[X] First, visit the forges. We'll have time for shopping later.
Forges first. You can shop later. Following the signs, you head down the large looming hallways, and though a pair of massive stone doors. Onto what appears to be a balcony. Or rather a second level with a very large ramp down the side. A railing separates you from the rest of the forge, and you walk up to it.
The Forge itself is a massive place. Larger even than the hallway portions, you see molten red metal flowing in streams into several large crucibles. People run too and fro in organized work. Hundreds. Perhaps thousands. All of them working towards similar goals. You see metal and sparks everywhere. Hammers and flaring magic.
You've never seen the like.
"Impressive isn't it?" A voice makes you turn.
It's a very, very large man. Taller than you, and broad enough that you think he could pick you up with one hand. His skin is blue and rocky, and he's bald. He smiles warmly at you.
"Yes, it is!" You look back at the work.
"Could watch that for hours. The name's Stone. I'm one of the guides for visitors." You look back at him and look him up and down.
"Really?" You raise an eyebrow.
"Work the forges when I'm not." He hefts a large arm and flexes it. You are pretty certain it's larger than your head.
"I see." You say noncommittally.
"Most summoners go to the markets first. Want to pick up a ring." Stone directs your attention to a smaller area to the side.
The molten metal isn't pushed that way. Instead you see one or two workers carefully placing something into a centerpoint. Then there is a flash of red. And they take them away.
"Good rings are made with some fairly complicated runic arrays. That flash is quick, but it's the end process of a good day's worth of work." Stone nods at the work being done. "Simple rings just need a few carvings, and can be done by your people. But you want something really good you come to us."
"Sounds interesting. I was curious myself." You watch as the place where the ring was placed starts to spark with magic into the visible spectrum. Switching to magic sight nearly blinds you, so you turn that off quickly.
"Well, market should have a few. Though most students can't afford one." Stone shrugs.
You sigh. "I was hoping for something really."
Stone gives another shrug. "If you really want a ring, you might be able to trade something. But the good ones are fairly expensive."
"Something to note. Can I go down and see another being made?" You point towards the array.
"Nope. Forges are off limits to non-smiths. You really don't want to take a wrong step. Plus the heat is hellish." Stone shakes his head. "Even with the runes we have mitigating that, it's still unpleasant. You can watch from here though. There is even a cafe over that way."
You look in the direction indicated. Opposite the ramp, it's a small thing that has quite a few seats. A few of the tables are even arranged to look out at the areas.
"What if I would want other things?" You ask curiously. "Like a dagger, or something else?"
"Rings are the most expensive. But a simple dagger is probably in your budget." Stone purses his lips in thought. "The good stuff can get pricey too. Though it's not as expensive as the rings. Those are high demand, and I don't know how you summoners do it, but they can apparently melt occasionally."
"Huh?" You blink and turn at him fully. "How does that happen?"
"I have no idea. Just that we get certain repeat customers routinely with rings more slag than anything else." Smith chuckles. "Not as if I'm complaining, I just think it's weird."
You can't think of anything that would do that yourself.
[] Any other questions or things to talk about?
Erg, might have to put this one on hold. My inspiration for it is shot lately.
