March 29th dawns overcast and bitter cold. The temperature dropped to -35F overnight...and it does not look as if it will warm up much today.
Occa resumes his identifying of items today...
4 vials - the contents are an oil...a very slippery oil
vial - he feels that by using this potion he may even be able to sweet-talk Caterina into going to bed with him...
Occa tries to identify Op Code's rod...and determines that it is very good for hitting people with.
He has another go at the community chest with the balance of his spell.
The oil provides protection against acid.
The potion nullifies poison.
Another potion turns the imbiber invisible.
Yet another potion allows the imbiber to control large creatures.
The candle can only be used by a cleric.
The huge battle axe can only be effectively weilded by giant-sized creatures.
The beaker's use eludes Occa.
The brazier generates a magical smoke.
The rod makes it very difficult for the holder to be taken off guard.
The gem can be made to create illumination.
Occa yawns and says, "Well, if we can finish up these swords, we will be done...at least for the time being. Can someone determine if the other two sheathed swords are cursed? Obviously the two handed is. Maybe a simple augury asking if it will be baneful to someone or that person's associates to draw either of the other two swords."
He pauses and says, "Let's divide the rest of this stuff up. For the newbies...here is how we do it...everyone says what they want...you can put your name in for any and as many items as you want. Then we randomly pick who gets the item."
Op Code explains to Gilstrock "When a pile of gems and money is found, it is divided up evenly beteween all of the people present when it was found. Anything left over is thrown in the com chest. The com chest has, over the years, grown very rich. Any peroson in the group can borrow from it for training purposes, on the condition that he/she return it, interest free, in the future. The money in the com chest is also used if something needs to be bought or done that costs money, as long as it is for the good of the party as a whole."
"Right," Gilstrock says, "but I'm just not so excited about carrying around thirty-four thousand gold pieces with me next time we go back into that dungeon. I'll probably need it next time I want to improve my skills, to pay for supplies and time on the Nautilus machine and such. I just wanted to leave it here with the base camp for convenience while we were off killing dragons and things."
"That is what we do. We just keep it with our possessions that are left at the base camp. I thought you were talking about throwing everyting in the com chest and then withdrawing later? Sorry for the confusion," Op Code tells Gilstrock.
Gilstrock shrugs. "Actually, either way would work for me. I think I trust this group not to run off with my money, and anyway, if you did... well, it's happened before, and we survived."
Jesse, now clad as a woman, as some of you realize a very attractive young lady, spends most of her time near Cat, playing tunes and composing music on her lute and flute.
You also notice that she watched each of you closely.
As Salaam walks toeards his tent to begin his "journey", he walks up to Jesse, gently grasps her hand and kisses it. "M'lady, I am glad that you are now free to be who you are, when I come back if you wish to talk, I am always here for you. As you both well know, " he says to the two ladies, "I can keep your strictest confidences secret. You are quite an attarctive woman, what may I call you now or do ye still desire Jesse ?" he awaits an answer .
Jesse blushs a bit as Salaam kisses her hand, She looks at it > for a long time before answering, "My real name is Jesse, short for Jessica." teh bard answers.
"Ok, Jessica, I look forward to spending some time with you when I return. Take care, ladies !!"