I find myself in the area for the short term at least and I do not wish to step on others toes. I do have an interest in working on locating new mines for the guild. Is there an area that currently lacks our attention?” He holds the partially completed gem up to a workstation light. “It is nice to get lost in this work. This rock will nearly glow with its own inner light once finished.”
Aric listens, nodding thoughtfully. "It's always a pleasure to have you involved, Master Sparkleshine. We do have some areas that could use attention. While our main supply lines are stable, we've had disruptions due to the increased bandit activity. It takes most of our resources to keep excavation efforts in known claims safe.”
He pulls out his ledger and opens it to a page filled with notes and maps. "There are a few areas that stand out. First, the hills to the northwest of Everlund. We've had reports of potential gem deposits there. It's relatively unexplored and there's a possibility of finding new mines. Secondly, the mountains to the northeast. This area is more challenging due to its rough terrain and the presence of potentially hostile creatures, but it has historically yielded high-value gems. We've had some preliminary scouting done, but nothing comprehensive."
Aric continues, "Lastly, there’s a region south of here, in the closest parts of the High Forest. It's a bit riskier due to bandit activity, but there have been rumors of significant gem deposits. Any expedition there would need to be well-prepped and possibly accompanied by guards."
Aric glances at the emerald Nimly is working on, admiring its emerging brilliance. "Your work is truly remarkable, Nimly. If you decide to take on any of these tasks, it would be a great boon to the guild. We could arrange for some initial funding and supplies for your expedition, and I can provide you with more detailed maps and reports."
Nimly idly holds the gem while he considers the flood of advice and opportunities. “The maps and reports are invaluable; I will happily take any that you have for the hills northwest of Everlund. I will pick up the work where others have left off. For funding, I propose to leave this emerald in the capable hands of another craftsman and under the ownership of the guild, for whatever payment you find reasonable. You have always had a keen eye for worth in such matters. I already have supplies and the hills are calling to me.”
Aric nods appreciatively at Nimly’s proposal, taking the gem and examining it closely. "This emerald is very good, and it has remarkable potential. Your skills are exquisite, Nimly. Given its quality and the work you’ve already done, I would estimate its value at around 1200 gold pieces."
He hands Nimly a bundle of papers. "These maps and reports on the hills northwest of Everlund should provide you a good starting point. They include the areas we’ve scouted so far and potential hotspots for gem deposits."
Aric makes a note in his ledger and hands Nimly a sizable pouch of 1200 gold pieces as payment for the emerald. "Here are the funds. If you need any additional supplies or support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Safe travels, Nimly. The guild eagerly awaits news of your findings."
Nimly nods, securing the pouch of gold and the sheaf of papers. "Thank you, Aric. I will set out soon and keep the guild informed of my progress. Until then, may your days be filled with light and your hands with skill." He gives a final glance around the otherwise empty lobby of the guild hall, then turns to leave, ready to embark on his next adventure. Thorn gets to his feet from a nap and follows the gnome out the door.
Intrepid adventurers and DMs, I hope you enjoyed this continuation of Nimly’s story.
May your rolls be critically high or dramatically low, adding flavor and excitement to your campaigns!