The large man smiles thinly and briefly simply stating, "Celeste will join you shortly. Until then, make yourselves at home. As invited guests, you have access to all areas except for the east wing. You'll find the Grand Library through the door behind me. Good evening." He bows again and opens the door to the Library.
The center of the Cusp of Sunrise is a room some 100 feet across--a circular tower whose inside surface is covered with bookshelves and iron ladders on sliding rails. A score of nobles are present, but only a few are reading. Most are clustered in conversation as they sip wine from slender flutes. Others play a dice game at a series of circular tables. A few eat, using fine cutlery while ensconced in plush leather chairs. A harpsichord stands on a small stage to one side, but no one is playing it at present. Blue-robed servants scurry from noble to noble, appearing and disappearing through swinging doors to the north, south, east, and west.
The swinging doors have plaques above them
- North: Stables
- West: Dueling in West Courtyard Only
- South: Studio Apartments
- East: Offices
You see Lord Vhalantru drinking wine with some other nobles and he smiles and raises a glass to you before he returns to his conversation.
Half of Cauldron's nobility is here. They are watching the others intently. Quite a bit more than us, so far.
[url]https://picasaweb.google.com/108142114752360565861/ShackledCityMapsAndImage s?authkey=Gv1sRgCJiuy-j0lZO3AQ#5858354447101358866]Map here[/url]
or rather Here
Preception Check:
Sense Motive Check:
After detecting evil on the rooms and inhabitants, Epik will engage Lord Vhalantru in conversation, attempting to improve his attitude towards the party via diplomacy.
"Lord Vhalantru, I have not yet had the honor to meet you. I am Epik, humble disciple of Iomedae and member of he Mendevian Crusaders. I offer my sword to the people of Cauldron to purge the city of demonic and diabolic forces."
During the conversation with Lord Vhalantru:
Diplomacy Check:
Sense Motive Check:
Nowzai nods to Lord Vhalantru, but is quickly distracted by the multitude of books. Wide-eyed like a child in a candy shop, he begins to browse the lore on hand.
Epik approaches Vhalantru and the group of nobles he's sitting with, many of whom seem to be fawning around him and another man, a large, well-built man with strong features and ebon skin.
Vhalantru stands and welcomes Epik shaking his hand and then turning invitingly to the group he's with, "Sir Epik Aegeous, friends, one of those fine adventurers that stopped the kidnappers, prevented the flood, and more recently, defeated that dreaded monster in the streets around the Warehouse!"
A smattering of applause breaks out, but it's quickly interrupted by the shattering of glass as the ebon-skinned man, obviously enraged crushes his wine goblet and takes two steps, or rather stomps forward, "A THUG! He is nothing more! How were he and his gang of miscreants allowed in here! I demand they be removed immediately!"
Everyone is a bit stunned at the outburst, but quickly compose themselves to look at Epik for his response.
Most of the books cover Cauldron's history and contains a trove of data on genealogy of not only the noble families but the citizenry as well. Some time spent here researching would greatly aid insight into the geography, history, and nobility of the area.
Dalamus will step beside Epik in a show of support, standing upright. Dalamus realizes this is not the time to speak, but to allow Epik the floor.
To Mord'aelI wonder why? Can you tell who is watching them?
Perception -
Epik will deflect the comment and attempt to calm tensions, "My good friend, I appologize for anything that we may have done to offend you. I assure you that we only have the best interest of the City in mind. I'm sure everyone in the room remembers how we saved the kidnapped children, stopped the flooding and defeated the rampaging umber hulk. Would you not agree Lord Vhalantru?"
Diplomacy check:
Nowzai shrugs and returns to browsing the library collection.
The dark-skinned noble, flustered, scoffs condescendingly at Epik, "Rabble, your exploits are tainted by your brutality and violence. I won't stand here and discuss semantics with you in a place that you shouldn't even be. Come now, Renjin, why are they still here?" he punctuates this last bit with a sharp clack of his teeth.
Renjin comes forward wringing his hands, but before he can say anything more, Vhalantru steps forward and intervenes, "My Lord Taskerhill, this neither the time nor the place to address personal grievances. Certainly, we can arrange a formal duel or some other opportunity to work this out, but tonight we're here to feast and enjoy one another's company."
He turns to a well-dressed young man lounging in the corner, "Good man, strum us something current and lively on the harpsichord there. That's a good chap!"
As the bard, startled at first, moves to the harp and starts playing, the rest of the room begins to nervously resume conversation, drinking, eating and dicing.
The angry noble stands there shaking for a few moments, and then spins on his heel, snapping his fingers, and half a dozen retainers follow him as he gathers his coat and storms out.
Well that man that just left for one, but also that couple over there at the dice table wearing the matching crimson outfits. They're watching them just enough to avoid eye contact. Looks of distaste on their face as they lean in to whisper together.
. Knowledge
I will ask for some mead and if they have any books on Torag?
I will calmly walk over to Epik and stand behind him
Dalamus will walk up to Lord Vhalantru "My lord, thank you for your assistance. We would never have come, if we had known it would have caused so much discomfort to all that attend."
"Hello again Nowzai, it's good to see you again. I wanted to point out a couple of people that are very interested in your friends but are trying to hide that fact." I will try and casually gesture to the two people in crimson out to him "I am here to assist you should anything come up but it is most likely best if we are not seen together for now until I can try and figure out their interest in you. Be safe." With that, I will wonder off towards the two people in crimson and see if I can set up nearby without notice and listen. I will be looking at books near them that cover the history of the area and set up at a couch or table near by with a couple of books to look at while I try and listen.
Dalamus will walk over to the dwarf whom he competed with in in the Flood Festival.
"Ahh, it is good to see you again. I am Dalamus, we competed in the drinking games at the Flood festival outside this very building. As I recall, and recollection of those days is kinda weak. I believe you taught me not to compete against a dwarf." Dalamus smiles friendly at him, and bows
"Yes, Dalamus, of course," the noble says, still frowning as he looks at the door Lord Taskerhill just left through. "Excuse me please, I need to 'clean' up a bit." He smiles broadly at Dalamus and with a gentle nod, heads back to his group.
They definitely have mead along with a ton of other drinks. No books on Torag here though.
The one-eyed dwarf squints at Dalamus as he walks up, Suren I remember you, long ears. Shoulda been one of the first things your skinny ma taught ya ... not to drink against dwarves. Wanna try your luck again?" The old dwarf grins ear to ear.
The table the two crimson-dressed nobles are at isn't really near a stack of books, but there are two seats available at the table. The dice game seems pretty simple. There are several tables, but the ante in this one is 1 platinum bar, which it turns out is 100gp. There are 7 people playing right now.
They also happen to be the parents of Cora Lathenmire, the red-headed bravo in the Stormblades
Dalamus smiles at the Dwarf "I think that may have been my problem all along, I am not good at passing on some good mead. Perhaps a bit later, I would rather not be referred to as the fool who drank against the dwarf.....at least not for the whole night." Dalamus says this while laughing.
"With all of the energy of the Festival, I don't believe that I had caught your name. What name shall I call you by, good sir?"
Nowzai glances over at the game table and takes note of the players. Someone intrigued, he meanders over to watch the game in progress.
Knowledge Check -
At first you think the game is a combination of story-telling and dice throwing, but you come to realize the story-telling is simply a part of the social aspect of the game and is used to break up the simplicity of throwing dice.
The nobles are all telling stories of hunting, fashion, far away cities, and rumors from abroad. Serious topics are frowned upon although once a drunk minor noble brings up the unrest amongst the taxes and the recent warehouse district hulk rampage. This garners a response from the crimson-dressed woman, who bites back, "We can't prevent that fool Maavu from attempting to sow chaos to turn the merchants against the city. Everyone knows he summoned that beast, or at least hired the sorcerer to do it. He was seen fleeing the town on horseback that very night. If that isn't proof enough of his guilt ..." she trails off with a shrug as if it's evident.
The dice game itself surrounds multiple types of dice (4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 20 sided). The ante for the first round is 1 platinum bar which can be purchased from the house for 100 gp each. Each player takes turns throwing the 4-sided dice until someone rolls a 4, that person then has the option to raise and then switches to 6-sided dice. This continues until someone reaches the 20-sided dice and rolls a 20. At that point, the game is over with the winner taking the pile of bars in front of him or her. A game can last quite some time as is apparent here, with this one starting to come to a close, the drunk noble who spoke up earlier already on the 20-sided dice.
"Adrick Garthun," the snowy haired dwarf grins flashing a smile of all gold teeth ... not in color, but literally gold. He looks at Dalamus, square on, the black half-mask he wears on the right side of his face shifting as he smiles, and the translucent black gem in the eye socket of his right eye glitters almost as if with humor. As he turns his full attention to you, two nearby dwarves shift their position to be near without being obtrusive, obviously body guards.
"Iffen you dont wanna drink, then perhaps you wish to discuss politics or business?"
If there is a seat available, Dalamus will sit down."Adrick Garthun is it. A name I will surely remember. Well, I never said that I didn't want to drink....I would love a mead. However a discussion in politics and business seem like an appropriate subject, considering all of the recent events. Which would you prefer? Are you involved in the local politics? Lord Taskerhill, is he always that hostile?"
"Mead it tis, boyo! 'Ave a seat, then. Politics, then, it is? As a dwarf who makes a lot of money off thesun nobles, I'd be have'n to say that I am involved in politics, although I hold no office nor titles!"
A server comes by with two mugs, and Adrick takes a big swig from one, "Nowun, your friend and perhaps you got on the wrong side of a fairly powerful man. Ima thinkin' it has something' ta do with his daught'r? You all barkin' up the wrong leg?" He leans forward with a leer.
As the evening passes and begins to wind down, a few of the drunker pathrons remain on and those playing dice continue. During a lull in conversation, you look up and see Celeste gliding across the room, making polite one and two word salutations to various people. She makes eye contact with you and smiles, but continues to move gracefully around the room.
I don't understand humans at all. These are the most powerful people in the city and yet they don't seem to be any more than frivolous gossip mongers. Help me find the best book for the area's history, as long as we are here lets use the library as much as possible
Dalamus sits down and casually settles in. He will then take hearty swig from the mug "It does appear that we are on the wrong side with Lord Taskerhill, although I am not sure it has anything to do with his daughter. At least not in that she is a woman, but the fact that she does not like our group. I find it strange that she and the rest of the Stormblades care so much of our presence." Dalamus takes another drink and continues "I mean, you have seen me around. I like to have fun and not cause trouble, but I also like to help out my friends and anyone else that may need help. Adrik, if you were to have a problem with pests, and needed them taken care of, I would be glad to help....Is that really a reason for Annah to have such a deeply passionate hate for us? I don't know, I am not much for understanding the politics around here, so I am probably missing something."
Dalamus adjusting in his seat and looks over and sees the Lady gliding by "Now the lady over there, now she is an elegant woman. She was the one that had invited us. What is her story? Is she a merchant as well?" Dalamus will pound the rest of his beer and wink at Adrick with a smile, before placing the mug back on the table.
If he doesn't answer or answers no, I'll keep quiet most of the trip, stay aware, see if I can impress him with bagging another deer or something similar with my woodsman skills, archery, etc.
Survival Roll:
I'll also see if I get a good opportunity to mention that I know from the day length and seasons that we're along way from "home".
If he answers with his name, then casual conversation works, and I'll see if I can get more information about the group, his roll, the rest of the members, and so on.
I'll also stand within a few feet of Epik, show of a solid front, and all of that.
I'll check my bow and wear a chain shirt under my finery (unless Dalamus or Nowzai would have said something and cautioned me against doing so). I'll keep an eye open, but won't talk much unless I'm addressed first.
I'll have a mug or two of mead, but won't gulp, just pace myself. I also don't have the cash to gamble, so I'll avoid that!
I am going to look for a book on armor smithing and then order a meal.
I will wait for Celeste to summon us.
Epik, I believe that conversation would have occurred. Dalamus certainly did not wear any armor for this high class event.
Nowzai will continue to watch the dice game, but more to eavesdrop on the conversation and note any interesting details.
Adrick listens to your story and laughs, "Come now, boyo, you should be able to answer your own question. Look around? Ya see 'em here? No? Well you'ns are. It's the nature of things in this city. E'erone has a place, if ya want to move up, ya take someone else's place. That's what you'n yer friends did to them. They used to be the only show in town. Now they're the old show. Can't blame 'em for being irritated." He snickers again as he pull on his mug again.
As Dalamus shifts the conversation, Adrick twists to stare at Celeste and then sits back waving dimissively, "All these human high-borns look the same. I've seen her around ... seems ta know everyone. Dunno that I've had reason ta talk ta her."
The game carries on with the male Lathenmire taking a late-game lead. A sizeable stack of platinum bars starts to pile up in the center of the table, but with 4 lucky rolls in a row, the drunk noble from earlier cleans everyone out. There is a roar of disbelief and good-natured laughs all around
The lady Lathenmire stands as the roaring dies down, a servant having just come and passed her a slip of paper. "My friends, please, retire with us to courtyard. We'd like to demonstrate one of our latest acquisitions!" In her sweep, she specifically excludes Nowzai.
"My name is Cayden," he turns to look at you quickly, and speaks before you can, "And I was not named after that upjumped drunkard, no. The name has family meaning, and my fore-fathers bore it long before that fool stumbled upon the Starstone."
As Nemoris moves to shoot a deer, the elf places his hand on his shoulder, "You've proven yourself, already, Nemoris ... no need. We will teach you what you wish to know as well as what Meerthan needs you to know."
While not chatty by any means, Cayden opens up about the area and Nemoris quickly finds out that they're in Kyonin, far, far north of Cauldron and Garundi, on a different continent altogether. Kyonin is the ancient homeland of the elves, once abandoned and recently (in elf terms) resettled. Meerthan and Cayden communicate and travel instantly back and forth via an aidura a gate between elven cities. Apparently, their was an ancient elven settlement near where Hollowsky resides.
Nowzai follows anyway.
"Adrick, that seems to make a lot of sense, but even with them being, that old trick, if you will, they do still carry a lot in the power within the politics of the city. I would not think it so easy, for us to come in dethrone them, if you will. Either way, I guess it matters little the reasons for their disdain towards us."
Dalamus will ask the waitress for another mug of mead, and take another sip. "So tell me Adrick, who is this Maavu person that I keep hearing about? Do you know this person? Also, after the beast attack I saw a short, elderly man with a limp and a long white beard that had gold rings in it, do you happen to know such a man?"
No, noble in red at dice table.
Diplomacy - - I am hoping this keeps me from doing something stupid.
The Lathenmire couple lead their entourage outside. The woman whispers to a servant standing beside the door as she crosses the threshold and then turns to point at Nowzai and Sam. As the two move to follow the group through the door, the servant very purposefully and abruptly places himself in your path requiring you to either stop or bowl through him. He says nothing and merely stands with his gloved hands folded looking at a point beyond you.
In the well-maintained courtyard, perfectly manicured shrubs and a phenomenally lush, green carpet of grass highlight the area. Small fountains bubble at either end, but the middle portion is a 50 foot diameter granite & marble disc. Upon which stands a man stripped to his waist and holding what appears to be a long length of steel chain with forged spikes on either end.
The noblewoman closes the door behind her.
Adrick almost spits out his drink, wiping his mouth on his sleeve as he visibly starts in his seat, "Pbbfffttt!! You don't know that old fox? The only other bastard in this import game other than me! That cutrate hack thinks he can horn in on my business. I hope he rots in jail for this latest tomfoolery! Although, I'm fairly certain he doesn't have the power to do what they're saying he did, I'm certain I could help the Guard link some circumstantial documents suggesting proof that he was able to pay for it." His arm bulges as he squeezes the metal stein, "By the Beast, I hope he chokes and dies on his next meal." The old dwarf spits this last bit out.
The games die down and the kitchen stops serving. The bar keeps pushing drinks, but many of the patrons either wave them off or stumble outside to make room, most not returning. As the evening starts to get late, Celeste comes by to each one of you (including Sam) checking to see if you enjoyed the evening and got enough to eat and drink before inviting you to join her in the offices through the eastern door.
"Yes, the food and drink was fantastic. It was really nice to get away from all the chaos of our lives, even if it was only for a night." Dalamus will stand and turn to Adrick "It has been my genuine privilege speaking with you this evening. I had a great time. Hopefully I will see you again Adrick."
i will go to the bartender order another mead and then follow Celeste out.
Looking at Nowzai, Sama'el says "Well...that was rude, I don't think I am going to like her." Sama'el smiles and wanders off
"Thank you for the invitation Milady, I am still not sure what I am doing here, but I enjoyed the experience."
I will follow her to the office
Nowzai shakes his head. "I wish I knew why they hate us so much." He shrugs and resumes his perusal of the library.
***
Nowzai follows Celeste quietly.
Adrick half-rises as Dalamus bids him goodbye and waves off his last question, resorting back to his slang, "Ya, ya and no, I dunna reckon the man."
I'll follow Celeste as well, maybe make an effort to be a little low key about it :)
You grab a book that Nowzai had just looked at and dismissed as having read before. You saw some references to demons and are able to pull up some information. It's a bit out of context and you run out of time to fill in the pieces before and after.
690 years ago; Surabar's army fights a demon army and Surabar destroys their leader, a demon named Nabthatoron, who was later banished to places unknown by ancient demon lords in disgust. The demons never recovered and arguably turned their attention back to the Worldwound. During the battle, Kozomagon attempts to draw upon the power of an ancient kopru necropolis discovered on a nearby lakebed but instead loses control and destroys her village. Liduton became the Haunted Village.
Adrick half-rises as Dalamus bids him goodbye and waves off his last question, resorting back to his slang, "Ya, ya and no, I dunna reckon the man."
Epik will continue with the previously described course of action. He detects evil on the guests and explores the area. Other than that, he follows Celeste, remaining vigilant.