Brother Ferris

A wizened, aged human man with spectacles. Brother Ferris runs the Mystic Quill, a scroll and arcane goods shop in Helm's Hold. He is absorbed in his work and not immediately observant of customers, but capable of careful analysis and service.

Campaign Role

The Mystic Quill

Brother Ferris operates the Mystic Quill, one of Helm's Hold's primary merchants for scrolls and arcane materials. The shop maintains stock including Scroll of Fog Cloud (60gp) and other prepared magical items, though higher-level scrolls like Fireball exceed standard inventory or the party's available funds.

Sylvan Rune Consultation

When Kefkas brought a sketch of Sylvan runes from the Frostbrand Scimitar Emberwake for consultation, Brother Ferris confirmed he does not read Sylvan himself. He noted that the apothecary owner — Mira at the Silver Serpent — almost certainly does, as the skill is considered a prerequisite for herbalism and alchemy work.

Kefkas's rough sketch (drawn from memory by someone without the language) was analyzed by Ferris. He described it as looking "like it was written by a child learning Sylvan" — surprisingly good for an imperfect sketch, but not reliable. His reading of Kefkas's attempt: "Enderleg." Whether that was the accurate reading of the original runes remains uncertain without consultation with a fluent speaker.

Information Brokerage

When Haldak inquired if Ferris had ever heard of the "Code of Steel of the White," Ferris had not encountered the item. He offered to make inquiries on Haldak's behalf for a fee: 10 gold pieces, owed only if he successfully locates information.

Ferris's response when Haldak introduced himself by name: "I've never heard of Tencloak. That's a name I've never come across before." The implication is that Ferris has a broad enough familiarity with nobility and notable names to recognize most lineages, and Tencloak — Haldak's family line — was unfamiliar to him.

Key Moments

Threads

• Code of Steel of the White: Ferris agreed to research this item for 10gp. No timeline was given for results, and no confirmation has been received in later sessions.
• Sylvan Rune Accuracy: Ferris's reading of Kefkas's sketch produced "Enderleg," matching Mira's independent reading. However, both were interpreting an imperfect sketch rather than the original runes. The actual inscription remains uncertain.