Peek: Stocking Up

Warnd's mind wanders as he lets Lem lead him to the outfitter. What kind of adventurer would he even make? Fun as it is to daydream of being something like a daring swashbuckler, reality pokes too many holes in trying to mimic a fighting style like that. For one, they aren't really known for their armor. He knows he's not going to be able to dodge or block every attack, so he wants to be able to wear something to give him protection.

A cutlass or other sword would be very cool, but he's heard they're a weapon you actually need to know how to use if you want to make it work. Swinging it around might technically work, but it's still a weapon more about finesse than raw strength. While he's also hardly rippling with muscle, he would certainly consider himself more strong than agile.

"Should I try to get a hammer and shield like you, Lem?"

The changeling shrugs. "If you want, sure. I have a couple class bonuses with hammers that I can translate into a fight, which is why I went with that, and a shield is never a bad thing. Hammers also are pretty easy to figure out, no fancy swooshes, just smash. But honestly, get whatever catches your eye." He smirks and looks at Warnd sideways. "Within reason. I don't think you'd fit a rapier."

Warnd snorts at that and shakes his head. "I was imagining a cutlass, but yeah, I should start simple. What about heavier armor? Leather seems a bit... flimsy."

"Leather is fine for the rats and snakes. You might be able to swing a simple breastplate, or maybe splint mail. It's more expensive and heavier than normal leather, but definitely takes a hit better."

"I'd really like to wear heavier armor than leather, if it's an option."

Lem smirks. "Still worried, hmm? Well, you're stout enough you shouldn't be in trouble at least trying it out. We're almost there, that's the sign." Warnd follows Lem's finger to see a sign labeled 'Parval's Outfitting' featuring a chest overflowing with weapons, armor, and other adventuring bric-a-brac.

Inside, the rows of shelves are only a little more organized than the sign, with several barrels in rows with weapons sticking out. Past the goods and standing at the counter is a wizened, wrinkled elf who's eyes still sparkle with vibrant life.

"Ah, Lem! Reconsidered that enchanted hammer, did you? You're lucky I still have it in stock!"

"I'm not here for that, you old swindler!" answers Lem with a smile. "My friend here, Warnd, is new in town, so I brought him by to get him some adventuring stuff!"

"Ah, you're a good friend to both of us then! I have everything a new adventurer could ever need!"

"I... think adventurer is a bit strong..."

The elf, who he can only assume is Parval, waves off his worries. "Maybe right now, but I've seen many a timid crafter get the adventuring bug after their first delve. Now, is there anything you had in mind, or do you want to browse some to get an idea of what's on offer?"

"I know I'd like some armor, maybe some splint mail?"

Parval nods at that. "I have several suits over there, and I'd suggest an open helm to go with it. Closed ones are better protection, but if it's your first time, you'll probably prefer having visibility. Any thoughts on a weapon yet?"

Warnd slowly shakes his head. "I was thinking maybe a hammer, or something else simple?"

"Most of my weapons are pretty simple to use. Feel free to pick them up and give a couple swings to get a feel for them. If you break anything, though, it'll be added to your bill," the elf warns before shooing the two to check out the shelves.

"Let's check the armor first, see if the splint is too heavy," suggests Lem, and Warnd sees no reason to argue. When he picks up the first chest piece, he sees what his friend was talking about with how heavy it feels.

"How is it so heavy?" he grunts as he hefts it.

"Protection is, I guess. It feels better when you wear it, so try it on."

The piece is a bit big for him, but Warnd gets it on without too much difficulty. "It really does feel better when wearing it." He bounces in place and walks around a bit, gauging if he'll be able to keep it on for a whole delve without getting exhausted.

"Think it'll be fine?"

Warnd thinks for a few seconds more before nodding. "I think so. This one's too big, but one better fit should be fine, even if I need to do a couple delves to really get used to it."

Lem helps him get the armor off and find one that will fit better, before they go to the barrels of weapons. A lot of them are variations on hammers and clubs, and after a few experimental swings with them, Warnd has to conclude they're just not for him.

Axes, on the other hand, feel a lot better. They remind him of the tools he uses to shape the timbers, but none feel quite right until he finds one with an especially long blade, long enough that the bottom tip is connected to the long haft as well.

"Ah, I think that's a bardiche. Hey Parval!"

"What?!"

"That's a bardiche, right?"

The elf squints across the shop before nodding. "Yes!"

Warnd ignores the two yelling as he holds the weapon. It has enough haft to let him leverage both hands, but not so much that it should be a hindrance in all but the tightest of quarters. The large blade makes him feel confident even he could get something with at least part of the business end, too.

"I think I want to try this. I won't be able to use a shield with it, but having heavier armor should balance it out, right?"

Lem shrugs. "Makes sense to me. I can cover you for the weapon, armor, and one of Parval's packs."

"Pack?"

Lem chuckles and nods, motioning for Warnd to follow him to the shopkeeper. "There's a bunch of things to bring along besides just a weapon and armor. Parval sells them in packs for people getting into adventuring. There'll probably be things you don't want, and things you'll think you won't want, but trust me that it's a good idea to restock on whatever you end up using, and keeping the rest. Except his rations."

Parval looks insulted at the jab, even as he pulls out a pack for Warnd. "I'll have you know those bars are a recipe from the missus!"

"No wonder you left her!"

Parval and Lem laugh as Warnd pokes through the bag. Some of the items are pretty obvious, while others are completely alien to the elf. Still, he can't help but feel a growing confidence in the upcoming delve tomorrow. He has a weapon, armor, gear, and a good friend. What else could he need?