Hound |
Mysty |
As soon as possible, I think. A daemon prince...could be tricky
NPC - Cardinal Adrastus Thorn |
To Seren the cardinal says "The seal is a powerful Mitran artifact. The Victor himself consecrated the blasted thing by praying and fasting for seven days over it, or so the story goes. Whatever the truth, it is certainly a powerful artifact of Asmodeus’ most bitter enemy. Find a way to shatter it! I care not what it involves or how long it takes! Break the seal!"
Then he continues to the rest to the knot "If you recover the Tears or need to report anything to me, break the seal. I will send Tiadora to wherever you break it within an hour or two. Now go with the blessings of the Prince of Hell and see this mission done!"
NPC - Tiadora |
Cardinal Thorn does not linger long aboard the craft, save for some private interview. He is quickly gone, teleported away.
The next day the barge docks in Farholde. Tiadora has already contacted Baron Vandermir and arranged for you to have dinner with him tomorrow night. “Best to find something presentable to wear,” she sneers. This gives you some time to investigate Farholde, buy supplies, and so forth.
DM Aku |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Farholde is the northernmost colony of Talingarde. This small city is a backwater, largely isolated from its parent nation by distance and danger. No King of Talingarde has visited Farholde since the Victor sat upon the throne. And yet, Farholde is a keystone of the realm’s defense. Without control of the delta that feeds into Lake Scardynn there would be no credible defense of the Borderlands.
Of course, today that matters little. The Watch Wall is already broken far to the east and war burns bright across the Borderlands. The bugbear horde relentlessly presses south towards the city of Daveryn far away from distant Farholde. Castle Hamorhall, Farholde’s great bastion, is almost empty. Its commander and garrison have left to join the war effort leaving behind only a skeleton defense. Farholde seems now more isolated than ever.
And yet, here in this backwater, the fate of tens of thousands of Talireans will be decided. This could be Farholde’s moment of triumph, where alone it met a great evil and brought it low. Or, this could be its darkest hour, where less than a day’s ride from its walls, the city did nothing as a monster was born.
==//==
A City of Floods
The key to understanding Farholde is water. Almost every structure in the city of Farholde is built on one of nine hills. In fact, its old Iraen name is actually Cannoch Naoi which means literally Nine Hills. The reason for this arrangement is simple – Farholde floods.
Almost every year in the spring, Lake Scardynn, brimming with mountain runoff, overflows its banks and floods Farholde. These floods are usually predictable and brief. They have never in memory crested any of the nine hills.
floods are a boon for Farholde. They deposit rich lake sediment all over the delta plane and create rich arable land for the growing season. No one in Farholde worries about leaving fields fallow or fortifying their soil.
The mighty Scardynn handles all such labor. But these floods also mean if you build a structure beneath the floodline, you had better be prepared for it to be underwater for at least two weeks a year.
Besides agriculture and the garrison, Farholde has another important industry – fishing. Though the sea is rough and dangerous and few bother to fish its open waters, Lake Scardynn is deep and densely populated with salmon, sea cat and amberscale. Even the occasional sturgeon is caught and both their meat and caviar are prized delicacies. The prize every captain dreams of catching though is the rare giant crayfish. No one knows why these monsters sometimes appear or why they grow gigantic, but specimens longer than seven feet have been captured in Lake Scardynn. The creatures are dangerous and more than one overambitious young fisherman has lost an arm to the beasts.
But when one is brought back to town, buyers pay premium coin for delicious giant cray-steaks that barely fit on dinner plates. Grilled and served with melted butter there is no greater delicacy. The quays where the fishing boats dock are stout stone affairs designed to survive weeks underwater. They jut out in to the delta all along the southern bank.
The northern bank has only one – a broad military quay where soldiers and supplies are unloaded to provision the Castle Hamorhall. Usually the quay is home to dozens of war galleys and supply barges, but now they are all gone transporting their troops to the eastern front.
A Conquered City
Farholde did not always belong to Talingarde. Less than three hundred years ago, it was a small hill fort controlled by a barbaric Iraen chieftain. How long the Iraen lived and ruled there, scholars can only guess but a farmer tilling a field still might find a crude iron arrowhead or a broken bit of pottery that shows the march of countless centuries.
The half-elven king Accarius IV called the Architect personally led the army that besieged the Iraen hill fort Casrhalla and through might of arms took control of Farholde. Though he burned down the original fort, he rebuilt a castle upon its foundations. This was the first establishment of the Hamarhall, named for its distinctive shape.It became one of the first nine watchtowers of the Watch Wall which guarded the frontier.
Accarius’ troops made permanent camp atop the nine hills and it is this camp that is direct descendant of Farholde today. Some of the oldest street names like ‘Quartermarch’ and ‘Kingscamp’ hint at this origin.
The Iraen tribesmen are not memories. They inhabit the Caer Bryr in great numbers and even a few still make Farholde their home. Some worry that the forest-dwellers merely wait for a chance when Talingarde is weak enough that these barbarian may take back what was once theirs.
The City in the Jaws
With a little imagination, you can see that the delta is actually a great monster closing its jaws upon Farholde. The town seems like little more than a morsel this great beast will soon devour. Though simply a coincidence of geography, this is an apt analogy.
North is the savage frozen frontier – the land beyond the Watch Wall. It is the domain of the bugbear tribes, the mighty Naatanuk and the enigmatic ice elves. More than once, Hamarhall has been besieged by these barbarous neighbors. Every time the Talireans have fought them off. If the invaders tried to bypass Hamarhall, the fortress deployed its war galleys armed with batteries of ballistae and battering rams. These warships made quick work of any crude flotilla the bugbears could cobble together.
To the south is the Caer Bryr (usually simply called the Briar by locals), an endless and alien jungle. The forest teems with barbaric tribes with different religions and tongues, weird ruins of inestimable antiquity and vicious super-predators that do not distinguish between men and prey. There are a thousand stories told of the dangers that lurk in the Briar and the terrifying truth is that a great percentage of them relate something close to fact.
In the middle of these wild perils lies Farholde – a thin strand of Talirean civilization. The people of Farholde do not decry their place or their fate. Instead, they take pride in their resilience. Farholde is just shy of three centuries old. For three centuries, bugbear hordes and Briar-born beasts have done their best to wipe it from the map.
Farholde remains.
Notable Landmarks of Farholde
- 1. Hamarhall : his grim castle of grey stone overlooks the Scardynn delta from high Hamarhill and remains the most obvious sign of royal might.
- 2. The Accarian Beacon: Where Lake Scardynn meets the sea rises King Accarius’ other less famous building project. The lighthouse guides ships into the port through the jagged, rockstrewn breakwaters. It is also anchors one point of the great sea-chain that can be raised to block access to the Scardynn in times of war.
- 3. Calliver Green: This gently sloping hill is amongst the highest points south of the Scardynn delta and has become home to the wealthiest residents of Farholde. Access to the Green is blocked by a small private guard post. Without a pass granted by a residents, access is not allowed.
- 4. Abbey of Saint Cynthia-Celeste: Usually called simply the Abbey by locals, this large walled manor house is home to a devout order of Mitran nuns. The nuns are a common sight about town dressed in their dark blue and white habits. These “brides of light” are a chaste and cloistered order, but still must frequently leave their abbey to conduct their business. They are a relatively young order, their founder having been martyred only a hundred and fifty years ago.
- 5. The Vandermir Orphanage: Baron Arkov Vandermir established this orphanage obstensibly to help the most needy of Farholde’s children.The Orphanage itself is an imposing structure teeming with children of all ages.
- 6. Bryrwatch (“The Trident”): This small watchtower just outside of Farholde rises on the highest promintory south of the Scardynn delta. It over looks both the edge of the Caer Bryr and the lake.
- 7. Auld’Irey: Built upon the largest of the nine hills, this is the oldest section of Farholde and the only part of the town surrounded by a wall. When the hill fort that became Hamorhall fell, there was across the river a small Iraen town. The town surrendered without battle and was captured intact. Auld’Irey , a corruption of “Old Iraen”, is the rebuilt remains of that settlement.
- 8. Templeton Rise: Located at the highest point in Auld’Irey is the center of all trade in Farholde -- the Templeton Rise. Originally, a pagan Iraen temple, a temple to all the Talirean gods (including both Asmodeus and Mitra) supplanted it. When the Darian dynasty overthrew the Barcan kings, that temple was abandoned and sold to the Marsten family, rich merchants.
- 9. Newchurch: Newchurch is the name of the neighborhood, the hill it sits on and the common title given to the Mitran church at its center. The church was commissioned by the Victor during his visit to Farholde (the same visit during which he raided the Horn). It was this commission that caused the old temple (now the Templeton Rise) to be abandoned and later sold to the Marstens.
- 10. Drownington: This is the low-lying middle between Auld’Irey, New church, Estell and Jasperhill. Being one of the lowest areas around the delta, no one sane would live here and yet it is crowded with temporary structures, water-logged shanties and traveller’s tents. This transient community is definitely the bad part of town.
- 11. Lord Drownington’s Manor: here is only one permanent structure in Drownington built on a slab of rock that is mostly above the floodline (by almost four inches!). There stands a stout stone bunker that has barely survived a hundred floods. A crudely made sign in front reads “Lord Drownington’s Manor”. Equal parts bar, brothel, fight club, black market and thieves’ guild, this is without a doubt the most dangerous place in Farholde.
- 12. Wrecker Isle: This large accumulation of pebbles and debris in the river delta is largely seen as navigation hazard these days.
- 13. Westell: his low hill has a small rural community that marks the beginning of a collection of loosely affiliated farms that stretch south towards the Caer Bryr’s edge.
- 14. Corgan’s Landing: his is a large slab of stone built on the banks of the Scardynn almost two centuries ago. Though it has settled some, it remains comfortably above the flood line. Thus, it is completely filled with warehouses, businesses and offices of all sorts. It is also the home of the Harbormaster’sHouse.
The barge after you leave, continue travelling to an unknown destination.
Grumblejack got out earlier and said he would wait you outside the city. "The tin can's will not be pleased to see Grumblejack." that's what he said before leaving the barge.
You go shopping, and you notice that 'common magic' items are easy to find (+1 bonus, core armor/weapons are available)
Other than that, there are some specific items you thought good looking for you and your other allies, and that's what you were able to find:
- +1 Mithral Chain shirt, Shadow Improved
- +1 Heavy Mace, Bane (Giant)
- +2 Defending dagger
- +1 Ice Burst longsword.
- Belt of dwarvenkind
- Staff of Transmutation
- Crystal ball with detect thoughts
- Cloack of Manta Ray
- Chime of Opening
In general, any magic item from core, up to 5k gp can be found after some search.
Of course, that's not taking into consideration the Drownington black market.
Hound |
Hound is rather interested at the news that the Iraens still linger in the area. Even though his own tribe has been long wiped away, the fact that the northerners still survive in a way is heartening.
Hound certainly lacks fashion sense, so he settles on an ordinary but clean set of shirt and pants.
Lady Rose |
"I really hope we don't end up having to fight the demon prince. That's not a fight we could win, no matter what we were armed with. That being said, there may be some of its minions hanging about that won't be able to be reasoned with. Cold-Forged Iron can bite through demon-skin. Silver for devils."
Rose smiled at the prospect of shopping for nice clothes for a formal dinner. She said a happy, if businesslike farewell to Tiadora and went out to explore Farholde. When she had arrived in Balentyne she'd dressed the part of visiting nobility. In this backwater, that was likely to garner more attention than she wanted, so she chose the well-tailored but not overly expensive dress of a well-off merchant's daughter. Her armor and weapons were safely stowed in the secret compartment of her trunk.
She eyed Hound's plain clothes with equal amounts patience and distain. "You're important now. We can't have you looking like a common shlub. If you need to look like porter as a cover we can do that with those Sleeves Nahia can make, or one of the Circlets. Your real clothes should suit your station."
Hound |
Perhaps get my armor and weapons a good polishing so I can be your man-at-arms/bodyguard. Hound asks whatever merchant that handles clothes for suggestions for presenting oneself to higher-ranked people.
If someone says I'm going to need a powdered wig and perfume there is going to be an early start to our bodycount.
Nahia |
Nahia knocks on the door to the barges cabin. She waits with bated breath until she hears a signal to enter. She straightens out her skirt and takes a deep breath before opening the door and stepping inside.
The door closed, she turned to face the Cardinal. For a moment she is quiet, her face dropping to the floor, unsure how to approach this subject. Worried of his impatience, she ends up simply blurting out ”Sir, I just… I just wanted to thank you. Again for my rescue, but even more for introducing me our Lord of Darkness... It has definitely been a blessing.”
- - - - -
Nahia watches as Rose and Hound leave the ship to go buy clothes.
I would love to go clothes shopping… but I have enough gear that I can’t carry. Besides, this meeting has me concerned. Yet another part-elvish Baron. No, I shouldn’t let my guard down on this one...
Nahia thinks for a moment on what she wants to look like this time, and decides it appropriate to keep the changes a little less drastic. She keeps her long dark hair but her skin gets darker, turning more olive in color. Her ears shorten, becoming more like those of a half-elf and her eyes both turn to a light green color. And at this point Nahia puts on her finishing touches, as her body shifts until it resembles herself at 15. She looks over herself with a smile.
This just seems so… poetic.... given the circumstances.
Tugging on the sleeves her clothes change into the bodice, skirt, and apron of a serving girl or maid. The cut and detail of her clothes would indicate her Master or Mistress to be of high standing, though her bodice was cut a bit more open than usual, and her skirt clung tighter to her hips and backside. They were swathed with black and rich hues of blue and gold.
Reaching back, Nahia begins the slow process of braiding her hair into a single long, tight braid. Finishing her look, she changes the iron crown into a silver hair barrette that curls like ivy running through her hair, and clips it over her left ear.
Taking a single look over her outfit, she heads off into town to gather some supplies before dinner.
Mysty |
Mysty tags along with rose and hound.
never brought cloths for a noble before. Maybe you can help me rose
Mysty |
Mysty is disguised as a halfling with a different face and hair (both style and colour). She looks like she is wearing ordinary cloths.
Lady Rose |
"I'd be happy to." Rose said with a smile.
Rose's disguise makes her quite a bit plainer. She's not likely to turn any heads right now.
Seren Little |
A baron eh?
Seren looks down at her attire, hmm. First thing first, she alters her appearance ever so slightly. Just in case.
Satisfied in her new appearance, she focuses on her magical bracelets, transforming her clothing into an ornate black dress, small onyx rhinestones littering it in a flowing fiery fashion.
"you all look so..Ordinary." she observes looking over her companions. "We are meeting a baron..."
"Nope time to have some fun. We did the whole sneaky shadow thing last time."
Nahia |
Nahia fakes a smile at Seren and says "Well, I couldn't care less about him being a Baron, but this poor servant is quite happy to see that her Lady has arrived!" Nahia deeply curtseys to Seren as she adds "Alina, at your service."
Hound |
I am just a humble man-art-arms making sure no harm comes to his wards. Harold at your service.
Lady Rose |
"Herald." Rose said with a subtle inflection. "Very nice."
"I figured we wouldn't want to stick out in this muddy backwater." Rose said with a shrug to Seren. "I'm happy to get dressed up if we don't mind getting noticed."
"I'm going to stick with Persephone."
Nahia |
Nahia giggles faintly and adds "Well, now I have two Mistresses to choose from. Maybe Big'Un had the right idea and you two should fight over me."
Seren Little |
"Fantastic Persephone, Herald and Alina. I will be Seren. They might as well know the name that makes them quake with fear, well at least until they join our army. One way or another." Seren says laughing at her own personal joke.
Looking over at Rose. "We are going to stick out... We're after a fabled artifact that the whole town thinks has cursed an entire region. Better them think that we have the ability and the money to pull it off, then to question what just happened when a bunch of nobodies pull off a miracle." Seren reasons. "Plus it Will make this town's subjugation so much easier afterwords if they idolize us."
Mysty |
I'll be called cloud then. She grins at that, adding a friend to her lady
NPC - Tiadora |
You prepare yourself with any disguise you may find fitting for the occasion.
In the agreed time, you go meet Tiadora. She is bedecked brilliantly in all white, looking like a travelling noble on the way to her wedding.
She lock arms with Hound, as if they were a couple, and then touch his Iron Circlet, forcing this bodyguard disguise to change to a noble attire.
"Dearest, I told you to be presentable, not to disguise as beggars, slaves and peasants." She says to Hound, but somehow, fear and a cold sweat begin to creep in the others mind. "What are you waiting for, dearest? Or I'll have to compel you in other ways?" she says now, looking to Nahia and Mysty.
Hound |
Hound grunts in surprise at the no-doubt iron grip and an animal fear grips the back of his mind.
Nahia |
Nahia stares in Tiadora's direction for a moment.
This is not how I wanted it... But fine, we'll do it your way... Though this doesn't bode well for him...
Again Nahia tugs on her sleeves and her outfit changes suddenly and drastically. Gone is the garb of a servant, instead replaced with a gown of fine red silk that fits her curves tightly. Openings in the gown, shaped as elongated diamonds, expose her stomach and chest, and as she walks slits in the side expose calf high black boots made of soft black leather.
Adorning her waist is a belt made of a silvery blue metal chain, each link woven into the shape of gnarled branches, and similar pieces of jewelry adorn her wrists.
A sarong of black fur is also wrapped around her waist, beneath her belt. The garment hangs to just below her knees in the back but comes up at a sharp angle, hugging her hips and leaving the thighs uncovered. Hanging from her shoulders is a black gossamer frock, unbuttoned and flowing behind her, that is hemmed with soft, black fur.
Her 15 year old self now dressed in the garb of a royal courtesan, Nahia smiles at Tiadora and says "Is this more appropriate?"
Lady Rose |
All Rose needed to do to be fit for a court presentation was turn her disguise off.
It wasn't often that she let her full glory shine though. Usually she maintained a bit of a disguise just to keep in practice, and because she didn't want to deal with the kind of attention she tended to get when she didn't purposefully tone things down.
Now though, she was in her full perfection.
"Alright then." she said with a mischievous glint in her otherworldly eyes.
Mysty |
Rose, remember. We are wanted criminals. Change your face and hear colour a bit
Lady Rose |
"Not in this face, I'm not." She said was a small shrug.
The entire time we were in Ballentyne, aside from when she was sleeping and a few times meeting with the group in their rooms, Rose had a disguise effect up. She looked similar, but right now her aasimar otherworldly perfection and inhuman eyes are apparent.
"And if you're talking about the salt mine escape, I don't think that will be a problem. I looked like a dirty rat for most of my stay there, and all the people that were involved in my capture and incarceration are dead now."
"If I understand the plan right, we're going to be posing as hero-types who are going to try to "cleanse the forest of the ancient evil" or some such. Why not attach my own face to an endeavor like that?"
Mysty |
Because you were not always covered in grime, and the mitrans are meticulous about their records. It is about their one good feature. Your image may have been recorded before the mine. Why not take a minor precaution and avoid the problem. Remember there were...casualties at the salt mine.
Mysty shrugs. If you want to do that, on your head be it. I'll say no more.
Hound |
Hound changes his look to a military cut and neatly trimmed beard. His normally well-tended but nondescript chestplate is now well-polished and looks like it would be perfect for a dress parade or presenting oneself at a noble gathering, with a tabard in the traditional colors of the Mitrian army and the closest approximation of 'sharply pressed' pants and expensive looking boots. His cloak of protection is much fancier, coming down to his waist and looking more like something one would spread over a mud-puddle for a noble woman .
Lady Rose |
Rose shrugged and let her hair go dark, with a few red streaks, and let her body alter to a thinner, more elf-like frame.
She looks pretty much like her profile picture.
NPC - Tiadora |
Your attempt to get any response from Tiadora, using sarcasm or irony is met with indifference. It seems to her, as long you are not presenting yourself as beggars, it does not really matters what disguise you are using.
She escorts you through the bustling dock city of Farholde. She takes them to the nicest part of town, a gently sloping hill called Calliver’s Green See campaign info for more details. This is a gated community and she approaches the guard confidently. “Baron Vandermir is expecting us,” is all she says.
Mysty |
Mysty looks at the residence, looking for exits and security, as is her want.
perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Hound |
Hound just hopes they can get this over with and searching for the Horn. He was uncomfortable in the city and disguised as he was.
DM Aku |
“Of course, my lady. This way,” the somewhat nervous guard answers after consulting a list.
The list reads, “Expect a lady in white and her retinue. Be polite. She has powerful friends. --V.”
There are only six manors in this neighborhood and Tiadora leads you to what is arguably the most impressive and opulent of them. The front door is secured by two guards wearing armor and livery. The guards are polite but firmly insistent that weapons are collected. “No stranger may go before the Baron so armed.”
Tiadora gives no sign of being bothered by the request, carrying no weapon herself.
Tell me what weapons are you carrying.
The livery is a variation on the heraldry of House Barca, the royal line deposed by the current Darian regime.
The livery is a variation on the heraldry of House Barca, the royal line deposed by the current Darian regime. It marks the guards as servants of the Baron of Westell and Mir, farming towns south of Farholde.
Hound |
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Hounds eyes flick down to the list and he mentally shrugs. As they walk up to the manor, he makes note of the size and opulence but knows nothing about their history and cares little.
At the guard's request, he hesitates some, the magical greatsword that he had claimed as plunder was a valuable weapon, but he had other weapons at his disposal, especially when he let his fury take hold. Besides, it would be a valuable surprise if hostilities erupted. So he undid his weapon and turned it over.
Lady Rose |
Currently Rose's only weapons are a razor tongue and a killer body. :)
Nahia |
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
As they approach the manor, Nahia doesn't seem as excited as Rose and Seren do. And when she sees the opulence of the manor, she stops and lets out a heavy sigh as she rubs her eyes.
When the asks for their armaments, Nahia is quiet for a moment before reaching into her satchel and retrieving her sickle. She reluctantly hands it over to the guard, saying "Be careful, it's quite sharp...", and then waits for the others to do the same.
I would have left the crossbow back with the rest of my stuff. My satchel still has a flask of acid. And of course, I have my unnaturally sharp and durable nails.
Mysty |
Mysty hands over her daggers, and thinks about the lack of a hidden dagger. Once upon a time she would have had one hidden in each boot, but even if she had more daggers (which she doesn't), the courtiers outfit she is wearing wouldn't conceal them.
note to self, get more daggers
Oh well, she would have to depend on her wits. And her fire magic, always a good backup.
bet this place would go up a treat
DM Aku |
I still want to hear from Seren, but I’ll move things forward.
The guards do not search you, only confiscating obvious armament.
You are greeted at the door by a formal butler and attended by a small squadron of servants who offer you brandy and hors d’oeuvres. The brandy is sublime and the hors d’oeuvres are a selection of tasty little beef skewers and crunchy spicy crayfish puffs. Finally, you get to meet the Baron himself.
Baron Arkov Vandermir is a handsome half-elf dressed in burgundy and white. He looks quite young, even boyish, but he is more than a century old. His eyes betray a calculating, wicked soul.
Tiadora makes the introductions, the names you were using as alias in this town. After the introductions, she sits at the table in all her regal glory, paying little attention to anyone else, the Baron himself included.
==//==
The banquet
Soup
Tomato soup (served cold) Purée Madeleine
Fish course
Cod with oyster sauce
Filets of fried whiting with anchovy sauce
Entreés
Quenelles with Regency sauce
Ballotines of duck with Cumberland sauce
Light course
Braised beef with Hussard sauce
Roast leg of lamb
Roast course
Pheasant Potato ribbons
Desserts
Spinach bread
Pastries with fruit Chocolate profiteroles
Swiss tartlets
Buffet
Hot and Cold Roast Fowls Tongue
Cold Roast Beef
==//==
During the banquet, there’s almost no talk at all, just small pleasantries and the butler announcing the next course.
Once the last course is served and the servants are dismissed, the Baron becomes frank. “You come to me as beggars, the last remnants of a forbidden faith. You will promise me much, of that I have no doubt. But all that I am likely to earn from helping you is the inquisitor’s pyre. Tell me, why should I help the likes of you?”
Lady Rose |
Tried to post this earlier but it didn't go through when I tried to edit my last post. >.<
K.Nobility: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Sigh. The preview of the attempted edit was a 19 too. Oh well. I'll go with this.
Rose laughed richly. "I wasn't aware this little town had such well-to-do beggars."
"With the fall of Lorringsgate and Ballentyne the inquisitors will likely have other things on their mind for quite some time." she shrugged. "It will take quite a bit more than rumors of forbidden faiths in backwater fishing villages to get their attention."
"If I am not mistaken, that forbidden faith is one we share. Unless you have turned away. You are still a man of faith, aren't you?"
Diplomacy check, at +10
Mysty |
Mysty looks at the noble, sipping her wine.
Why would we need to validate your faith. It's not like we are a court, sitting in judgement over you. You either have it, or you don't. Myself, I don't care about your faith one way or the other. That is for more religious persons. Like our boss. Why should you help us. That's simple. Because you will gain great benefit from it when we are successful. Power, revenge and so on. And of course the great benefit of not annoying...our superior.
Mysty smiles at that.
Nahia |
Nahia nods at Mysty, smiling, and says "Besides. You've already heard of our past deeds. The destruction of Brandescar, the cracking of Ballentyne and Lorringsgate... All things previously thought impossible. And it's only a matter of time before our armies spread across every inch of this continent..."
Again with the theatrics, Nahia stops to sip the brandy before continuing "And in the end, when it comes time to declare allegiances, how do you want to be considered? As the beaten dog of the people that defiled your family line? As a latecomer whose allegiance wavers at every moment?"
Nahia leans across the table while staring the noble in the eyes. "Or do you want the honor and glory of one who has been loyal from the beginning? After all, we reward those strong of conviction quite well."
Nahia breaks eye contact to look at the glass in her hand as she swirls the brandy, softly adding "And those that lose their conviction? Well, let's just say that we aren't exactly well known for our mercy..."
Hound |
Hound feasts with the others, enjoying the chance to eat his fill rather than subsist on dried rations and one should always take the chance to eat since one is never sure when the next meal will be available.
When the time came to make their case to the baron, Hound stayed silent. His place was in the forest or on the battlefield, not the court.
DM Aku |
”Threats will earn you nothing here.” says the baron in a flat voice ”Don’t you think I know who and what the Cardinal is? That I haven't guessed all his plans?” he look around before continuing ”And before you think that removing me is an option, which I assure you can’t, even if you try, I’ve arranged in the unlikely case of my demise, the sum of everything I know be sent to the king.” then he adds ”Surely he'll be pleased to know that the horde is no more than a distraction, while the real work is done elsewhere.”
”Honor? Glory? Look around, I’m kite good as it is. Although I would want to see the Darian regime end, why would I join the losing side? When the king army marches, Sakkarot will fall, and that’s the truth of it.”
Some more information if anyone beats a DC 30 Bluff
Nahia |
Nahia laughs before replying "Threats? I think you misunderstand. We wish only to show you our own conviction. We are each prepared to give our lives for this endeavor. But we don't have the weakness of mercy like the Mitrans. And yes, Sakkarot's army may fall, but do you honestly believe that he is all that we have? You said so yourself, that Sakkarot is little more than a distraction compared to our real power."
"And you say that you have it good? Have you forgotten your history? Your birthright? Are you really satisfied being a baron of these farming towns? Because we seek to restore things to how they were... to what they were meant to be."
Nahia's excitement grows, her voice gaining energy, almost becoming crazed as she talks. "Don't you want more... more than the table scraps from the line of Darius? Royal blood runs through your veins! You deserve better than this! You should return to being king of a mountain, not a molehill!"
Nahia regains her composure, adjusts her dress, and continues "Again, I ask, are you so easily willing to let go of what you deserve for some comforts that are petty in comparison? We are strong. We have conviction. And our goal is righteous."
"Don't get me wrong, we could do this without you. But we wanted to extend this offer to you to help our cause, to hasten our arrival, and to share in our victory."
Lady Rose |
"What reason could we possibly have to kill you? As of now, you are not a part of our plans, nor are you in the way of our goals."
"We are here because the Cardinal thought you would appreciate being contacted. We are operating in your backyard, so to speak."
"If you aren't interested in helping, that is fine. We will go about our business, and leave you out of it."
"We are really only here to offer you the chance to share in the things that are to come. If you truly feel you have nothing to gain, we will be on our way."
"That being said, I am certain you realize how much there is to gain."
Seren Little |
Sorry came down with something. Was asleep in bed all yesterday. Will post update soon.
Lady Rose |
Rose glanced at Nahia, picking up on what she'd mentioned about the Baron's family history.
"You mean besides the fall of the regime that displaced your family and robbed you of your birthright? Oh, and being part of creating a power vacuum which can be easily exploited by those who act quickly? Or the riches to be gained by taking advantage of the chaos that is about to grip the land?"
"I suppose just satisfaction." she said with a shrug. "That would probably be enough for me. Its hard to buy self fulfillment. The rest are just added bonuses."