Caelum, his interest piqued, asked about the Guild and its system. The woman in the lead, with an air of authority, responded, "Being an adventurer comes with many benefits. We have access to exclusive quests, resources, and the support of the Guild."
Caelum, intrigued, inquired further. "What about the ranks of adventurers? How are they structured?"
The man in plate armor took the lead in explaining. "The Adventurers' Guild categorizes members based on their proficiency, either in the Sword System, which uses Vitalis, or the Magic System, powered by Myst. Despite our different paths, we all follow the same rank structure."
"Bronze Rank is the entry level," the mage in robes added, "for those with basic skills in either physical combat or magic."
"The Silver Rank, like us," the man with the great sword interjected, "is for intermediate adventurers. We've proven our skills in battle or spellcasting."
"And beyond us are the Gold Ranks," the agile-looking member said, "advanced adventurers known for their combat mastery or high-level magic."
"There are higher ranks still," the red haired woman continued, "Platinum and Diamond. They are for the elite, those with exceptional skills or magical prowess."
Caelum nodded, absorbing the information. "And the highest?"
"That would be the Master Rank," the mage replied, "a rare title for those who've transcended typical boundaries, in either physical might or magical power."
Caelum pondered the structure, considering where he might fit within this system. "Thank you for the explanation," he said. "Your offer to join your party is appreciated, but I have my own path to follow."
The group, though slightly disappointed, respected his decision. The woman extended a hand. "If you ever reconsider, look for the Silver Shields. That's us."
Caelum shook her hand, acknowledging the offer. "I'll keep that in mind."
Caelum glanced at Lily, "Let's go to the Artisan Guilds for pricing. If they too try to lowball, I'll keep the items. I have enough gold for now."
Lily's energy was palpable as she nodded vigorously, "Yes, that's a good idea!" As they walked towards the Artisan Guilds, she brought up another point, "Won't you sign up as an adventurer? It offers many benefits and no drawbacks."
Caelum, however, shook his head, "I'll consider it when I return with Elara. For now, my focus is on our quest."
As they made their way through the streets, Lily's enthusiasm about the town and its people continued. She pointed out various landmarks and local favorites, her descriptions painting a vivid picture of Lighthaven's vibrant culture. Caelum listened, absorbing the details, his mind always analyzing how each element could play into their quest.
Arriving at the Artisan Guilds, Caelum was greeted by a different atmosphere. Here, skilled craftsmen and artisans worked with a variety of materials, their expertise evident in the quality of their creations.
Housed in a sturdy, stone-built edifice, the Artisans' Guild exuded an air of permanence and craftsmanship from the moment one set eyes on it. Its façade was adorned with intricately wrought ironwork, showcasing the mastery of the guild's blacksmiths and metalworkers. Large, arched windows allowed natural light to spill into the interior, casting a warm and inviting glow.
Inside, the guild's vast hall had been a testament to the talents of its members. Rows of workbenches and forges lined the walls, each manned by skilled craftsmen absorbed in their creations. The air was thick with the rich scent of smoldering metal and the faint hum of artisans perfecting their craft.
Display cases and shelves had been filled with the fruits of their labor: ornate weaponry and armor, delicate jewelry, finely crafted pottery, and an array of other meticulously fashioned goods. The guild's flag, bearing the emblem of a hammer and an anvil, had hung proudly above a grand central hearth, symbolizing both their dedication to their crafts and their role in the town's thriving economy.
As a hub for both local commerce and trade with the outside world, the Artisans' Guild had served as the lifeblood of the town's economic landscape, perpetuating the legacy of generations of skilled craftsmen who had called this place home. The guild was a bustling hub where blacksmiths, jewelers, and other craftsmen displayed their wares. Each shop within the guild was typically run by a master's apprentice, as the masters themselves were often occupied with more intricate tasks.
As they moved through the guild, Caelum's attention was drawn to the variety of goods and the skilled hands that crafted them. The air was filled with the sounds of hammering, chiseling, and the occasional burst of laughter or debate over a piece's quality.
Approaching a blacksmith's shop, Caelum revealed the reason for his visit. "I have a rare Chameleonmorph body to sell," he stated, his voice carrying across the room. The apprentice behind the counter, a young man with a soot-streaked face and keen eyes, paused and looked up.
"A Chameleonmorph? Here?" the apprentice exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Wait here, I must get my master."
As the apprentice rushed off, Caelum leaned against a workbench, observing the other artisans. Lily, standing beside him, whispered, "That's a rare creature. The masters will be interested."
True to her words, the master blacksmith, a burly man with a grizzled beard, soon appeared. His eyes widened as Caelum led him to a back room to show the Chameleonmorph's body. "Incredible," the master muttered, inspecting the specimen. "Such a creature is rare. I can offer 200 Goldens for it."
Caelum shook his head. "It's worth more," he replied curtly.
The master blacksmith sighed, "Fine, 300. But that's as high as I can go."
Caelum, unmoved, declined the offer. He knew the true value of such a rare creature. "No deal," he said firmly, collecting the Chameleonmorph's body back into his inventory.
They moved on to a jeweler's shop. Here, the scene repeated. The master jeweler, a woman with sharp eyes and delicate hands, was equally astonished by the Chameleonmorph. "I've never seen anything like it," she admitted. "I can offer 250 Goldens."
Again, Caelum refused. The pattern continued as they visited various artisans. Each expressed awe at the Chameleonmorph and made offers ranging from 200 to 300 Goldens, but none matched Caelum's valuation of the rare creature.
Frustrated but resolute, Caelum finally decided to keep the Chameleonmorph. "It's too rare," he explained to Lily. "There's no market price for something this unique. I'll use it myself."
Lily nodded, understanding his decision. "It's probably for the best. Such a creature could have many uses."