Lyaeus

Lyaeus, the travelling bard, is a young satyri troubadour who delights in retelling tales of adventure and intrigue, as well as the occasional poem or song, written by members of the Bardic Fellowship of Scarlatti. He can be spotted performing at taverns and inns across Sapience and is extremely sensitive to criticism and requests asking him to be quiet.

Absentmindedly plucking notes on his battered lyre and wearing a dark grey cloak that covers most of his otherwise flamboyant clothing, Lyaeus is a mysterious character. Two vestigial, inch-high horns atop his head betray his youth, and he wears a perpetually flirtatious smile across his mouth that complements his tousled hair, sparkling, green eyes and long, black lashes.

Lyaeus also takes to spreading rumours as zealously as he storytells, particularly those about the leaders of various adventurer-run organisations. Much of his gossip is vicious in nature, but thanks to the sheer monotony of his accusations, it is obvious he has nothing more to his name than a bunch of spurious claims.

Lyaeus also sells a variety of items, specifically musical instruments, though he also offers to sell a curious-looking object that he withdraws too quickly back into his cloak for prospective buyers to ascertain its use.

Lyaeus' Wares

Set of blue and silver ribbons - 1000gp

Composed of strips of finely woven satin, and dyed a brilliant blue and silver, these ribbons are designed to decorate a tambourine. The upper surface is glossy and shimmers in the light, whilst the underside is dull and lustreless.

Set of green and white ribbons - 1000gp

Composed of strips of finely woven satin, and dyed a brilliant green and white, these ribbons are designed to decorate a tambourine. The upper surface is glossy and shimmers in the light, whilst the underside is dull and lustreless.

Set of silver and gold ribbons - 1000gp

Composed of strips of finely woven satin, and dyed a brilliant silver and gold, these ribbons are designed to decorate a tambourine. The upper surface is glossy and shimmers in the light, whilst the underside is dull and lustreless.

Set of blue and white ribbons - 1000gp

Composed of strips of finely woven satin, and dyed a brilliant blue and white, these ribbons are designed to decorate a tambourine. The upper surface is glossy and shimmers in the light, whilst the underside is dull and lustreless.

Set of red and gold ribbons - 1000gp

Composed of strips of finely woven satin, and dyed a brilliant red and gold, these ribbons are designed to decorate a tambourine. The upper surface is glossy and shimmers in the light, whilst the underside is dull and lustreless. A phrase is embroidered onto each of the ribbons with gold thread.

Set of black and gold ribbons - 1000gp

Composed of strips of finely woven satin, and dyed a brilliant black and gold, these ribbons are designed to decorate a tambourine. The upper surface is glossy and shimmers in the light, whilst the underside is dull and lustreless.

Leather bell muffle - 250gp

This leather bell muffle is made from two wide strips of cow hide, stuffed with horsehair. At either end of the muffle are long leather laces, allowing the object to be tied snugly around the clapper of a bell.

Maplewood drum - 8000gp

This medium-sized drum is constructed from the finely-grained wood of a maple tree, the thin shell enabling good resonance. Stretched over the top of the wooden frame is a membranous layer of skin forming the drumhead. Braided strands of red and gold thread criss-cross over the oiled, reddish exterior of the instrument, each ending at one of eight tassels evenly spaced around the base. Attached to the side of drum is a heavy leather strap, allowing the instrument to be worn across the chest.

Small cluster of acorns - 500gp

This small collection of woody nuts fits comfortably into a cupped hand. Running lengthwise along each of the smooth, pale green seed coats are a series of faint yellow striations. A scaly, dark brown cupule is attached to the bottom of the seed, indicating where it was anchored to the parent oak.

Small pile of echinacea seeds - 500gp

This small pile of seeds fits comfortably within a cupped hand. Each of the medium-sized seeds resembles an elongated pyramid, the shiny, cream-coloured, concave walls contrasting with the dark brown base.

Tiny bronze handbell - 500gp

Crafted from purest bronze, this finely wrought handbell glints as it catches the light. The bell casting is no larger than the average dwarf's thumb, and is attached to a slender ebony handle. Engraved on the casting, just above the lip, is an image of a graceful seraph with wings unfurled.

Bronze handbell - 1000gp

This medium-sized handbell is crafted from purest bronze alloy. A solid ebony handle is affixed to the top of the bell, with a thin layer of resin protecting the wood from wear and tear. Engraved on the outer casting is an image of a sprawling city nestled at the foot of a mountain range.

Large bronze handbell - 2000gp

This large bronze handbell is heavy and fairly cumbersome to ring. Affixed to the top of the bell is a solid ebony handle, a few stress fractures running along the length of the wood. An engraving of a seaside city, with a large eagle flying overhead, is etched onto the casting.

Plain wooden tambourine - 4000gp

This shallow hand drum consists of a circular yew frame, covered in a taut layer of dried skin. Arranged at staggered intervals around the outside of the drum head is a double row of razor-edged, metallic jingles. A series of small holes run along the base of the frame, ready for a ribbon to be threaded through.

Small steel triangle - 5000gp

A rippling sheen of light reflects off the polished surface of this flawless steel triangle, dancing along the length of the slender, open-ended rod that has been meticulously bent to produce this instrument. Tied around one corner of the triangle is a thin strand of plaited cotton, in shades of blue, silver, and gold, that allows the object to be suspended in midair when in use.

Decorative wooden rattle - 3000gp

Purported to be crafted from the heartwood of the great Eleusian oak, this ornate rattle is coated in a thin layer of varnish that enhances the deep grain. Carved into the surface of the wood are various decorative pictures, each image becoming visible as the object is turned. Bisecting the centre of the rattle is a narrow groove where the halves separate to allow the contents to be changed.

Small handful of goldenseal seeds - 500gp

This pile of seeds is composed of thousands of tiny spheres, slightly larger than a pinhead. Each of the perfectly formed seeds are jet black in colour, and their outer surfaces are hard and shiny.