You will be pleased to know that I have traveled the mists successfully. Although the journey through the mists was treacherous, I finally landed in November – in a land known as the Maelstrom, a shattered world. Some form of disaster had devastated humanity some time ago, and the remnants are living in underground cities. The aboveground is full of monsters, mostly elementals, and there are many wandering spirits up there - who were killed in the initial cataclysm, and are afraid to resurrect for they fear they will just get killed again.
I am certain that you will be interested in knowing what I have observed in this land. First, the adventurers are much more powerful than those in New Acarthia, their abilities surely tempered by the fires of hardship and survival against impossible odds. I saw displays of fighting skill and magical power greater than any I have seen before. Yet the monsters are also more powerful too – the weakest monsters I encountered swung with blows nearly as powerful as those of New Acarthia's strongest warriors. Thus, my healing resources were strained to a degree that I did not anticipate. As you may recall, I foresaw the possible troubles and stocked up on healing potions before my travels, and it was a good thing I did so – I probably used over a dozen potions in the span of one battle.
Yet there is more to the Maelstrom than just combat. There were other things going on too, like mysterious diseases that could only be cured through special concoctions. You will not be surprised to know that I have already gained somewhat of a reputation as a master puzzle-solver, based on solving two simple mathematical puzzles that were needed to get through a gate. But the reason that I write this is to ask for your assistance on a few matters.
And, in case you are wondering, here are the two puzzles I solved:
-Andrew the Bard
I am certain that you will be interested in knowing what I have observed in this land. First, the adventurers are much more powerful than those in New Acarthia, their abilities surely tempered by the fires of hardship and survival against impossible odds. I saw displays of fighting skill and magical power greater than any I have seen before. Yet the monsters are also more powerful too – the weakest monsters I encountered swung with blows nearly as powerful as those of New Acarthia's strongest warriors. Thus, my healing resources were strained to a degree that I did not anticipate. As you may recall, I foresaw the possible troubles and stocked up on healing potions before my travels, and it was a good thing I did so – I probably used over a dozen potions in the span of one battle.
Yet there is more to the Maelstrom than just combat. There were other things going on too, like mysterious diseases that could only be cured through special concoctions. You will not be surprised to know that I have already gained somewhat of a reputation as a master puzzle-solver, based on solving two simple mathematical puzzles that were needed to get through a gate. But the reason that I write this is to ask for your assistance on a few matters.
- Firstly, one of the major issues that the Maelstrom faces is encouraging the aboveground spirits to come down to the underground city and resurrect – they do not know it is safe. Do you have any suggestions of how one might communicate with spirits to let them know where the resurrection circle is and that it is safe, without giving away the circle's location to the monsters? For instance, could one put up a sign: can spirits read written language? How about a slab with raised letters – can a spirit have tactile sensations?
- Secondly, while I was in Maelstrom, I had the good fortune to encounter a visiting delegation from the land known as Ceriopolis, also across the mists. I had several enlightening discussions with one of their members, Kasuni. We discussed the possibility of establishing diplomatic and trade relations across the mists. We also discussed that – if I recall correctly – Ceriopolis has also been facing issues with war. Thus, there are needs on both sides for both shipments of food to help those affected as well as placed that are willing to take in refugees – such as people who resurrect but there isn't enough room. Would New Acarthia, or any of the Baronies, be willing to provide food or take in refugees from across the mists if necessary? It is possible that some form of compensation could be arranged. As I am new to the Maelstrom, I am not sure I have all the details right, but if this type of arrangement is a possibility then I would be willing to investigate further the next time I visit the Maelstrom.
- Finally, speaking of trade, I believe that I have discovered some potentially profitable trading opportunities. As you may know, the basic principle of trade is to buy low and sell high, and there are certainly ways to do that. The Maelstrom is apparently under a shortage of ritual components – I saw ritual components sell for the price of 2 gold pieces there, in comparison to the 5 silver normally seen in New Acarthia. In contrast, spell inks are far less expensive in the Maelstrom – they only charge 2 copper per circle to scribe a spell, merely one-fifth as much as in New Acarthia. Thus, if someone would be willing to purchase spell components in New Acarthia and ship them to me to sell in the Maelstrom, then we could split the profits. I would be willing to purchase the components from you at, say, 1 gold each, then I would be the one to take the risk of not being able to sell the components on my end. Similarly, if there is anyone in New Acarthia that is in need of a spellbook, I may be able to supply them at a price that is more affordable than one might get in New Acarthia.
And, in case you are wondering, here are the two puzzles I solved:
- A grocer carrying eggs visits three customers. The first customer buys half of the grocer's remaining eggs, plus half an egg. The second customer buys half of the grocer's remaining eggs, plus half an egg. The third customer buys half of the grocer's remaining eggs, plus half an egg. After this the grocer has no more eggs left. How many eggs did the grocer start with?
- A lake starts with one lily pad in it, and the area covered by the lily pads doubles each day. After 60 days the entire lake is covered with lily pads. After how many days is half the lake covered with lily pads?
-Andrew the Bard
