Is it wrong to fleece adventurers at the item shop?

The last notions of a quiet day go out the window as I return home to do the research and calculations as I promised. I run my hands through my hair and let out a long sigh.

Elzbieta shoots me a glance with a raised eyebrow.

“That isn't because of me, or is it?”

I shake my head as I try to compose myself again.

“No, no. Nothing of the sort. It is just that something came up when I was down at the inn. Apparently a big quest came in from elsewhere and it seems the youngsters have set their mind on taking it. Except, they need either a spellcaster or some pricey enchanted equipment.”

Elzbieta's brow furrows a little more.

“Youngsters? Oh! You mean the dwarf gal and her friend Odolan and that catfolk adventurer? What is his name again?”

“Szmuel. His name is Szmuel. And yes, that is them. It seems Tamara doesn't want to wait for Danuta to return from her own adventure.”

Ezbieta snorts as I mention that last little tidbit.

“It probably is more likely that the dwarf gal doesn't want Danuta anywhere around the boy.”

She shakes her head, before she continues.

“That is some drama just waiting to happen. Too bad too. All together they would make for a really well rounded team. So, anyway, what is this quest about? Why would they need a spellcaster or special equipment?”

I can only nod along. Is that really it? Jealousy rearing its head at such an inopportune time? That really would be too bad. Well, that isn't anything I can do something about. They need to work that out themselves somehow.

Should I really share the information I'm privy to with her? My own brows furrow now as I think about it. Well, it isn't like I'm under any obligation not to. I haven't been sworn to secrecy or anything like that. In the end I nod to myself, as I decide to share at least the basics.

“A big order for ectoplasm came in from elsewhere. Don't ask me for details. I don't know them. It would mean that they would have to hunt for ghosts. And you need either a spellcaster with the right spell or an enchanted tap to harvest the ghosts' essence as ectoplasm. And of course you need to be able to immobilize the ghost as well.”

The pregnant woman nods, as she keeps steadily working the mana mill's crank while soaking up some sun at the same time.

“Oh! Ghosts! Yeah, those can be tricky! Zofia knows a spell that temporarily stuns them. Keeps them materialized as well. Can't say much about the ectoplasm though. We never bothered with that. Usually we would just get rid of them as quick as possible, since they can be pretty damn nasty. Brrr! Just thinking about these spectral things gives me goosebumps. The only things worse are zombies. Yuck!”

I nod. And she really is having goosebumps, despite sitting in the pleasant summer sun.

The brief exchange was quite informative. I can't keep wasting time though, thus I get my notebook and the design board. Time to get to work!

As I scour my memories as well as my notebook for the necessary runes and their arrangement, Elzbieta resumes singing. After the slightly less than pleasant topic of our conversation the cheerful little ditties she sings truly are balm for the soul. Work is so much easier with a pleasant ambient like that!

It takes me a while, but eventually I come up with an array of rune circles that should work. It probably isn't the most elegant and streamlined solution, but that is secondary as long as it performs well enough.

I nod to myself as I study it some more. I make a few more adjustments as well. Not any streamlining though. No, I'm playing it safe in this case.

After another hour, or maybe a little less, I'm really not sure, I have a robust enchantment that is a little more complex than the mana mill enchantment. It is not quite as bad as the one for Danuta's staff though. I should be able to perform it without trouble.

How much should I charge for it? Three silver Crowns? That sounds good enough for me. I wonder if the young trio will be able to afford that. Well, I'll find out soon enough.

That is half the work I need to do done. I still need to figure out a ghost touch enchantment for either a rope or a net. This one should be easier, at least in principle, as it is a rather straightforward adaption of a not too exotic weapon enchantment.

After making some more notes in my notebook, I start working anew, cheerfully humming along to Elzbieta's tune.

This one really is much easier. Or maybe it only seems that way thanks to my recent skill upgrade? Never mind! All that matters is that I get it done in time. I even have enough time to make some more notes, before the trio of young adventurers, led by Tamara, comes knocking.

I greet them with a smile and a wave as they file into the shop.

“You are still determined to do that ectoplasm quest, are you?”

The trio nods almost in unison, although the female dwarf leading them is a little more vigorous about it than the others. This somehow seems to be important to her. Well, I can relate. After all I saw the quest papers down at the inn and the reward is more than just handsome. This one quest could get them set up for other big endeavors in the future.

The news I'm about to share with them would cut into their profits though. I hope they don't mind. There really is no way around that. Either they buy the gear they need, or they get additional help that will insist on a fair share of the reward.

There is no such thing as a free lunch after all. My brows furrow at the thought. Unless you happen to be Elzbieta? Never mind! First things first!

“Well, the good news is, I can provide the enchantments you need for this quest. The not so good news is, that it will cost you. The ghost tap will be three silver Crowns. A rope or a net with the ghosttouch enchantment will be thirteen bronze Crowns.”

Tamara and Odolan wince at the numbers. Szmuel not so much. I wonder why. Could it be, that he still is a little oblivious about money? I honestly expect them to try and haggle this time around. We are talking about a hefty sum after all.

I'm not quite done yet anyway.

“There is another thing you should consider. You will, in all likelihood, spend several days out there. You will need camping supplies and food as well.”

At this point the catfolk adventurer speaks up.

“Food not so meowch. I'm prrretty confident that I can catch us something frrresh anywherrre in the forrrest.”

I nod in appreciation and so do the other two. I just hope that the trio keeps in mind that getting their hands on fresh food is only half the rent. It still will need cooking more often than not.

There is more to be considered of course. Something from grandma's book comes to mind.

“Very well. Are you aware of locations where you can reliably encounter ghosts? As far as I know the Forlorn Boneyard might be one of the closest places.”

Odolan nods and speaks up before any of the others can.

“Krystina mentioned the place and I think we should be able to get there without too much trouble.”

At this point Elzbieta waddles in from the back and puts the mill down on the counter next to me.

“The Forlorn Boneyard? Try to get a quest for bone meal in addition to the ectoplasm quest. If you go there you probably will smash two or three skeletons for every ghost that pops up. And for the love of all the gods and goddesses, make your camp far enough away from the place! And if you intend to hunt and forage out there in the Twilight Forest, get a quest or two for furs as well, if any are available, while you are at it.”

I nod while I check on the contents of the mill's drawer, before sealing Elzbieta's quest papers.

“You have to stack these quests to really make it worth your while. Also, keep your eyes open for any gear the skeletons might still be carrying. Maybe there will be something that will be worth bringing back.”

The trio perks up considerably at our words. Ha! Of course the prospects of greater earnings would excite them!

I hug Elzbieta and then she is off towards the tavern. I'm still not quite done with the trio though.

I point at the shelf with the chalks and get the two, one glowing red and one deep blue respectively, which I have kept for myself.

“Those chalks might be useful as well. Especially the warding chalk, that is the red one. Anyway, give it some more thought. Look into stacking up some more quests. And if you really want to get the enchanted gear, bring me a tap, any will do as long as it is in working order, and a net or a rope. Alright?”