[D2, EM-MM, Zakk’s Corpse Curing Taxidermy Shop, A Hunting We Will Go (Open)

[Thaddeus]

Waking up bright and early, Thaddeus set out with exuberance. After yesterday's setback, he had decided to leave Cornelius and any distractions behind; however, the stubborn familiar had vetoed the decision and was tagging along. Thad was unable to wipe the smirk from his face as he watched the willful goat trailing behind him, knowing where they were headed.

Pausing at the intersection home to The Other Place Spa, Cornelius gleefully marched right on past Thad towards the door, only to be called back by a short whistle. The satyr pointed further down the street. After another minute of walking, with a few, wistful looks back at the spa from Cornelius, the two arrived at Zakk’s Corpse Curing Taxidermy Shop.

-----
D2, EM-MM, A Hunting We Will Go, Renown Task, Investigation DC 14, Guidance | 1d20+1d4+5 ⇒ 18
D2, EM-MM, A Hunting We Will Go, Renown Task, Profit | 1d10 ⇒ 6 +6GP

[Flession]

As you approach, it's hard not to notice what's inscribed on the iron door: "Mourn not for death, but for birth."



It's as dark as a tomb, reeking of quicklime and rotten meat, the place is packed with taxidermy specimens - horses, lizards, giant rats, and just about everything else that walks, crawls, or slithers. And in the corner, half-hidden in the shadows, stand a githzerai warrior holding a brass sword, a tiefling maiden draped in silken robes, and a plump elf waiter carrying a serving tray. They're stuffed, too, naturally.


An old woman approaches you, smiling. "Oh my, aren't you a handsome one. Come in, come in! Would you like some tea?"

[Thaddeus]

Taking a deep whiff, Thaddeus exhales and walks through the doors. The odors could be found in many parts of the cage, but not in quite the same concentration as here.

At the appearance of the woman, Thad offers a deep bow and allows a blush to come across his face. He of course knew he was handsome, but he also knew it added to his charm to present a bit of modesty when offered such words. "I'd love a cuppa my dear." Cornelius has closed the distance between him and Thad to touching, clinging to his master's ankles as they make their way further into the store.

[Flession]

She smiles and moves away from you, only to return with some orange tea and a warm smile. "Handsome and well mannered as well. Tell me, what is it that you are planning on doing with your body once you no longer have use for it? I would love to add it to my collection." She motions to the stuffed humanoids by the corner.

[Thaddeus]

"Oh I don't have any plans per say, haven't given much time into thinking about the after ya know. Wouldn't mind being set up something nice like what you've got here, but I can't say others won't have a claim on this once I'm lost." He motions to his body. Cornelius gives him a small headbutt to the ankle in an attempt to curb his ego.

"I might just take you up on that and come by some day to see what's what. But nay, I am here for another reason. I was requested to find a unique piece of art, something worth curating for others to appreciate." Thad begins to roam around the shop looking at the different works whilst sipping his tea. "So I thinks to myself, what better place to find a worthy piece than here?"

[Flession]

"Handsome, well mannered, and a keen intellect. Oh, if I were a younger woman..." She sips her tea. "Well, think over the prospect and get back to me when if you do decide to let me have you. But, now to more current things...let me here." She pauses. "Do you have a budget? Oh...let me just show some things off before you answer that."

She places down her tea and slowly removes to what appears to be a mirror shaped head. "Now this one is a interesting one. A Nerra, from the plane of mirrors." She paused. "Oh, I know what you're thinking, it's just a mirror shaped like a head. And you'd be wrong. Those things especially difficult to do, and they're even harder to kill without shattering. It was a very lucky find, a very lucky find indeed."

[Thaddeus]

That would look absolutely fantastic in my vessel... If only I could keep it for myself.

He wasn't usually one to go after the first item presented, good merchants usually tried to hawk hard to move goods first and keep their real sparkles for the more discerning clientele. But this thing was pretty and unique. Maybe she could just tell what kind of connoisseur he was and cut to the chase.

"'Tis quite a piece. How much is the music on somethin' like it?"

[Flession]

She pauses and thinks. "10 gold I think would be fair. Oh, and if you find anything else worth it, feel free to give it to me. I'll stitch it up for you to display for your friends and family to enjoy."

[Thaddeus]

Thad takes the spoon in his tea and stirs it for a moment. "That seems like a fair price, but perhaps..." taking the spoon out of his tea, Thad begins slowly cleaning it with his tongue between words, "we could.... exchange... a service for a service..." he sticks the spoon in his mouth and sucks on it for a moment, maintaining eye contact. Finally pulling it out he asks, "Have you ever been with a satyr?"

-----
D2, EM-MM, A Hunting We Will Go, Persuasion Negotiation | 1d20+11 ⇒ 19

[Flession]

She laughs at your request and shakes your head. "Oh, you are so sweet...but no, I am only interested in your body, not your soul. Maybe in the next life, should I not reach Final Death..." She smiles and looks. "Still...I can knock off a few gold for humoring a old woman. How about 10 gold and the promise for your corpse when you no longer have a use for it."