Time to get that bracelet identified…

"You heard what they said. One, the event is just paused so the town won’t go back to normal. That means the restaurant won’t go back to normal either. Two, most of the 'heroes' will be in groups, and the few that will be alone are likely to be far too strong for us, so there’s no one we can attack. And three, leaving town is impossible, unless we bribe the guards. I think we can all guess what sort of 'bribe' we’ll need to use." You look at them and see in their eyes that they understand what you mean – and are not happy about it.

"So, what can we do then? Or are we just going to stand around and hide in the shadows until the fighting resumes?" Asks the redhead that is half a head taller than you.

"Hiding is not a good idea. We don’t know when and where fighting will resume, so no matter where we hide we might end up in the middle of a major battle. But more importantly, hiding would be a waste of precious time that we could use for something – such as getting that bracelet I found earlier identified. We just need a suitable person to do it."

"Well, there’s that herbalist – the one with the long and difficult to pronounce name. He can identify rare herbs. Maybe he can identify your bracelet, too." Suggest the blonde.

"Doubtful. He specializes in healing items. If that bracelet has nothing to do with healing he’ll be of no help." Points out the raven-haired waitress. "If anyone in town can identify an item like that, it’s Selina the Enchantress. She’s the one people turn to when they need high-level items identified, so I’m sure she’ll be able to tell you about the bracelet."

"Selina’s services are known to be the most expensive in the entire town. I doubt we’d be able to pay her." Notes the brown-haired one, and you silently agree with her. Selina is another new addition to town, part of the attempt to make it a bit more attractive for the players. "How about that shady hooded guy and the slut that is his assistant? You know, the ones that can help players get access to prostitution? They are supposed to know many things – maybe they know someone else who identify that bracelet…"

"Yeah, because their services are free." Your raven-haired colleague rolls her eyes at the suggestion. "We’re better off asking a player to identify it, and hoping that he won’t just kill us and take the bracelet if it turns out to be a rare item."

"If I may…" says a quiet voice. It takes you a moment to realize that it is the silver-haired half-elf that has spoken up.

"Yes?" You encourage her.

"Well… no matter which one we choose we’ll need to go there. To avoid problems along the way it might be best if you pretend to be a player and us your obedient pets. Since you have already gained several levels all you need to do is act a bit more haughty and arrogant, and no one will suspect the truth – at least as long as you don’t talk to any actual players."

"That’s… a pretty good idea, actually." You say approvingly and the girl blushes slightly.

"Well, it’s you call, boss. Which way do we go?" Asks the blonde as you consider your options one last time.