Ian looked around in awe as the lord led them down the hall.
"We can take anything? Is there anything off limits here?"
Th lord looked back at Ian with a smile.
"Just come see me once you've made your choice. If you take something I can't part with, I'll let you know and you'll get another pick."
Finally they stood in front of the heavy gold door. The lord streached a hand forward, a magic circle emerged from the door and made contact with her palm. A loud click echoed from the door as it opened slowly.
Ian and the others followed behind the lord, looking around in awe. Beyond the heavy door lay an open museum looking room. Glass shelves displayed various artifacts with armors lining the right wall.
The lord stopped walkming before turning to the players.
"You guys are free to look around now. Make sure to come see me after making your choice. If you steal anything the barrier around the room will detect it, so I'd think twice before doing anything stupid."
With that the players scattered around the room. Ian and Jasmine set off together and explored the room. As they got closer they could see magical accessories, various weapons and charms in the displays.
"What are you looking for?"
Jasmine turned to Ian as they approached a weapon rack.
"Hopefully a cool bow, I'm still using the one from my tutorial. That's not gonna cut it from now on. What about you? Is there anything you want."
Jasmine turned to the various staves and wands.
"A new staff wouldn't be so bad. I'm open to anything useful though. Anything that can boost my magic really."
She split from him as she began her own search for an artifact.
"Let's meet up later. I'll come find you after finding something cool."
Ian turned to a corner with some bows displayed on the wall. His eyes lit up as he reached up for the closest one. A sturdy wooden bow with matte black metal fittings lay in his hands. It was made of a dark wood and seemed thicker than a fegular bow.
Under the display was a quick description of each weapon. This bow was named [Gloomstalker], it not only enhanced stealth but also extended your hidden state uppon a successful sneak attack. He quickly put it back and turned to the other bows.
Next to the [Gloomstalker] was a slender long bow. It was carved from a light, almost white wood. Green runes lined its sides and with other green accents up and down its surface. A silver string bound the bow together.
The bow was called [The Sylph's Draw], when fully drawn the resulting shot's path became a vacuum. The wind around the arrow's flight was scattered, allowing the arrow to fly longer and faster.
The third and last bow on the rack was a bit more ragged than the others. It seemed like a carefully taken care of and meticulously upkept bow. Like it was someone's prized possession for a long time before ending up in the lord's hands. The bow was called the [Warden's Oath], it reduced the damge taken after firing an arrow.
Faced with a choice Ian turned to the [Gloomstalker] and [The Sylph's Draw]. These first two were the most appealing to him compared to the last bow. The defense it provided was nothing compared to a boost in stalth or damage.
Even among the best choices however there was a clear winner. [The Sylph's Draw] was just clearly superior in his eyes. The increased range would especially come in handy soon. That combined with his plans for Arrow made for a deadly combo.
Without hesitation Ian reached for the white bow and grasped it firmly. He suddenly felt a cool breeze brush past his face, he turned down toward the bow with a smile.
"I guess that means you like me. Well, welcome aboard. We are gonna do great things together."
Ian turned back toward the lord with the bow in hand. He looked around the room on the way back. In front of a wall of armor stands, Morgan stood contemplating. Desmond wandered among the daggers without much interest before finding a dark cowl. He held it up with a smile before turning around in a hurry, coming straight at Ian.
"What did you end up getting Desmond? You're all smiles over there."
Ian turned to the smiling fox with a curious expression.
"Nothing much. Just a little something that boosts my stalth and my sneak attack damage. It's quite cool."
Desmond turned to Ian, the cowl already on his head. It slowly conformed to be a perfect fit for Desmond, a feature of all wearable artifacts. A toothy grin revealed the fox's fangs.
"Looking good man. By the way what are your plans here man? My party and I are thinking of leaving Canopy City again, this time for a but longer than before."
"I actually haven't thought about it much. Since I play solo I can do whatever, but I'm not exactly sure where to go from here."
The two walked and talked before the lord spoke up.
"Have you two made your choice?"
Ian presented her the bow before speaking.
"I'd like this bow, [The Sylph's Draw], it will make for a reliable weapon."
She turned her gaze to the bow before meeting Ian's eyes.
"Yes that bow will indeed make a reliable weapon. Take care of it well and it shall take care of you."
With a court nod the lord waved Ian to the side before turning to Desmond.
"I want this cowl, [Osiris' Mantle], please and thank you."
The tan woman looked at Desmond with a calm expression.
"A fine choice indeed. No problem."
Ian and Desmond gathered to the side of the room after making their choice. As they stepped aside Morgan stepped forward with her hands empty.
"You didn't want anything?"
The lord turned to the armored dwarf with a smile.
"It's not that, I just couldn't get the armor off its stand. I figured I would just tell you which one I wanted."
"Oh I see. Well which armor set were you interested in."
Morgan led the lord to the armor stands and pointed to a metal grey armor.
"The [Ferrolord] armor set is the one I want."
"Then it shall be arranged. Let me get some people to bring it down so you can claim it. Say behind after the remaining young lady makes her choice."
The lord turned to Jasmine, who was still walking around.
"Perfect. Thank you again."
"No need to thank me. You did my city a service, a reward is the least I can do."
_________________________________________
Chapter 27! Almost 30! Anyway let me know tour thoughts on the new weapon. I thought it turned out cool. After this I'm not exactly sure what to write but I'll plan something out before this arc wraps up. Any ideas are appreciated since we still have a bjt of time until the party leaves Canopy City again.