Over at Ramon's shop Nathaniel and William were browsing through the wears. After a little while an old but strong looking man came out from the back sweat dripping down his brow. This was the shop Keeper Ramon Ferry, the very best blacksmith in Welbrook.
"Hey William, it's been a while since I've seen you in the shop. You be needing a new hammer?" said Ramon in a loud, cheerful, and boastful voice.
"Nah, the last you made for me is working just fine. I'm actually here for my son Nathaniel, I'm sure you've heard, but he's an Adventurer now. As such, I figured he should come to the best to get some gear." William said while gesturing to the young boy next to him.
"Of course, the town been abuzz with news of the young Adventurer. I didn't realize that it was little Nathaniel." Ramon's words pierced Nathaniel as he was not "little, " as he would say.
Ramon continued, "Well, what would you be needing, lad?"
Nathaniel took little time to reply, "I'll be needing first and foremost a shield, then some sort of weapon. I was thinking along the lines of a Warhammer, being taught by my father I feel that would suit me better than a sword, spear, or etc."
"Well, a shield I can do, but a Warhammer being an uncommon weapon I make them to order." Ramon then gestured over to the east wall. This is where all the armor and shields were displayed.
Nathaniel looked over the wall. There were many styles and quality of shields available. Of all the different styles, he gravitated to the scutum shields, the way they not only were able to cover the whole body but also the its sides would curve. This allows the wearer to not only block but parry and redirect attacks these were some good shields.
One in particular stood out among the rest. At its center was a boss shaped like the head of a fearsome ram. Above it there were depictions of snow-capped mountains littered with young goats alongside their mothers. Below the boss was depicted nearer the base of the mountain, a struggle between a ram and a ferocious snow leopard.
Ramon upon seeing the lingering gaze of Nathaniel said, " You have a good eye there. This is one of my best pieces. That being said it is also one of my most expensive as well."
Nathaniel knew he had to have it, so he spent a hefty sum of 10 gold coins on the shield. Nathaniel knew he was making the right choice in picking this shield and felt it would be crucial in not only his upcoming adventure but many others down the road. After paying for his new shield, he also commissioned the war hammer as well. Luckily, he wasn't required to put a down payment on it, or he would have needed to wait until after this upcoming quest to do so. This was due mainly to the fact that his father William had such a great relationship with Ramon but also because Ramon saw him as an important repeat customer in the future. With that all done, Nathaniel and William would go and grab a couple more essential items and return home for the night.
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The following morning, Nathaniel met his party near the city's North Gate. It was a towering structure with the city walls stretching 12 stories tall and the Gate's massive opening comprising 3/4 of its height. As it was in times of peace, the gates' inner and outer portcullis were raised with only their bottom third exposed. Massive cylindrical towers flanked both sides of the gate; housing the guard and the other acting as the North Armory.
Just before the gate, Nathaniel could see both Clarence and Sonia already present. Sonia looked bored waiting while Clarence appeared anxious. As he got closer, he could see that there was a small pack mule beside Clarence, for which he found amusing. The small mule was a fortis voluit mule. These mules were known for their excellent pack strength and strong determination while maintaining a small and manageable size standing just 1 meter at the shoulder. This allowed Adventurers to be able to travel without being bogged down by their mass of supplies or with handling a large and unruly beast.
This just further solidified in Nathaniel's mind that he had made a good choice in choosing Clarence as a party member. His forethought and experience would prove incredibly valuable to him as a young, inexperienced Adventurer.
Finally, Nathaniel stood before his party, ready to adventure out into the world and to help the people Rustelle. His first true adventure simply waiting before him.