NationStates Jolt Archive

You appear at a large store located at the edge of the forest near the River Aria deep in the heart of Tarlachia. You scan its name, Tarlachian Oddities and wonder what may be held inside the building. What will you find? Whatever it is, you can be sure to know that they are odd in some way, and might give you a memory of a visit you'll never forget!

As you walk through the main entrance, you are greeted with a unique array of smells and sights that can only be found in this store. Near the entrance, you can see several figures working behind a counter, processing the sales for their customers. Other figures are seen stocking the shelves, arranging the store, or some other menial task that needed to be taken care of.

And so, you continue further, curious to know what you might find...

<<Note: This is to be a sort of IC style storefront. There will be a catalogue that will be following this. Requests for special orders may be made and will be addressed by one of the employees.>>


Catalogue

Please note that the currency is the elfstone. However, I have converted all prices to this: 1 elfstone = $1.00 USD)

Elven Merchandise (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8401704&postcount=2)
Draconian Merchandise (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8401712&postcount=3)
Vampiric Merchandise (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8401716&postcount=4)
Human Merchandise (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8401720&postcount=5)
Pets & Merchandise (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8401897&postcount=6)

Elven Merchandise

Potions
Healing potions
The standard elven potions that speed up recovery efforts of the body. A small variety offered for every need. Take about half as much time to heal.
Price: $25

Healing salves
Salves that are applied to the surface of a skin to create a sealant. Much better than human ointments. Often derived from natural resources.
Price: $40

Elixers
The jewel of the medical crop, a potion that is ingested in a liquid form. It can rapidly heal those seriously afflicted, and those on the verge of death. Recipient will feel refreshed and find wounds to be completely healed.
Price: $25

Clothing
Casual
Robe:
The clothing of many elves all over Tarlachia. These clothings are lightweight and offer natural blending into the terrain, often forests.
Price: $50

Formal
Dresses/Gowns:
The clothing of females, lightweight and flowing harmoniously around the female's body. They often accentuate grace and beauty. These come in a variety of styles of elven design and are popular to see in formal functions.
Price: $100

Suits:
The clothing equivalent of males, lightweight and providing a sense of dignity and honor around the male.
Price: $100

Travel
Elven clothing especially durable against the elements. Because of the skill and natural fabric used by the elves, this clothing can often blend a person excellently with the surrounding terrain.
Price: $125-$150

Jewelry
Necklaces:
These pieces of grace and dignity reflect an image of nobility, of strength, and of natural harmony. Often, these are blessed by elves, and thusly seem to possess their own light.
Price: Negotiable

Rings:
These pieces of grace and dignity reflect an image of nobility, of strength, and of natural harmony. Often, these are blessed by elves, and thusly seem to possess their own light.
Price: Negotiable

Weaponry
Swords/blades
Aria elven blade(standard):
The standard blades of elven warriors. It is slightly curved and is lightweight, yet finely crafted and durable. The handle is made of strong wood. The entire weapon is decorated with elven designs and writings. May be augumented.
Price: $200

Elven Longsword:
The blade that is a variant of the human longsword. It possesses a lighter weight, and is made of elven steel. It too is often covered with elven designs and writings. May be augumented.
Price: $230

Elven Spear:
The spear of the calvary and of guards. It is a sharp blade, forged smooth and decorated with elven designs and writings. May be augumented.
Price: $190

Daggers:
The elven variant of the human dagger. It is small and curved and often is worn more as a ceremonial weapon. Warriors can have them specially designed to accomodate them in combat. Non-augumentable.
Price: $100

Bows/Arrows
Yew longbow:
The elven longbow made from the yew tree. The tree is magical in its properties, and thusly, this weapon is as well. It may be augumented to enhance its effectiveness.
Price: $200

Yew ranger bow:
The shorter version of the longbow, it shoots over a lesser distance, but is still better than its human counterparts.
Price: $160

Staffs
Elven staffs that are rarely created, but may have special stones embedded into the tips. These staffs can greatly focus one's arcanic energy and forge it into the staff as a medium of that magic. Because of the skill needed to forge such a weapon, its price is high.
Price: Negotiable

Armor
Breastplates:
Made of excellent Elven craft, these breastplates shine with the glory and splendor of the elves. They are strong, yet amazingly lightweight. Decent protection against projectiles.
Price: $150

Gauntlets:
Made of excellent Elven craft, these gauntlets provide optimal protection.
Price: $100

Helms:
These helms are truly the mark of the elves, as they still manage to capture the flow of balance and strength.
Price: $115

Chainmail:
The chainmail of elven warriors protects them against a great many type of blades, and are even decently effective against projectiles.
Price: $225


Augumentations
Song of the Elves augument:
The elven version of a holistic augumentation. It is a great addition of swords and bows.
Price: $75

Anti-Demonic augument:
As its name suggests, it is especially useful against demonic beings, and considerably effective against vampires.
Price: $75

Fury of the Nolor augument:
The flame augumentation that strikes out at foes with blue and green flames.
Price: $75

Elven gleam augument:
The silver augumentation of the elven weapons. It is markedly effective against lycans and other creatures susceptible to silver.
Price: $75

Miscellaneous
Plants
(Ask for details)

Food
(Ask for details)

Refreshments
(Ask for details)

Draconian Merchandise

Potions
Fire Resistance:
A potion that causes the skin to harden and become like dragon scales. Effect will last for up to five hours.
Price: $50

Cold Resistance:
A potion that causes a numbing of the epidermis nerve endings, and also creates an arcanic layer of protection in the skin, thus insulating the individual. Effect will last for up to five hours.
Price: $50

Brute Strength potion:
Ever needed an upper hand in a battle on the strength scale? This is the solution for you. Potion will cause existing muscles in the body to expand and strengthen. Depending on the dosage, the potion will work to a certain effect. Small dosages will result in slightly increased muscle mass and strength, and vice versa. Caution is given to those who feel they should ingest large quantities of this potion. The resulting muscle increase can, and will end in death (esophagus is crushed, arteries and veins pinched, and other side effects). Tarlachian Oddities takes no responsibility for the customer's stupidity to persist after this warning.
Price: $135

Clothing
Casual
The casual wear of draconians often is coarse fabric and leather.
Price: $70

Formal
The formal attire of draconians consists mainly of carefully treated fabrics and metal.
Price: $120

Travel
The attire of draconic travelers, made of sturdy, flexible leather, and of very good quality. It is most suitable for navigating the harsher climates of the earth.
Price: $145-$195

Jewelry
Necklaces:
Rare to find, these items demand attention around the neck of a bearer. Often, they are set with stones that represent the different species of Tarlachian draconians.
Price: Negotiable

Weaponry
Swords/blades
Draconic blade(standard):
A blade of reinforced steel, often with thickly bound grips. These will have a mark of a dragonsmith on the blade, just above the grip. This ensure authenticity and unique individual care given to its production. The blades are curved and shaped like flames spitting from the hilt. May be augumented.
Price: $180

Draconic Spear:
These spears are strong and sturdy and are very effective to use against calvary forces. The blades are curved slightly, and have jagged edges. May be augumented.
Price: $170

Daggers:
Standard daggers, but with the telltale signs of draconic craftsmanship. Non-Augumentable.
Price: $100

Armor
All the draconic armor forged in Tarlachia is of extremely high quality, and is considered the most valuable armor available on the Tarlachian market.
Breastplates:
The breastplates are often crimson or pitch black in color, as they are forged deep in the hearts of the Tarlachian Range Mountains.
Price: $200

Gauntlets:
These gauntless are optimal for defense against blunt weaponry and heavy weapons. The gauntlets are often crimson or pitch black in color, as they are forged deep in the hearts of the Tarlachian Range Mountains.
Price: $150

Helms:
The helms of draconic forces is yet another strong piece of armor for defense. The helms are often crimson or pitch black in color, as they are forged deep in the hearts of the Tarlachian Range Mountains.
Price: $120

Chainmail:
Black tightly woven links, yet amazingly still flexible. The chainmail compliments the remainder of the armor and is notable for its resitance to heavy and sharp weaponry.
Price: $200

Augumentation
Fire augument:
The bane of all creatures naturally susceptible to the pain of fire. Some Dragons are immune to this, as are many arcane users.
Price: $50

Ice augument:
The bane of all creatures naturally susceptible to frostbite of subzero ice. Some Dragons are immune to this.
Price: $75

Lunar augument:
The ability to twist the surrounding environment to one's own use within a single mile radius. Weapons forged with this augument are capable of causing weather changes that would resemble effects of the moon on a planet.
Price: $100

Miscellaneous
Food
(Ask for further details)
Refreshments
(Ask for further details)

Vampiric Merchandise

Supplies
Vial of Blood:
A vial of blood typically used to provide nourishment for vampires. It hold human blood.
Price: $40

Draconic Blood Flask:
A much more potent supply of blood taken from a dragon. A single flask can equal about twenty vials of human blood. Because of the nature and difficulty of obtaining this, the price is high.
Price: $450

Bloodstone:
The coveted item of vampires everywhere. These are extremely difficult to produce, and can last up to a thousand years. Bloodstones can come in any requested solid form and often are hung on a chain around the neck. Due to the nature of its production, price is high.
Price: $1500

Clothing
Casual
A variety of clothing to suit the everyday needs of a vampire. Often, these are made of dark colored material, to better blend with the shadows. Suppliers reside within the Underworld Cities.
Price: $40

Formal
Like the casual wear, these are meant for vampires. They are more elegant, but still retain the mood and colors of a vampire, often black or some other dark color.
Price: $60-$75

Travel
This selection of apparel is specially designed to hold up well against the elements of nature. Often the choice of warriors and soldiers of the Underworld, as it also provides decent protection.
Price: $75-$100

Weaponry
Swords/blades
Nightwalker blade(standard):
The standard sword of a vampire. It bears a hilt covered in dark leather and can be augmented for further effectiveness.
Price: $180

Ancient's Ally (longsword):
A blade often favored by elder's and ancients. It provides a nice balance and double-edge razor sharpness. The blade is made of Tarlachian steel, and is augumented with silver to provide extra damage to vampires(those breeds susceptible to silver) and lycans.
Price: $300

Rage of Darkness Single-Bladed Axe:
A hand axe, simply put. Lightweight and bound in leather grips. May be augumented.
Price: $110

Curse of the Damned Two-Bladed Axe:
A moderately heavy double bladed axe that inflicts serious damage to opponents in close quarters combat. It bears a black blade that seems to never run out of blood to coat its sharp edges. May be augumented.
Price: $200

Inquisitor's Bane:
Something had to be done to counter the onslaught of holy Inquisitors bent on destroying the forces of darkness. Thus, this blade was forged. Made of compressed Tarlachian steel, and augumented with darkness, it is a strong and deadly weapon against Inquisitors. If left in the flesh of an Inquistor or other holy being, it will slowly force that being to turn and embrace the ideals of the Underworld. Eventually, that holy being will cease to be holy and will become fully part of the Dark Brethen.
Price: $500

Daggers:
The standard short blades often hidden in a boot or suspended from a belt. Non-augumentable.
Price: $50

Pistols/Rifles:
(See => Human Weaponry)

Armor
Breastplates:
Standard Tarlachian steel scorched to blackness, and can be imprinted with a vampiric clan's symbol.
Price: $125

Gauntlets:
Standard Tarlachian steel scorched to blackness.
Price: $75

Helms:
Standard Tarlachian steel scorched to blackness. Can be specially ordered in different styles.
Price: $90

Chainmail:
Standard Tarlachian steel linked together and provides a good shield against stray blades.
Price: $200

Augumentations
Silver Augument:
The bane of lycans and certain breeds of vampires. Extended exposure to this will cause great damage, and even death. Has no effect on those not affected by silver.
Price: $50

Fire Augument:
The bane of all creatures naturally susceptible to the pain of fire. Dragons are immune to this, as are many arcane users.
Price: $50

Dark Augment:
The bane of holy figures and normal creatures. It contains the ability to twist one's mentality and shift their alignment toward the darkness.
Price: $50

Miscellaneous
(Ask for further details)

Human Merchandise

Supplies
Medical Kit:
A standard medical kit that provides medical equipment and supplies to treat even moderate wounds.
Price: $75

Gun supplies (cleaning rag, bullets, etc):
As the name suggests, it is a collection of supplies than are sold in small packs. They are quite universal and are especially suited for Tarlachian-issue guns.
Price: $140

Elixers:
Elixers prepared by the Grenals that reside in Tarlachia. Although it provides faster healing properties than a regular medical kit, it is not as potent as the elven variant. Nevertheless, it is effective and gets the job done.
Price: $25

Clothing
Casual
The usual clothing of humans residing in many parts of Tarlachia. These can range from the dockworker's outfit, to the farmer, to the young adult market.
Price: $40

Formal
Whether at a business party or at a wedding, humans know how to dress to impress.
Price: $90 and up

Travel
From the plains to the mountains to the forests, humans have made the clothing necessary to survive in each of the environments.
Price: $110 and up

Jewelry
Necklaces:
Like their elven counterparts, humans love to decorate their bodies with rare gems and the likes. These jewelry pieces can only be found in Tarlachia, and are hand-crafted by individual Tarlahchians.
Price: Negotiable

Technology
(Usual human technology; ask for further details)

Weaponry
Swords/blades
Tarlachian blade(standard):
A sword that is best for the hands of men. It is long and made of extremely durable Tarlachian steel. It often possesses its own mystique about it, yet the swords are normal, save for special augumentations.
Price: $180

Tarlachian Spear:
The speartip sits on the end of an eight foot staff, the staff made of steel and wood, and covered in Grenali runes. However, these do nothing more beyond keeping the weapon in good condition. Often bearers will use an augmentation to cojoin together with the spear.
Price: $175

Daggers:
The typical Tarlachian dagger, it often resembles a smaller version of the longsword version.
Price: $105

Pistols/Rifles/Explosives
Snarling Beretta:
This Beretta is a modified Beretta, encased in a shell that has draconic designs with the mouth foming the muzzle of the gun. It looks like a ceremonial weapon, but this is often a misconception.
Price: $340

Desert Eagles:
These are import weapons, often of large design, and provide a lovely shot, however the recoil might be a bit too much for some.
Price: $525

Standard Rifle:
The is the standard semi-automatic rifle of the Tarlachian human divisions as well as the local police precincts. They fire .35 caliber bullets at sixty bullets a clip. Enough to subdue mobs if ncessary.
Price: $500

Eagle-eye Sniper Rifle:
The sniper rifle of every sniper's dream. It can fire standard bullets of .50 caliber, or it can be specially modified to fire nuclear-tipped bullets, which provide a small destructive area upon impact. The properties and manfacturing of the rifle is confidential to public knowledge.
Price: $1250

Fragmentary Grenades:
The standard fragmentary grendade.
Price: $110

Plasma Grenades:
A developmental grenade that has recently been released to the public. When activated, it will attach itself to anything it is thrown at, such as enemy infantry, enemy vehicles, and the likes.
Price: $160

Armor
Breastplates:
The standard Tarlachian steel breastplate, forged to provide excellent protection against blades.
Price: $200

Gauntlets:
The standard Tarlachian steel gauntlets, forged to provide excellent protection against blades.
Price: $150

Helms:
The standard Tarlachian steel helms, forged to provide excellent protection against blades.
Price: $120

Chainmail:
The standard Tarlachian steel chainmail, forged to provide excellent protection against blades.
Price: $200

Tarvlar Chestpiece:
These chestpieces are meant to stop incoming bullets as powerful as .50 calibers. They are reinforced twenty five times, and meshed with Tarlachian products and kevlar, hence Tarvlar. It provides armor that is extremely resistant to projectile weaponry.
Price: $400

Tarvlar Helmet:
Like the chestpiece, this is intended to stop bullets. However, some bullet will still cause severe whiplash, so it is highly recommended to not get hit at all.
Price: $300

Riot Shield:
Made of the same material as the chestpieces and the rest of the projectile armor, it bears the Tarlachina seal (seen in the flag) and has a small 2 inch by six inch window with which to view through behind the safety of the riot shield. Often is kept in police armories.
Price: $500

Augumentation
Anti-vampire augument:
Augment allowing a weapon to be the bane of vampires.
Price: $50

Anti-demonic augument:
Augment allowing a weapon to be the bane of demons.
Price: $50

Anti-personnel augument:
Augment allowing a weapon to strike more forceably, and inflict deep wounds.
Price: $50

Arcane Channeler augument:
Augument that allows magic users to channel their magic through their weapons and create attacks of higher damage. The idea was gathered and produced after observing Sigrun Greenwood (Ruler) using a similar tactic during the Star Trials.
Price: $500

Vehicles
(Ask for further details)
Price: Negotiable

Miscellaneous
Various Human Trinkets and Souvenirs (Ask for further details):
Price: Negotiable

Pets & Merchandise


Hellhounds:
These are hounds bred by the Grenals(mages) to guard their homes against the dark creatures of the night, including vampires. They are particularly trained in combat to single out and tear apart vampires, but only at the master's command. They are highly trained and come at great price.
Price: $1000

Cats/Domesticated Felines:
Your typical run of the mill felines. Great for homes and children, as well as keeping the rodent populations low.
Price: $100

Dogs/Domesticated Canines:
Your typical canines that are quite numerous in breeds, and can range from small to large dogs. Great for homes and children, as well as providing a natural watchdog.
Price: $100-$350

Dragons:
These dragons of Tarlachia are extremely difficult to obtain as pets, and are a great challenge to domesticate. They are selected at young age, often before they are hatched from the eggs, and range in their size. Dragons can come with one of the following centralizations: fire, ice, lunar. Special breeding can be done to maintain the growth and size of your pet dragon. Great for travel, or simply companionship(once trained). Excellent protectors, but can be territorial.
Price: $2 million and up

Falcons:
These sleek predators of the skies are excellent to use for small game hunts, as they have very keen eyesight and can fly at high speeds toward their prey. A hunter's or warrior's companion.
Price: $250

Hawks:
These birds of prey are great to use as messengers or hunters of small game. They possess above average intelligence and are a hunter's best friend.
Price: $250

Horses/Stallions:
These creatures of grace and pride can often be seen roaming the plains and hills of Tarlachia. They are strong and stout, and come from highly acclaimed stock. Excellent for travel or leisure.
Price: $3,500

Wolves:
These wolves are large brutes, and are capable of taking down prey as large as stallions by themselves. Great for hunting trips and infantry battles.
Price: $500

Custom Pets:
Custom pets are bought at great expense. Buyers may request unique breeds
Price: Negotiable

TAG; Will buy something after you add things in the Vampiric Merchandise area.

ok...please wait till I set up the prices as well. Thanks.

I will. Take your time.

Transylvania, the Vampiric section is done. Enjoy.

Count JWolf was in his office, reading a catalogue from a store called Tarlachian Oddities. “That got Elven stuff, Draconian stuff, Vampiric stuff and human stuff. This looks like it one stop for everything store.” said Count JWolf, sipping from a black gobbet full of blood. After read the catalogue two times, he said “That Inquisitor's Bane sound nice. I will write that down on the order form.” Flipping through the vampiric area again, he spots the Bloodstones ad. “My brides need them.” He said “Adding three Bloodstones to the order form.” Turning back to the Pets & Merchandise section, he scanned the page. “Whoa! They have dragons, that I can buy.” He started looking on which types that sale, “Fire, Ice, and Lunar. Which one do I want?” Thinking on it for a few seconds, he said “That’s it. I will order two Ice dragons and a Lunar dragon.” Adding the two Ice dragons and Lunar dragon to the order form, he flipped to the book shut and fill out the rest of the order form.

Count JWolf's order form:

Inquisitor's Bane = $500
Three Bloodstones = $4,500
Two Ice dragons (Male and Female) [Biggest ones] = $40,000
Lunar dragon (Male) [Biggest one] = $20,000

On the dragons, can y’all train them to be loyal to me? Plus, to have them not fighting each other by who ever I sent them at?

Total = $65,000
Payment = Money will be send after I get my order

The form disappated from the desk of Count JWolf as soon as it sensed he was finished filling the form out. Within minutes, it appeared in the arcanic drop box behind the counter at the Oddities store. A blue light above the box blinked silently, alerting one of the employees to the arrival.

Lethio was an elderly elf male, dressed in formal clothing that was white in color and draped softly around his limbs and body. He turned his palm upwards and watched as the form floated to his grasp, opening as it approached. The elf's eyes scanned the scrawled text and smiled slightly.

He shifted his eyes to gaze upon a reply form and began speaking. Instantly a feather pen lept from the ink jar and wrote his words:


First off, we would like to thank you for choosing to make your purchases of items from Tarlachian Oddities. We have processed your order as follows:

One (1) Inquisitor's Bane = $500
Three (3) Bloodstones = $1500 each
Two (2) Ice dragons (Male and Female) [Large] = $20,000 each
One (1) Lunar dragon (Male) [Large] = $20,000

Standard Training of Dragons = $15,000 each

Grand Total = $110,000

**To ensure that training of the dragons is done accurately, the intended owners must partake in the training lessons themselves.

** Please understand that the bloodstones and the dragons will take time to complete production of order. Time of wait: two months total [1 week RL]. Your order will be given to you at once, once all items are secured.

Payment may be made through wire transfer, or in person in Elfstones. If you are paying in person, and require an exchange office, you are directed to the nearby city of Lower Taria to obtain the proper currency.

Thank you for your confidence in our expertise!

Tarlachian Oddities

First off, we would like to thank you for choosing to make your purchases of items from Tarlachian Oddities. We have processed your order as follows:

One (1) Inquisitor's Bane = $500
Three (3) Bloodstones = $1500 each
Two (2) Ice dragons (Male and Female) [Large] = $20,000 each
One (1) Lunar dragon (Male) [Large] = $20,000

Standard Training of Dragons = $15,000 each

Grand Total = $110,000

**To ensure that training of the dragons is done accurately, the intended owners must partake in the training lessons themselves.

** Please understand that the bloodstones and the dragons will take time to complete production of order. Time of wait: two months total. Your order will be given to you at once, once all items are secured.

Payment may be made through wire transfer, or in person in Elfstones. If you are paying in person, and require an exchange office, you are directed to the nearby city of Lower Taria to obtain the proper currency.

Thank you for your confidence in our expertise!

Tarlachian Oddities

To: Tarlachian Oddities
From: The Count

About the training, I can be there any minute because of my Gulfstream V jet. I will head to my vaults and see if I have some Elfstones. If not, I will change my Blood Credits in Elfstone when I get Tarlachia. Call me, if there is anything else I will need.

-----------------------

When that letter was wrote, he got up from his onyx desk and head to the stairs. His black duster moved with a unseen wind. When he got to the stairway, he jump down the center and went four floors down as fast as he could. Landing on his feet, servants ducked and got out of the way of the Count’s way. He head into the library, to the hidden door to the lower levels of Castle Von Wolf. As he walked down the spiraled stair cast, troches lit in front of him, by a unknown force. Magic, voodoo, and some type of black magic because that stuff happens all time with Count JWolf. The stairway when down half a mile. As he got to end of the stair cast, over head lights were turned on. The Count has those but in the later 70’s. Walking past the huge metal doors of the four armories, he headed to the end of lower lever. Where his vaults are at. The huge chrome door stay shut, as the Count walk towards them. He was in front of the one on the left side, a panel was beside the door. Count JWolf placed his right hand on it, and the door opened up. After the door was open, he walked into a twelve by twelve room full of gold, and other types of currency. Each vaults was in ABC order, so it was easy to find elfstones. Picking up a bag, he looked in to make sure it was the right amount. With the bag in his hand, he was out of vault and the door start to shut as he head to the stairway. By the time, he got to one of the armory’s door, the vault was shut. He head back upstairs and was meet in the library by twelve men in full black robes and a one man in a dark red robe. They are the Count’s knights. “Arthur, we will head to Tarlachia.” he said. The group head outside and got into their cars. The cars started up and headed to the airport.

-----------------------

At the airport, the jet black Gulfstream V jet was fueled and waiting for the Count and his knights. The plane’s call number is Wolf999. As the ground crew double check over the plane, Count JWolf’s Ford GT and six Black Wolf hummers rolled inside one of his hanger for his jets. After the vehicles were parked and locked down. Count JWolf walked outside the hanger doors followed by the man in dark red robe, that covered his whole face. The other twelve men followed after him. After get aboard the plane, it was clear to use the runway. The jet enter the air in a few minutes, it’s direction in to Tarlachia.

< Do you take personal requests?)

Todd Harte relaxed in the back of a turqouise blue Gulfstream as he flew towards a lycan festival in Thrope. He had unoffically been given the task of finding information about vampires, lycans and other such creatures.

He poured a Coca Cola into a glass and relaxed in the soft leather seat as he finishe watching the last few minutes of Army of Darkness. He sipped his soda, ejected the DVD from the player and turned to his laptop. Todd brought up several cult horror film sites and search engines and began to surf; hoping to round out his already massive collection of nearly 300 VHS and DVDs of nearly every horror film made.

Todd arched his eyebrow as he clicked on one link. He sighed when he noticed the Tarlachian Oddites store didn't sell DVDs. Damn engine picked up vampire. Curiousity made him scroll down to the Pet section. A smile crossed his face as he muttered something.

"Animals have always liked me."

Todd quickly brought up his email.

Send: Tarlachian Oddites
From: Harte, Todd
Subject: Purchase of a dragon

I would like to purchase a female Ice Dragon. If possible, I would like to get it while it is still very small, preferably only hatched a few days earlier.

In terms of size, when the animal is fully grown about the size of your average horse.

I am going to be attending to business for the next couple of days. If I can pick up the dragon at your store and pay there, that would be great.

Thank you for your time

Todd Harte

To: Taralchian Oddities
From: "mr. Phobos"

It Has Come To My Attention That You Are In Possesion Of Many Strange Artifacts. I Wish To Purchase The Following:

1 Bloodstone

1 Lunar Dragon (along With Information On This Creature)

1 Inquistors Bane

I Shall Be There Shortly To Pick My Items And Pay For Them

Thank You For Your Service

<<Transylvania>>
Several shadows passed across the open door, the light of the day illuminating the men that stood momentarily at the door. Employees looked up to view the newcomers and greeted them kindly.

A single man of draconic descent stepped forth. "Welcome to Tarlachian Oddities. You are Count JWolf, I presume?"

*****************************************

<<Ravelyn Shentavo>>

A reply was sent to the telepathic voice that spoke from the ethereal plane:

Personal requests are accepted. What is it you seek?


*****************************************

<<Golden Simatar>>
A reply email was sent within minutes of being recieved at the Oddities mart:

From: Tarlachian Oddities
To: Harte, Todd
Subject: RE: Purchase of a dragon

Mr. Harte, it is with great pleasure to accomodate you with your order. In understanding of your situation, we also wish to express that it will take us a few days as well to obtain the female ice dragon as you have requested. Payment may be made upon arrival. Thank you for your interest.

Sincerely,
Tarlachian Oddities

*****************************************
<<Mikatopia>>
A clerk picked up the letter from a "Mr. Phobos" and smiled as he read the order. When the customer arrived, she would see to it that Mr. Phobos obtained any and all information and items he wished to know or buy. A reply was sent to this effect.

Greetings, Tarlachia
Our government would like to request:
1) 60,000 healing elixirs (1,500,000 USD)
2) 90 hellhounds (90,000 USD
3) Formula for Brute Strength Compound (willing to pay large sum of money)
Also, do you have any runts among your dragons? We're looking for something small and fast, like an eel with legs, something we can train, and, of course, something with sharp teeth. If you can provide us with some, we would very much appreciate it. If you have such creatures, please TG us and we can negotiate on a price.


The telegram machine beeped and chirped as a new telegram was recieved from Lictoria. Minutes later, it was picked up by one of the draconian women and replied to within minutes:


It is with pleasure for us to process your order request for items listed in #1 and #2. However, the formula components of the Brute Strength Compund, is not for sale. We apologize for this, but we must keep our position in the market with this unique potion in our inventory.

In regards to your inquiry of the dragon, we do believe that we will be able to breed a new strain of dragons in the manner you wish. Please give us four months (2 days RL) to provide you with the results of our efforts. The price for these creatures will be discussed at the end of the breeding.

For the reciept of your bulk orders of items in #1 and #2, please give us two weeks (1/2 day RL) to put your order together.

Please send a representative or several to pick up the order, as well as your own means of transportation of the order. Thank you.

Pleasure doing business with you!
Tarlachian Oddities

Tarlachian Oddities Daily Update

Due to the high demand for dragons, as well as some consultations with the elders of the mountains, we are forced to raise the price of dragons to a minimum of $2 million USD. For sales completed or started before this update, prices will remain the same as before. Orders placed after this update are subject to the new change.

We apologize for the inconvienience.

Tarlachian Oddities

Jihuntae bit his lip as the bullet wound in his arm stung again. Damn those foolish guards, not watching where they shot. When the order of elixirs came in, he had first call on the first bottle.
Around him, the other prophets of the council were sending for transportation of the medicines. Cages were being prepared for the hellhounds that Tarlachia had prepared.
Jihuntae clenched his teeth, putting some salve on his wound again. Foolish guards. He hoped that the clerics hadn't finished off the whole patrol. He was thinking of asking for a small hydra, as a pet, to disembowel those idiots. But perhaps he could wait.

<<Transylvania>>
Several shadows passed across the open door, the light of the day illuminating the men that stood momentarily at the door. Employees looked up to view the newcomers and greeted them kindly.

A single man of draconic descent stepped forth. "Welcome to Tarlachian Oddities. You are Count JWolf, I presume?"

"Yes, I am Count JWolf. Here are the elfstones." said the Count holding the bag towards man.

there had to be at least a hundred crates filled with the elixers that were stacked in the back room of the store. Thankfully, it was a large enough store to keep all of the elixers in one place. The hellhounds however were being held in a segregated realm of hell, from nearby Arithon. The Incha Gate, a smaller version of the Inchion Gate; or the Gates of Hell as some called them; was situated also in the back of the store. It was through this gate that the hellhounds would come.

When the representatives from Lictoria arrived, several of the Oddities workers appeared from the shadows and waited as their boss spoke,

"Welcome to Oddities! I presume you have the money?" he asked, his elven face gazing calmly at the visitors.

*******************************

The man accepted the payment from Count JWolf and handed them to another employee. After a few moments of counting the currency, the employee nodded positively.

"Splendid. If you'll follow me..." he replied to the Count.

(OOC: Gonna fast foward through time to just after the training is complete, so as to not bore anyone. See the next section below.)

********************************

Sometime in the future...around two months from now...

"You are doing excellently, sir!" commented the Draman employee who was watching Count JWolf descend from the sky and land almost perfectly on the ground in front of her. The Draman was forced to take a few steps back to keep the dragon from colliding into her. She reached up and stroked the dragon's snout affectionately.

"Well, you have passed your final test. Remember that your dragons are intelligent species, and are to be treated as such. If conditions for them get bad enough, they will leave you on your own, training or no training. And you will not like the response they will undoubtedly gather against you...Understood?"

The slender draman flicked her own tail about her leg as she watched the Count disembark off the dragon. The other two dragons stood nearby, patiently waiting. Between them, two carrying cases of strong fabric sat. Upon further inspection, the Count would find that the Inquistor's Bane was in one, carefully wrapped with a dark cloth that bore the Tarlachian draconic emblem on them.The other contained the bloodstones, wrapped in their own cloths and supported on sturdy chains that would hang around the neck. The cloths held the slightly grinning face of a vampire, the fangs protruding visibly past the lips.

Sometime in the future...around two months from now...

"You are doing excellently, sir!" commented the Draman employee who was watching Count JWolf descend from the sky and land almost perfectly on the ground in front of her. The Draman was forced to take a few steps back to keep the dragon from colliding into her. She reached up and stroked the dragon's snout affectionately.

"Well, you have passed your final test. Remember that your dragons are intelligent species, and are to be treated as such. If conditions for them get bad enough, they will leave you on your own, training or no training. And you will not like the response they will undoubtedly gather against you...Understood?"

The slender draman flicked her own tail about her leg as she watched the Count disembark off the dragon. The other two dragons stood nearby, patiently waiting. Between them, two carrying cases of strong fabric sat. Upon further inspection, the Count would find that the Inquistor's Bane was in one, carefully wrapped with a dark cloth that bore the Tarlachian draconic emblem on them.The other contained the bloodstones, wrapped in their own cloths and supported on sturdy chains that would hang around the neck. The cloths held the slightly grinning face of a vampire, the fangs protruding visibly past the lips.

"I understand, miss." said the Count. “Thank you for the training. You are a good teacher.” Walking over two other dragons, he start petting them and said “I will head home, now. With my new allies.” His knights load the two carrying cases in a limo because they are taking the Gulfstream V jet home. Heading back over to the lunar dragon, he hopped back on and said “Up, up and away.” with a laughing at the end of it. The three dragons entered the sky as the limo pulled off. A letter fell for the sky and lands beside the Draman’s feet.

To the whole staff at Tarlachian Oddities,

Thank you for teaching me everything about my new allies. I will buy stuff from you later. But right now, I’m going home to my brides. See you around.

Signed,

Count JWolf

Todd walked into the Tarlachian oddites store, unsure of where to go. He had his order form in his hand and looked around the massive store. Todd spotted a young female employee and walked up to her. Todd noticed she had elven ears. Well, she might be my age...or she could be as old as Stephen. So much for maybe getting a date.

Todd walked up to her.

"Excuse me. I'm Todd Harte, I placed an order for a female ice dragon a while back. Came to pick it up..where do I go to do that and pay?"

What I want is a one of a kind sword. I'm sure you have the resources for a dark blade, and I have the ruin stones that are needed to enchant it. Serated on one side to hook and tear, smooth and sharp on the other to clean cut a good many substances. I also have the blood with which I need included in the casting of such a sword; Sword of Tainted Grace.

What I want is a one of a kind sword. I'm sure you have the resources for a dark blade, and I have the ruin stones that are needed to enchant it. Serated on one side to hook and tear, smooth and sharp on the other to clean cut a good many substances. I also have the blood with which I need included in the casting of such a sword; Sword of Tainted Grace.


The vampiress finished listening to the special request, writing down the details on paper. She replied telepathically, Your request will be taken care of. It will be ready as soon as you deliver the runic stones and merged with the sword.

She handed the paper to the boss, who scanned it and set it into a basket. Minutes later, another employee retrieved all the orders in the basket and disappeared in a back room, where a smith recieved the special request order. He read the text and nodded, immediately getting to work.

A while later, the pounding of a hammer on reinforced Tarlachian steel could be heard from the store front...

Todd walked into the Tarlachian oddites store, unsure of where to go. He had his order form in his hand and looked around the massive store. Todd spotted a young female employee and walked up to her. Todd noticed she had elven ears. Well, she might be my age...or she could be as old as Stephen. So much for maybe getting a date.

Todd walked up to her.

"Excuse me. I'm Todd Harte, I placed an order for a female ice dragon a while back. Came to pick it up..where do I go to do that and pay?"


The elven girl turned and inspected the young lad in front of her, looking almost like an excited child that knew Christmas was around the corner.

"Ah, yes. I remember your order coming in a while back."

The elven girl turned away and walked to the draconic section and tapped a few keys on the computer. Moments later, a panel slid aside in the wall, a dark blue and white glow emitting, providing a creepy look surrounding the egg that emerged. The air could be seen becoming like fog as it warmed to the room temperature. The elven girl picked up the egg and turned to Todd.

"As it stands, you made your request for the dragon before we changed our prices on them. Therefore, you are eligible to recieve this dragon for the minimum price we had originally established for such. That will be five thousand dollars, or if you wish to pay in Elfstones, it'll be five thousand elfstones."

As Todd saw the egg come out of the mist, he thought of the egg scene in Alien. He chuckled to himself as he imagined the top of the egg opening and a facehugger leaping out a grabbing hold of his head. His chain of thought was broken by the elf and he turned to her.

"I'll write a check for five thousand dollars."

Todd turned to a desk, pulled out his check book and a pen. He quickly made a check out for five thousand dollars. Oh man, what is Samantha gonna say when I bring a dragon home? He ripped out the check and handed it to the elf.

"Here you go. And uh...how long before the dragon hatches?"

The elven girl replied to Todd, "It has been sitting and growing inside the egg for the past thirteen months. Another three months, and it should be hatched. Enjoy your dragon."

She accepted the check and handed Todd the egg, making sure he held it carefully so as to not drop it. The egg's shell was tough, almost as tough as dragon scales. It would take a lot of force to break the shell, so Todd needn't worry about fragility.

"Please feel free to shop some more, sir." the elven girl continued with a sweet smile, as commonly found amongst her kind.

The indivdual known only as Mr. Phobos entered the store.

"I have come for my purchases."

The hissing of steam could be heard as the sword was plunged into the icy waters in the elongated bucket. The smith waited a few minutes then withdrew the sword. He admired the natural beauty of the weapon and congratulated himself on making such a creation possible.

He inspected the blade carefully, then took it to the wet shop. Here, he pulled out a whetstone and proceeeded to sharpen the blade with care. A smaller whetstone was used for the serrated edges.

Some time later, he was sitting down, inspecting the various handle gripping items that hung on the wall. He selected a crimson handle and smiled. It was perfect. He muttered a small spell partially melting the grip and securing it to the handle. It gripped quickly and cooled just as fast.

He unscrewed the end of the hilt, which was formed into a black rose, a fitting decoration for the sword's given name, "The Sword of Tainted Grace". Inside, he inspected the narrow canister where the blood would be inserted and sealed. Satisfied, he sealed the hilt once more and proceeded to polish the blade and the empty indentations where the stones would go. They were built into the hilt of the blade, as well at the base of the blade itself, just above the hilt guard.

Now the sheath... the elven smith thought to himself, and pulled out a variety of tough fabrics. Inspecting them, he chose a black sheath of tough, weathered leather and steel bits that served as joints. He shaped it around the blade, leaving just enough room to be able to draw the blade without trouble. He cast another spell, instantly and permanantly immobolizing the fabric and finalizing the sheath.

He smiled and proceeded through his last step, the delivery package. He summoned a cloth of silk to wrap delicately around the blade. To make things look uniform, he set an etching into the silk cloth that showed a black rose, the symbol of the sword. Upon delivery to the buyer, the fabric would take a small portion of the owner and imprint it upon the fabric. If the buyer was an elf, she would see her lineage's emblem implanted. If she was human, she would see her family crest. If she was demonic, she would see an engraving of an Inchion Gate surrounding the black rose.

At long last, the sword sat upon the workbench, completed. He smiled. It had become one of his best works, up there with Master Sigrun Greenwood's own blade of wonder, Lanta, the anti-demonic blade that was masterfully forged and fit the owner's personality like a glove.

He studied the black rose and smiled. Somehow, he knew it would fit the owner perfectly...

The indivdual known only as Mr. Phobos entered the store.

"I have come for my purchases."

A human male walked up to Mr. Phobos and inquired,

"Your name sir?"

"Mr. Phobos." replied the individual. Minutes later, he was led to the counter, where a paper was pulled out. It contained the order:


1 Bloodstone: $1500
1 Lunar Dragon**: $20,000
1 Species Catalogue: $50
1 Inquistors Bane: $500
______________________
GRAND TOTAL: $22,050

**Order was placed before the change in price. Therefore, old prices will be applied in this case.


The man handed the paper to the customer and proceeded to pull the requested hand-held items out of a storage box in the wall. He turned and set them on the countertop.

"The dragon will be in fields, awaiting your arrival."

He handed Mr. Phobos a small book, titled Species Catalogue. He opened it to the page that gave information about the Lunar Dragon.



Link to Species Catalogue (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=396063)

Lunar Dragon (Draco magificen lunar)- Lunar Dragons are unique, and small in number. Originally from the moon, but have become refugees to Earth, they have found residence in Tarlachia. They have capability to affect anything the moon may have on the Earth. Tides, weather patterns, whatever may be subject to the gravity of the moon. Essentially, this makes them quite powerful if used aggressively. Intelligence is equal to other Dragons (See Dragons entry).


There was also a small picture that showed one of the dragons in flight over the oceans.

"That will be $22,050 sir." the man spoke, waiting expectantly for the payment.

"I will pay in cash if you dont mind." Mr. Phobos said smiling,revealing fangs, "Life is so much less complicated when you pay in cash."

The stranger pulled out the equvilent of $22,050 in elf stones. "Will i need to attend some sort of training course for my dragon? Oh, and how quickly do they mature phyiscally and mentally?"

The generals of the Chetar, Chezit and Chetok provinces would each like to purchase Tarlachian Swords with the Anti-Personel augmentations. 3x(180+50)=690

"I will pay in cash if you dont mind." Mr. Phobos said smiling,revealing fangs, "Life is so much less complicated when you pay in cash."

The stranger pulled out the equvilent of $22,050 in elf stones. "Will i need to attend some sort of training course for my dragon? Oh, and how quickly do they mature phyiscally and mentally?"

The man nodded and accepted the payment. "They mature individually, but usually a hundred of their years is equal to ten of ours, in terms of maturity. Physically, they will grow at a steady rate to the size they were born to grow to. Training is offered at an additional cost of 15,000 elfstones (dollars). Would you like to add this to your bill?"

The generals of the Chetar, Chezit and Chetok provinces would each like to purchase Tarlachian Swords with the Anti-Personel augmentations. 3x(180+50)=690

"The items you request are available for immediately pickup. Please send someone in person to pick up your wares. As you have stated, the price will be 690 elfstones (dollars)"

The elf sent the message via portal-mail, knowing it would instantly appear on the desk of the person who had sent the request to him.

The man nodded and accepted the payment. "They mature individually, but usually a hundred of their years is equal to ten of ours, in terms of maturity. Physically, they will grow at a steady rate to the size they were born to grow to. Training is offered at an additional cost of 15,000 elfstones (dollars). Would you like to add this to your bill?"


"Yes, I shall do so.." Phobos said slowly, adding $15,000 to his orginal payment.

"The items you request are available for immediately pickup. Please send someone in person to pick up your wares. As you have stated, the price will be 690 elfstones (dollars)"

The elf sent the message via portal-mail, knowing it would instantly appear on the desk of the person who had sent the request to him.Three hawks soon after appear flying toward the store. They land outside the door, and each quickly turn into half-orcs with hide armor, cloaks, and gnarled staves. Although their skin tones vary slithly, each has an unusual tint of red in their hair.
The trio walk in, each carrying a sack with 230 elfstones. The shaman with a slightly brown skin pigment steps ahead of his cohorts. "We are here for the swords for the Muktar generals."

The man smiled at Phobos, "Excellent. If you'll follow me, we'll get you started right away!"

He came out from behind a counter and led Phobos outside and toward the dragons that could be seen resting in the fields, their eyes closed. Nearby, another employee, a draman male sat, idly picking an apple with a sharpened claw like finger. He bit into it, then saw the two approaching. He stood and greeted Phobos, "Another for the trainin' eh?"

(Have your next post with Phobos already trained.)

____________________________

A female woman approximately in her mid twenties smiled and approached the orcish. "Of course."

She made her way to the counter to read the order list, then made her way to the weaponry section. She retrieved three of the standard swords from the wall and handed one to each of them. They followed her as she made her way to the necromancy counter and went behind the counter. She retrieved three of the anti-personnel augumentation stones and set them into stones. Instantly, they merged fluidly and sealed tightly to the weapons. A surge of red energy shot up the blades with a flaring, before dying down.

"All set!" she declared as she accepted the payments from each of the orcish. A few minutes later she nodded, indicating the money was correct in its count.

"Thank you for shopping here at Tarlachian Oddities, tell your friends!" she said with a kind smile.

(OOC: Apologies for the late post.)

IC: The trader smoothed out his red velvet jacket and adjusted a hand-woven silk tie. A final polish was applied to jeweled cufflinks, a fine foreign scent sprayed lightly into the air around the man, and blue contact lenses, relaying information to some fairly less-attractive men hunched over laptops in a cave four thousand kilometers away.
Traders were not known for their courage on the battlefield, for their winning personalities, or for representing Lictorian culture. The last thing the high council wanted was for Lictorian culture to be seen by a foreign nation. Keep it simple, keep it safe. But then, they were going to Tarlachia- orcs, vampires, elves- how bizarre could Lictorians really seem?
Back on subject, though, traders are known best for their excellence in just that- trading. They were trustworthy with money, and guarded it just as a dragon guards his horde of gold. They were royal misers, it could be said, counting up the money and leaping like hellhounds on anyone suspected when a single copper came up missing.

Ruxechk was a fine trader. There was not an item in the kingdom he hadn't sold at one time or another, and not a man he could not sell a product to. He prided himself on a particular time when he sold to a man of the royal religious order, a box of sweets. Interesting was that the royal monk had dedicated thirty years of his life, had undergone ritual scarification of the most painful nature, rigorous training, and sunrise to sunset studies of the holy scriptures, for a religion that strictly forbade indulging in earthly pleasures. Chocolates were even included on the Wall of Sin, a one-hundred numbered list of the most vile, wretched things of the world. Chocolate ranked 72nd, between situation comedies and the word "moist," which was allegedly pornographic.
Ruxechk boasted whenever traders met about how splendidly he had drawn the monk in, resisted forty-five minutes of rebuttals decreasing in firmness, and finally sold the box of- for three gold pieces. Ruxechk worshipped the religion of greed, a master in the art of trading. He would never accept the "eye for an eye" deal unless the eye he was getting in return had vision at least two degrees better than his own and a more suitable coloration. Otherwise, the deal was off.
And now, here he was, seasick on a boat that had oohed and ahhed the public with its special stabilizers. "It can be sailing straight through a hurricane and not put a ripple in your martini," they said. He had been through four stomach-churning trips to the loo already. Special stabilizers? He would trade the whole lot in for a rusty iron nail, all the good they were doing him.
Having made the final adjustments to his suit, he stepped on deck as the ship rolled into port and held out a red leather briefcase, golden fasteners clicking open, revealing two solid walls of hundred dollar stacks. He motioned with his hand, saying: "Yes, we have your compensation," as nine other men, each bearing an identical briefcase in either hand, stepped toward the docks. "We assume you have the products?"

The convoy of Lictorian traders arriving was noted as they swept silently through the door. As soon as they identified themselves, they were led to an adjacent room, where large orders were processed. There, a draman female looked up at the Lictorians and smiled, revealing double rows of sharp teeth.

"Welcome to Oddities." she stated as she pulled their order out and looked it over. Her finger pressed a button on the top of the counter, immediately alerting some employees to appear from their places. "The Lictorian order is ready for pickup. Please help these gentlemen transport the order to their vessel."

Immediately, the employees moved behind the scenes and began to bring out a number of crates filled with the 60,000 healing elixers. As they did this, the draman female picked up a phone and spoke quickly in her native language. Soon, the fearsome sounds of hellhounds could be heard as they were arriving through a portal set up by one of the elves. They had leashes that were black in color, and strong enough to restrain the hounds. Each of the hounds also had muzzles over their snouts.

The draconian female hung up, then dialed another number. Within minutes, large male dramen appeared, carrying a number of small, squirming beasts that slunk about their bodies. They were a variety of dragon species, all representing one of the races in Tarlachia (fire, ice, lunar). Their small eyes peered at the strangers, anticipation seen clearly. There were fifty in total, five on each of the ten male dramen.

The draman female spoke to the Lictorians, "The dragons will be five hundred thousand each. I apologize, but the breeding was rather difficult, hence our price."

She looked at them momentarily, before continuing. Your total will come out to 26,590,000. Of course, if you wish, we can lessen the number of the dragons to be sold."

In a place where shadow lay deepest there was a sudden hint of movement and a tall figure clad in crimson robes stepped forth inti the day's light. With brisk but oddly silent steps she made her way into the building labeled Tarlachian Oddities. Smug and MBC had declined to accompany her this day.

Once with in, she wandered the store, peruseing the various items offered for sale with interest and a lively curosity. Eventually she found the section that held the greatest interest for her. Swords. Hopefully she could commission a Katana to her specifications. Shalamar Thorskald, the Lady of Cats Keep, looked about for assistance.

As soon as Shalamar from Cats Keep began looking around for assistance, a male employee approached from a nearby counter,

"May I help you miss?" he asked as he noted what she kept returning her gaze to. The swords.

"Yes, please I would speak to one of your arms masters about the forgeing of a sword"

She spoke softly as she turned her amber gaze from the wide array of swords arranged in the various display cases.

Tucking gloved hands into the wide sleeves of her over robes she bowed minutely. The crystal, silver, blue, and gold of a starstone gleamed uncovered in the hollow of her throat.

The employee smiled, "Of course. I'll be right back."

He departed and soon returned with an older looking elf who smiled and bowed respectfully.

"I am the swordsmith here. My shop is in the back of this store. May I help you?"

Shalamar returned the bow and the smile.

"My last katana had to be retired due to the brittlness of old age and since I am still PNGed I can't go to Japan for a new one."

The smile turned wry, and she wondered if a comment on how long it took the folded steel of a katana to go brittle would be forth coming. She considered though, that the swordsmith was an elf, he'd know about how long it took.

A tall figure dress completly in black entered the store as night fell. He squinted his cobalt blue eyes against the light of the store. The vampire let his eyes adjust before looking around at the massive store.

Stephen Malone walked towards the weapons section and browsed for several minutes, seeing if anything interested him. He looked at a Snarling Beretta, but decided to stick with his Para automatics.

Stephen walked over to the vampire section, finally making up his mind on what he wanted. He walked up to a female vampire.

"Excuse me ma'am, but I would like to purchase a bloodstone in the shape of a dragon. It is fifteen hundred American dollars or elfstone right?"

The vampiress looked Stephen up and down slowly, her fangs sliding out slightly as she enjoyed what she saw. Finally, she caught herself and smiled, "Yes, that's correct. We've got a few already made like that, as we have anticipated the popularity of our draconic bretheren's goods to spill over into the rest of the store.

She retrieved one from a glass counter and handed it over to Stephen for his approval, "You might like this one here..."

Stephen smiled at the vampiress as he held the bloodstone. He thought for a little bit, reached into his pocket and pulled out a patch. He looked at it, then at the bloodstone. Stephen looked up to see the other vampire looking at him, slightly curious.

Stephen showed her the patch. A blue square with a red border, in the center was a snarling red dragon. Stephen's finger appeared through a hole in the patch.

"My first combat wound from my army days, someone took a pot shot at me and struck lucky. Didn't lose much blood, but scared me to hell. So, why not keep a lot of spare blood with you."

Stephen pocketed the patch, and looked up at the vampiress.

"I'll take the bloodstone. How much was it?"

The vampiress replied with a smile showing her fangs, "Fifteen hundred, as you said."

She rang the order up on the machine, "Anything else you'd like to get?"

A tall man in a white tunic and teal robe strode into the store, looking with interest at the extensive Tarlachian merchendise. He admired the Tarlachian jewelry, then examined various weapons for a while. He did not need either, however.

Slightly confused, he motioned to a nearby employee.

"Good day to you, sir. Could you be so kind to inform me as to where I might request a Custom Pet?

The employee looked up as he heard the request for where to look for custom pets. He smiled revealing two rows of sharp incisors lining his mouth. "Right over there sir. Perhaps I might be of assistance?"

This employee was a strange looking one, with what appeared to be small scales in place of normal skin. He was muscular, but that was a common trait for male dramen. He wiped his hands on a towel that hung from his waist and approached the man in the teal coat.

The tall man smiled and nodded.

"Yes, I was wondering something...Do you think I could purchase a Liger-You know, the legandary lion and tiger crossbreed-from Tarlachian Oddities? I desperetely need one, and they are terribley difficult to find."

Stephen reached into a trenchcoat pocket and pulled out a roll of bills. He counted out fifteen hundred in twenties and fifties and handed them to the vampiress, then placed the rest of the money back into his pocket. Stephen looked at the bloodstone on the black chain and put it into his pocket for right now. He thought for a bit.

"I am slightly curious on what you have in your miscellaneous section of your catalouge."

The draman employee looked at the tall man and replied regretfully, "I'm sorry. That is not in our normal extents of breeding. Perhaps you would like something else instead?"

He handed the man a copy of the Pets section of the catalogue.

************************

The vampiress gave another look-see at Stephen and smiled, "We've got a variety of things for you to browse through. Please...feel free."

She waved toward the store's main room.

(OOC: GS, just do browsing for whatever you feel like. Anything that might be of interest, go ahead and pick it up. I'll respond appropriately.)

Shalamar returned the bow and the smile.

"My last katana had to be retired due to the brittlness of old age and since I am still PNGed I can't go to Japan for a new one."

The smile turned wry, and she wondered if a comment on how long it took the folded steel of a katana to go brittle would be forth coming. She considered though, that the swordsmith was an elf, he'd know about how long it took.

The elder elf smiled at Shalamar and nodded simultaneously. "Of course. I can forge an elven version of the katanas of Japan, and may even be worthy of their praise, should they ever see it. I will see to its forging personally."

He spied a small change of shape across her back and smiled once more, "I see you have brought your katana here, may I?" He held his hands out expectantly. She nodded and handed it to him with gloved hands; still in its sheath.

The elf drew the katana softly, listening to the music the blade made as it exited its sheath. He handed the sheath to her and brought the blade up close to his eyes, carefully inspecting the blade from several angles. It indeed did show brittle aging.

The elfn thought for a moment, "I have to say one thing though. From what I know of the Japanese katanas, to see it brittle after even after...how long did you say?"

"Twelve thousand years." she replied.

"Twelve thousand years...ah yes, then this is as I suspected, a finely crafted blade made by one who knew his trade. He stepped back and sent it through a series of attack and defense moves. It was true to the hand, and true to the strikes. He smiled and turned to her, "A most exceptional weapon!"

He handed it back to her, and watched as she resheathed the weapon. Once she had her attention on him once more, he spoke, "I shall forge one of equal or better quality, as best as my ability can summon."

He then had an idea and beckoned for her to follow with a slight wave of his hand, "Please, before I am to do this, I wish to show to you one of my other works that I have just completed for another customer. A weapon I am truly proud of..."

He led her to the back room, to his shop and pulled down the special sword crafted for the Shentavo woman. He unwrapped the cloth and held the sword up in the light on the upside palms of his hands to the feline woman.

"This is a custom sword requested from another customer. Note the strength and care placed into the blade, into the hilt, and into the locations where the owner's augumentation stones are to be placed. He unscrewed the end of the hilt to reveal a hollow chamber that did nothing to compromise the strength of the hilt itself. "This is where she wishes to store a liquid of some sort, I believe she stated blood. I take it she is a vampiress."

He stepped back once more from Shalamar and also executed several swings with it, showing its flowing motions that seemed to be a perfect balance. Once finished, he offered it to the feline woman for her own observations.

Shalamar watched gravely as the master smith handled her weapon with knowledgeable care and respect. It was pleasing to see such.

What was truely interesting was to note that the elf had noticed the changes in her nature - for while she had been human once, so long had she and Cats Keep dwelt in the Shadow Realms...'well Shadow changes people, and becoming Kami.." she mused as she watched her shadow's tail wave slowly, following a tail that was physically not there - or at least not currently...

The sword he displayed for her was truly exceptional and she was honoured that he let her see the custom blade. She bowed deeply to him before taking the blade across her gloved palms and examined the hilt closely. However she shook her head.Returning the blade to his care, she smiled thankfully, but the smile was tinged with sadness.

"I dare not augument the blade. It is lovely work and if mine turns out as well I will be satisfied and honoured to bear the blade."

The trader twitched his moustache.
"That price is... acceptable."
The cash was presented.
"I assume you have someone to take these."
He hesitated.
"Of course, there are both females and males in the animals, yes?"

(OOC: Is this storefront dead? Still waiting for a reply.)

OOC: No...it's not dead...some people have a life...

IC:
The Oddities employee nodded to the Lictorian trader, "Yes." and accepted the money. "There are three females, and the rest are males. Such is the way with dragons. I'm sorry. And I'm afraid those females have a very, very high chance of sterility, due to the cross-breeding. Approximately 97% chance of sterility."

________________________

The master elf bowed respectfully to the feline woman, "Of course. I shall begin immediately on your weapon. If you'll come back in two days, it shall be complete and ready for sale. In the meantime, please feel free to explore all that Tarlachia has to offer!"

With that, he dismissed her with a gentle wave toward the door and turned to his unfinished metals closet.

During his night time wanderings of Tarlahica, Hondur came across what appeared to be a goods store. Words had crossed his ear of a place that sold weapons and other goods, those common within all the races of Tarlachia.

He wasn't quite sure what to expect in such a place, yet nonetheless he moved inside and began browsing the store. Some items he recognised, others were beyond belief to him. Hondur's robes ruffled against a large shelf, almost causing a delicate looking bowl to explode upon the floor, if it wasn't for the vampire's lightning quick reactions, replacing the bowl.

After examining many items, Hondur turned to leave, not finding anything of interest for himself. As he strode towards the doorway, a poster caught his attention, advertising the forging of custom weapons. The ancient vampire thought upon this for a few moments before spinning around and approaching the counter.

"I would like to request the construction of a custom weapon."

The attendant indicated that could be done and so Hondur quickly withdrew a sheet of paper with detailed pictures and annotations. The attendant examined it and nodded.

"Also, if it's not too much trouble, I would like the blades to be an alloy of silver and your strongest metal."

The attendant looked at the diagrams and made a look of impressed thought. This stranger had an interesting concept, one they could most definitely forge for him. He looked familiar, and so he thought about the vampire. Finally, he realized where he had seen him.

It had been at the Star Trials, and he had seen the vampire standing next to Sigrun, an obvious friend of their leader. He looked back up at him and smiled. He beckoned for Hondur to come closer as he whispered, "Special price for you. I know who you are, and I'm prepared to offer you a sizable discount, on account of your relation with the Greenwoods, particularly our esteemed leader, Sigrun."

A slight smile crossed Hondur's lips as the attendant made mention of his association with his one time enemy. He hadn't expected such a thing to happen, yet he welcomed the discount upon his request and would have to thank Sigrun later as well.

"Thankyou for your kindness. By the way, my name is Hondur."

The vampire extended his cold hand, obviously grateful for the elf's kindness.

"How much do I owe you?"

The attendant smiled and took the proffered hand, "It is my honor to meet you, Hondur.

"As for the price, normally, I would tell you that it would be approximately one thousand dollars and up. I'll sell your weapon to you for $500. Sound good?"

Hondur nodded, surprised with such a massive discount and pleased at the same time.

"That sounds more than fair to me. Hmm, do you have electronic payment options? I don't exactly carry that sort of money on me."

The ancient vampire withdrew a pocket computer which he could use to access his bank account. Hondur smiled at the thought of Skadi scowling at him, playing with human technology.

The attendant nodded, "Of course." He scribbled a series of numbers and letters down, then handed the paper to the vampire, "Send the funds to this account. We shall forward it to our main account upon confirmation. Such an account exists for the security of the main one."

The elf excused himself and departed to a back room, where he found the swordsmith busy working on another project.

"I've got another custom request for you."

The elder elf turned and took the paper with the diagrams on it. He inspected it, then nodded, "Most interesting. And what is the asking price?"

The attendant replied, "It is a friend of Sigrun's, one I saw during the Star Trials. Therefore, I have given him half off."

The elf nodded understandingly, "Very well then. It shall be done."

The attendant bowed and returned to Hondur. He reported what the master swordsmith had said, "He has accepted your order."

Hondur thanked the attendant and quickly opened a link to his Swiss Account. It wouldn't do to have an account in Assington, where the VP could trace him. Moving his fingers with amazing dexterity, Hondur quickly finished the necessary commands, sending through the funds.

"It is done, it shouldn't be too long until it comes through."

The vampire waited patiently as the attendant went into the back and conversed with the smith. Soon enough she returned and confirmed the deal.

"Thankyou. I'll see you in two days then."

Shalamar bowed in return, no little surprized that the work would be completed so quickly. The Lady of Cats Keep glanced about the store once more, just to see if there was anything else that had caught her interest. 'There's some lovely jewelry, but I'll look at it when I return' she thought as she headed for the door. 'Some sightseeing in Tarlachia might be fun...I've heard that their leader is a human turned vampire turned elf...his past sounds as interesting as mine'

"In the old Chinese curse interesting" she chuckled aloud as she stepped through the door and out into the night.

(OOC: Oh, sorry. Bit rude of me to want to be replied to there.)
"Many thanks," the trader said as he swept the dragons and hellhounds into their storage areas and received the elixirs, loading them onto carts that were sent into the cargo holders.
"Again, we thank you for your business."

OOC: Lictoria, no problem.

IC:
The elder elf wiped his brow, where a decent film of sweat had massed together. He wiped his hand on his apron, then finished sharpening the blade of the katana. Finally, he set a grip firmly onto the handle and held it up to the light. He smiled. Another success... he thought proudly to himself, as he suddenly spun about and sheathed the blade. He set it aside with care and turned his attention to his other project.

Picking up the several blades, he secured them to the base, making sure they fit the custom specifications exactly as the customer had wished. He did a few more adjustments, then put it on. The weapon sliced the air with a most satisfactory balance. This too had become another very successful project. He pulled out appropriate cases for both weapons and placed them in gently.

"Strike true. Live long. Fight with honor!" he spoke as a blessing. Finally, he took a seat and summoned a drink to his hand. He took a deep swallow as he studied the cases in which both the orders were now awaiting pickup. He smiled once more.

Shalamar 'Stepped' from Cats Keep, no great distance now, but harder in its own way. This day she wore a simpler outfit, she had no need to advertise the danger she represented, for that danger was absent for a time still. Bringing the Keep from Shadow to the Mundane had done her no good and in certain areas her wounds were yet unhealed. She waited a moment to make sure that none of the demons currently infesting Cats Keep had followed her. It was not a good thing to imperil new neighbors.

She moved from the shadows with her usual grace, but gingerly and made her way down the path to the store. She had a commision to obtain other things there as well.

Once within she perused the cothing, selecting a number of male and female outfits, and deciding on a five of the artistically done dragon headed Berettas. Then she inquired if the katana she had ordered was finished.

As Shalamar waited patiently, browsing the store's items, the wizened elf appeared silently, her new katana in both hands, which he announced his arrival with a slight cough. As she turned, he could see her eyebrows rise slightly as she beheld the exquisite weapon awaiting her touch.

"It has been a pleasure to forge this sword for you, my lady." the elf spoke with a hint of pride as he bowed and held the katana out for her.

Returning the bow she took the katana in hand and unsheathed it. A soft gasp of appreciation escaped her and reverently she examined it minutely.

"Oh my humblest thanks and complete appreciation, sword master. The craftsmanship is flawless."

Stepping back several paces she stilled for a second weighing the balance of the sword with mind and body. Then, carefully aware of the various obstacles and limited space she flowed into a kata dreamtime slow at first then becomeing a blur edged with silver.

Her laugh was slightly breathless when she finished and saluted the anchient elf before sheathing the sword

"And what do you wish in return for such a master piece?"

The wizened elf smiled in appreciation as he watched the nimble catwoman before him twirl with the katana. His sharp hearing picked up the blade causing a slight song to eminate, a testimony to the masterful skill of the swordmaster. He answered her question, "I will sell it you for one thousand elfstones. To contrast, the typical weapons shown in the front are sold for much less. I would like to offer you the chance to test the katana's strength and bite."

He gestured with a slight flick of his hand, before turning and leading the way back into his shop. He led her to where several pieces of wood stood, some mounted horizontially, others vertically. At the far end, a brick stood. Each piece of wood varied from each other in thickness, durability and strength.

"Go on," he urged softly, indicating she should use the katana to slice the various wood and brick.

"It is worth much more than that" Shalamar protested softly as she examined the various wood bars and the brick

Then she was a passage of motion and the wooden blocks were cleaved in twain . Unstopping she was before the brick and the blade bit deep, passing through the brick with the faintes puff of stone dust

Then Shalamar was bowing deeply before the ancient elf, a small smile upon her generous lips

"A thousand is not enough"

He watched as the katana cleaved the wood and brick like a knife through butter. He smiled, knowing his skill was proven.

The elf chuckled, "Hardly the case. I do not seek more than appropriate. I am not one to hoard my wealth. My payment has already been recieved to the contrary, for I have taken the pride of constructing such a fine weapon. So once more, I say to you, I will sell it to you for one thousand elfstones."

He pulled out another cloth and handed it to Shalamar, "Wrap it in this when you are not using it, and it shall be kept in good condition."

Shalamar nodded in acceptance and brought forth the elf stones needed to pay for the katana and her other purchases. With the katana wrapped in the cloth the sword master had given her, bundle of clothes and weapons under one arm she left the store. Now she needed to deliver the requested items

She found herself singing under her breath, but frowning.

"We crossed over the border an hour before dawn, moving in lines through the day, most of their planes were destroyed on the ground where they lay..."

Bump

~bump~

*Bump*