EB1-7: The Art in The Gold by zaqxsw

Poser • Fantasy • posted on Jan 13, 2018

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“Unfortunately there seems to be an endless supply of thugs in that vile hive of bigotry,” Thorik grumbled, knowing that the loss of half a dozen Red Plumes would hardly make a difference; in fact their deaths were likely to prompt even worse treatment of any non-human the others encountered. “I’m afraid you’re right,” Toran agreed with a heavy sigh. Since the xenophobic merchant-mage Maalthiir became first lord of Hillsfar fifteen years ago, his private army, the Red Plumes, have persecuted every non-human they find patrolling along the Moonsea Ride as far south as the Standing Stone, where the Riders of Mistledale turn them back, often at sword point. “But we have to do what we can to hold back the tide.” “Good luck with that lad,” the dwarf scowled. “I’m a merchant... not a warrior. I’m just trying to make a living for me and my kin. There’s only so much business to be done in Mistledale, Shadowdale and Battledale. But it’s only getting worse on the roads. I can head south and get cheated in Sembia, go west all the way to Cormyr... if I survive the orcs, goblins and Zhents in Tilver gap, or try to get past Hillsfar’s thugs. No matter which way I go I face robbers, thieves or worse... and now there’s the drow to boot!” “Such are the times we live it,” Toran observed solemnly. He felt for the beleaguered merchant, knowing full well what dangers lay along the roads and trails that had, not so long ago, been much safer to travel. “At least the drow have spurred sales of dwarven steel,” Thorik commented with a bit brighter demeanor. “It seems everyone has need of a quality blade or axe these days; especial those worthy of enchanting. Not to mention the increase sales of beers and liquors, as folks try to drown their sorrows.” “A silver lining of sorts I suppose,” Toran replied with a sly smile, amused by the merchant’s view of the world. He had never measured life by the weight of his purse, but his father’s family, house Ealoeth, always seemed to. Perhaps that was why he rejected the accumulation of wealth. He had the opportunity to gain a great deal of gold through the use of his arcane gift, but valued experiences, knowledge and interactions with others over monitory gains. “More like a gold one,” the dwarf laughed, raising his tankard in toast to his own jest. “Speaking of gold... I have some more to return to another merchant extorted by the same Red Plumes,” Toran announced by way of excusing himself. “Ah, the red-headed wench at the bar,” Thorik commented, inclining his head toward the young woman the tavern keeper had pointed out to Toran previously. “I heard her complaining about them earlier. Apparently they only took half as much from her... and offered her the choice of a different form of payment... which she claims to have fervently declined.” “I don’t doubt that they did,” Toran remarked, eyeing the very attractive young woman. He could easily imagine what crude intentions the Hillsfarian thugs had for her... and that she must have done some very impressive negotiating to escape them unscathed. Turning back toward the dwarf, he wished him farewell as he rose from the table; “Good fortunes in your future travels my friend.” ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Additional Credits: From DAZ3d.com * The FREAK by DAZ Originals * RPG Series Part 1: Dwarves by John Malis * Mystic Hallow by LaurieS

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miwi

3:51AM | Sat, 13 January 2018

Wonderful image and story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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EB1-7: The Art in The Gold by zaqxsw

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