Dungeon Champions

The Tablet Wielders area was far more intimate than the first level. It looked like a boutique instead of a bulk discount store, like downstairs. There were also elements that reminded me of a casino. Dim, ambient light filled the space, revealing plush, carpeted floors. There were kiosks dotted around the main showroom, and each had a different vendor waiting behind it.

More of the blue-skinned goblins walked around, but these had far sharper outfits. They also held themselves with a posh, precise demeanor as if they were aristocracy. Only twenty or thirty people were shopping at this level, and all had a look similar to mine. These were experienced adventurers, and likely dangerous.

Like below, there was a small desk in the middle of the entrance way.

A small portal opened and Basbro stepped through, although now his outfit matched the other blue-skinned goblins on this floor. “As you intended, sir, the items you purchased below come out to four thousand gold pieces, including the extra storage bags for your companions. I even threw in a special upgrade to one of your pouches that will allow you to carry that chest of yours.”

“Excellent, thank you.” I took a step forward, but Basbro moved slightly to the right to block my further access.

“I’m sorry, sir, it’s required for me to see your Tablets before entry.” He had the decency to look embarrassed by this, but I could also tell it was a ploy.

My companions and I summoned our Tablets. This time, the privacy spell that had concealed its appearance in the floor below did not conceal their nature.

The instant we did, all sound in the room died.

Adventurers and vendors alike looked over, their expressions ranging from greed to jealousy, or even rage on a couple of the more well-equipped customers.

Someone whispered, loud enough to carry, “That’s impossible. What class does that man have?”

Basbro’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, then widened, as if some mechanism had told him the Tablets were legitimate.

“Put those away,” our goblin assistant hissed. He motioned quickly, hands flapping. “Stealing Tablets isn’t supposed to be a thing, but there are rumors it’s possible. You can’t be too careful.”

We did as we were asked. Once the gold and purple glows were gone, the rest of the room seemed to take a collective sigh. Most of the inhabitants went about their business, although a few of the adventurers continued to side-eye us.

“Now, do you have any specific ideas of what you’d like?” Basbro asked, taking the lead to point out various vendors nearby.

“Yeah.” I thumbed back at the rest of my party. “I want one magic item for each of them. Something to help Merielle deal more damage. She’s our fighter.”

The goblin eyed me suspiciously at that declaration, but didn’t ask questions. “Understood.”

“I need something for Nym to protect her when no one is around. Sadie’s her cat, and we’d like something to help the feline, too, if possible.”

Sadie made a surprised sound. Padding over, she butted her head against my legs appreciatively.

“Is the cat a Tablet Holder?” the goblin asked.

“Not unless you know of a way to give Tablets to animals.”

Basbro looked at Sadie. The cat stared back at him. After a moment, Basbro shrugged, and said, “Then we can probably see about getting an augmented piece of kit that will tie into a designated person’s Tablet. It’ll be expensive, but do-able.”

“That’s fine. I’m a big fan of not letting my animal companions die.” I gave Nym a wink. “Unless they drink out of my cup, that is.”

“We do not do that,” Nym protested, then giggled, realizing what the wink had meant.

“Britney needs something to give her mobility,” I said, returning to the task at hand. “Her retribution abilities require range, so she has to be able to move around, preferably in stealth. And then there’s Zuri.” I looked over at the half-gorgon. “Zuri, what is it you need?”

“Ingredients,” she said simply. “I recognize that we’ll need to harvest most of what I’ll need in the field, but there’s a long list of staples that could help me out now. Ah, and some cooking equipment. Anything to expedite the process.”

“A cook?” Basbro said, looking her over. “I’m a little surprised to hear that, from one of your kind. Meaning no disrespect, of course.”

“Not just any cook,” she corrected. “And don’t be surprised. Why, I’ve heard of a rather famous goblin chef in your capital.”

“I’m unfamiliar with her. My particular clan has worked for Massie’s Emporium for generations. From what I’ve heard of the capital city, however, it has gone quite to pot since the King has become a layabout.”

Zuri frowned. “How sad. I had hoped to visit them and learn from her, once we have time.”

I reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. “There’s a solid chance we’ll visit before too long. Don’t give up on it yet.”

She turned to look at me and I smiled.

Basbro cleared his throat gingerly. “Sir, many of the services here are quite expensive. May I ask about your budget? Given your specifications, I am more than happy to go and negotiate on your behalf. Perhaps even return with a few options for you?”

“Can you appraise these and tell me how much they are worth first?” I pulled out one of the diamond claws from the golems.

Once again, the goblin’s eyes bulged. He sputtered, “Ah. Sir. Sir. Please—put that away before my vendors see it. You’re likely to cause a stampede.”

Chuckling, I shoved it back into one of my bags.

Basbro cleared his throat and regained his composure. “That object is easily worth one thousand, five hundred, sir.”

“One thousand, five hundred gold? That doesn’t sound worth a stampede.”

“Platinum.”

“Oh. I see. Are they magical or something?”

Basbro chuckled softly. “Or something. According to the Appraise buff spell I have on, those are extremely rare material components for working with Cores. They are particularly good at creating or enchanting Core-tier magical items, sir.”

“Let’s assume I’m willing to pay two for each of the girls to get their equipment.”

“That should be sufficient, sir. Shall I go negotiate on your behalf?”

I considered it. I was tired, and the rest of my party were finally showing signs of fatigue. “Can you send the options to our Tablets?”

“Yes, sir. I can arrange for that.”

“Let’s do that then.”

“Please give me a few minutes. Feel free to mingle and speak with anyone you wish while I do so, obviously.”

Basbro scurried off to haggle with the various vendors. I turned to address my companions.

“While we’re waiting, let’s take a few minutes to look around. But stay close.”

I didn’t say that I didn’t trust the clientele of this prestigious Tablet area, but my party understood my unspoken warning. They spread out, walking the showroom floor, but they kept within eyesight of both me and each other.

I sent a brief message to each party member through my Tablet, making sure we had that line of communication open as well.

While my companions explored the showroom, I wandered over to a display case filled with glittering magical items. The prices were eye-watering, but I couldn't deny the allure of some of the powerful artifacts on display.

A gruff voice spoke up behind me. “First time in the Tablet area, eh?”

I turned to see a man with an impressive beard eyeing me shrewdly. He was long and lanky, with sun-darkened, leathery skin, with tufted, cat-like ears poking out of the sides of his head. They were longer and slimmer than Nym’s, and he was missing the telltale tail.

“That obvious?” I asked with a wry smile.

He chuckled. “Yeah, you've got that wide-eyed look about you. Name's Tin. I’ve been coming to Massie's for a few years now.”

“Jordan,” I replied, offering my hand in greeting. He grasped my wrist instead of my palm, but it was just a small adjustment to shake his wrist. “Any recommendations for a party just starting out?”

Tin stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Well, that depends on what kind of adventuring you're planning on doing. Dungeon diving? Wilderness exploration? Monster hunting?”

I considered how to respond without giving away too much information. “A bit of everything, I suppose. We're still figuring out our path.”

Tin nodded sagely. “In that case, versatility is key. I'd recommend focusing on items that enhance your core abilities rather than flashy one-trick ponies. A good set of enchanted armor or weapons will serve you better in the long run than some exotic trinket.”

As he spoke, I noticed Tin's eyes darting between me and my companions spread around the room. There was a calculating look in his gaze that put me on edge.

“Thanks for the advice,” I said, keeping my tone friendly but neutral. “We'll keep that in mind.”

Tin grinned, revealing slightly pointed canines. “Happy to help. Say, that's quite the diverse party you've got there. Rare to see a celestial slumming it with regular adventurers. How'd you manage that?”

The question seemed innocuous enough, but my instincts were screaming caution. I shrugged noncommittally. “Just lucky, I guess. We all met up and things clicked.”

“Uh-huh,” Tin drawled, clearly not buying it. He opened his mouth to say more, but was interrupted by Basbro's return.

“Sir?”

I turned to Basbro, grateful for the interruption. “Ah, welcome back, Basbro. Did you find some good options for us?”

The goblin nodded, his eyes flicking briefly to Tin before refocusing on me. “Yes, sir, I've sent the details to your Tablets. If you and your companions would like to review them, I can answer any questions you may have.”

“Excellent, thank you.” I glanced back at Tin. “If you'll excuse me, I need to discuss this with my party.”

Tin waved a hand dismissively. “Of course, of course. Good luck with your adventures.”

As I walked away, I could feel his eyes boring into my back.