Greetings, Honorable Veterans of Dead Mans Cave!
As you know, two of the less stalwart members of your company suffered death in the wave of evil sonic energy that the barbarian/shaman dealt with his Castigate spell.
Lord Isaka informs you that it is due to fortunate happenstance (or was it Fate?) that a great and honorable lady, the Abbess of Waterstone Temple (check your 5-miles-per-hex map), was present in town on the day that you returned, and was willing to seek out the spirits of the downed warriors and determine if they would return to their earthly duties. As you can see, both spirits decided to return to their flesh, which will need a week or so of care to become fully healthy.
The Abbess has indicated that one very important factor in her decision was the circumstance of these individuals' demise, and she was most pleased to hear that although some of you wisely counseled that to attack the cave could be deadly, in the end, your honor and dedication to the eradication of such foul practices prevailed over your all too justifiable concerns as to the power of the barbarian shaman. And because of that courage in the face of grave danger, the spirits agreed with her, that your comrades were worthy of return.
So that your efforts and sacrifice will not have been in vain, the Abbess has offered -- and Lord Isaka accepted -- a force of Sohei to go to Brightstone Keep, to watch over that area once more and prevent the denizens of the wilderness from retaking that location. The mines will be inspected -- and if safe to do so, they will be reopened in accordance with Imperial Regulations, their output to pay for the maintenance of that guard force, and the gradual repair as funds permit of the walls and buildings. (Maintenance and construction contracts will be served by residents of Marike, and any residents interested in a career as a mining specialist are welcome to apply in one months time, at which point caravans to the Keep will commence on a hopefully regular basis once more. And of course taxes will be paid as required by Imperial law.)
She has also indicated that, should those who liberated Brightstone Keep have any need of shelter or sustenance while in that area, they may claim it -- and here are tokens of that honor, keep them with you and simply present them at the Keep as needed and appropriate.
Lord Isaka presents each of the characters involved with a metal token which has a few words on one side indicating its purpose and the seal of the Abbess, with the character's public name on the other. He indicates that each token is usable indefinitely, but without saying so, implies that it would not be a good idea to abuse the honor -- also, 'guests' would probably be allowed on an occasional basis, i.e. if new characters end up in a party that stops there, no problem, but keep it reasonable.
On to more mercantile matters. Here in Marike, there are still a decent number of lower level spellcasters who, in these troubled times, make their living selling minor potions and scrolls. All of the major types of spellcasters are present and willing to make minor items -- characters may spend their gold on potions or scrolls of any 0th (not that likely!) or 1st (much more so) level spells without clearing it with me, as long as those are on the list of such in the OA book.
Indeed, most potions and scrolls of second level are also available as well, but I would like to be present when such are acquired, just so that I know what is going on and can intervene if I decide something might not be immediately available. One exception is cure spells -- cure moderate wounds spells are also available in both potion and scroll form without needing GM approval.
There are, I think, some limits on how many small items like potions and scrolls one can have immediately available during an expedition -- so far, not a problem, but of someone spent 1000 gold all on 1st level spells in various forms, could get a bit bulky! So check on encumbrance, rules of what is accessible, etc. if you can find them, before loading up too heavily...
One other note -- despite its size, Marike does have a bit of a dearth of the higher level spell-casters, due to some of the more notable residents moving to more peaceful locales... You can figure that anything that would cost up to about 3000 gold MIGHT be available, either for trade or to be enchanted, though you would have to check with me first, but anything of greater expense is likely to NOT be available -- here, at least. The nearest shaman capabble of 5th level spells is (surprise) located at Waterstone Temple, and two of your number have already met her! The best Shugenja in Marike is capable of 4th level spells, the best Shaman probably only capable of 3rd or even just 2nd level spells, and the best Adept probably only 2nd level spells. As for Sorcerers and Wu Jen, they are less likely to make their exact abilities widely known, but their power levels are fairly comparable. But when more resources are available, characters may be able to find spellcasters elsewhere capable of crafting specific items they might desire...
-- Ernie III