Temptation of Temperance

In the midst of the whimsical banter, Gothar's curiosity took a more focused turn. "Is there a White level card here?" he inquired, wondering if the unconventional inventory could surprise him with an unexpected discovery.

The shopkeeper, maintaining his carefree demeanor, responded with a playful shake of his head. "Ah, White cards, my friend, are a rarity beyond these humble shelves. But fear not, for I offer treasures that transcend the mundane colors of cardmancy."

Intrigued by a subtle sensation he couldn't shake off, Gothar persisted, addressing the peculiar energy that had drawn him to the shop. "What is it that I feel here? Is there something special hidden among these peculiar cards?"

For the first time since their encounter, the shopkeeper's expression shifted. His carefree demeanor gave way to a narrowing of the eyes, and a hint of gravity emerged in his tone. "You're perceptive, young cardmancer. There is indeed something extraordinary nestled within this collection."

With a flourish, the shopkeeper retrieved a seemingly inconspicuous gray card from a carefully guarded box. The card bore an air of significance, its unassuming appearance belying the secrets it held.

"This, my astute friend, is no ordinary gray card," the shopkeeper declared, his voice taking on a newfound seriousness. "This is the Card of Temperance, a tale woven into the fabric of cardmancy folklore."

As he began to recount the tale, the shopkeeper's narrative unfolded like a well-worn tapestry of ancient wisdom. "Legend speaks of the 7 translucent cards of virtue, each embodying a cardinal virtue that opposes the sins of the original cards. The Card of Temperance, shrouded in gray, is said to be a beacon of balance and restraint, guiding cardmancers towards harmony."

Gothar, captivated by the unfolding folklore, listened intently as the shopkeeper delved into the significance of the 7 virtues in the realm of cardmancy. The Card of Temperance, hidden within the eclectic inventory, became a key to unlocking the deeper mysteries of the craft.

As the shopkeeper's words echoed through the dusty corners of the establishment, a new chapter in Gothar's cardmancer journey unfolded—one that hinted at the ancient wisdom concealed within the seemingly ordinary confines of Jontran's peculiar card shop.

##

Gothar, entranced by the shopkeeper's storytelling, found himself tempted by the prospect of the Card of Temperance. The shopkeeper, ever the master storyteller, wove tales of its power, painting a picture of balance and redemption that resonated with Gothar's own journey.

Intrigued and feeling an inexplicable connection to the gray card, Gothar couldn't resist asking the question that hung in the air like a mystical fog, "What's the price for this unique card?"

The shopkeeper, his eyes betraying a hint of reluctance, sighed theatrically before uttering, "For a card of such virtue and potential, my friend, I'd normally ask for a yellow card. However, there's an aura about you, a destiny entwined with this card. Let's make it a mere green card and a handful of silver coins—just 100 silvers."

Gothar, his gaze fixed on the enigmatic card, felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The lizard transformation, his only green card, seemed a paltry offering compared to the mystique of the Card of Temperance. However, the reality of his limited finances struck him.

"I only have one green card, and I'm short on silver coins at the moment," Gothar admitted, a twinge of frustration creeping into his voice.

Ever the sly manipulator, the shopkeeper, hiding his cunning behind a mask of reluctance, sighed dramatically, "Ah, my dear cardmancer, what a conundrum you find yourself in. Well, I suppose we can work something out. Pay me when you can, or if you prefer, owe me a favor. A simple arrangement, don't you think?"

Gothar, captivated by the allure of the Card of Temperance, agreed to the terms, unaware of the subtle machinations at play. As he left the shop, the shopkeeper's eyes glinted with concealed satisfaction, relishing the success of his crafty deception.

The shadows of virtue and deception entwined, leaving Gothar on the precipice of an unforeseen journey—one that would unravel the mysteries of the gray card and the untold consequences of his pact with the cunning shopkeeper.

##

Father Benedictus, the zealous priest from the Church of Light, sat in solemn contemplation within the hallowed halls of the church, surrounded by flickering candles and adorned with religious relics. Plans to deal with the perceived threat posed by Gothar were etched in the air like sacred inscriptions.

As the council of priests deliberated on their strategies, a sudden disturbance in the atmosphere heralded the arrival of an unexpected visitor—Aurelius, the cunning and ambitious 2nd son of the City Lord. His entrance, marked by an air of calculated confidence, drew the attention of the council.

"Father Benedictus, esteemed members of the council," Aurelius greeted with a deceptive smile, acknowledging the presence of the gathered clergymen.

Father Benedictus, intrigued yet cautious, regarded Aurelius with a stern gaze. "What brings you to our sanctum, Aurelius? Speak your purpose."

Aurelius, the master manipulator, wasted no time in revealing his true intentions. "I come bearing an offer, a shared interest. Gothar, the troublesome cardmancer, is a thorn in both our sides. I propose an alliance—a union of our forces to rid ourselves of this common enemy."

The council, though initially skeptical, listened attentively as Aurelius outlined his plan. He offered the Church of Light his influence and resources in exchange for their commitment to support his ascension to the position of City Lord. The priest, swayed by the allure of power and the opportunity to eliminate Gothar, found himself entangled in a web of intrigue.

Father Benedictus, with a measured gaze, responded, "Your proposition is not without its merits, Aurelius. However, the Church of Light operates on principles beyond mere earthly power. If you wish our assistance, you must pledge unwavering loyalty to the Light and its teachings."

Aurelius, displaying a facade of feigned piety, nodded in agreement. "I understand the importance of faith, Father Benedictus. Rest assured, once I am in power, your influence within the city will be unparalleled. Together, we shall cleanse the city of its impurities."

As the unholy alliance began to take shape, the council and Aurelius engaged in further discussions, each party harboring their hidden agendas. The shadows of manipulation and intrigue deepened, casting a veil over the impending machinations set in motion by the City Lord's ambitious son and the zealous priest of the Church of Light.