Vorik Kessler |
Vorki looks first to the two guards then to Klaus, "What I am about to reveal to you could change the very foundation of the Five Nations, if not all of Khorviere. It must not go far beyond these walls. While you are correct in saying that I do not worship or even much like the Silver Flame and its worshipers, both seek the same as I and my Gods do. A world where all can live free, at least from horrific terrors. What sits on the throne of my homeland is one of these terrors, a vampire. And the man standing next to me can verify that and more."
GM Levi |
"A WHAT?!"
Klaus stands in response, gathering himself to his full height. Suddenly, the quiet air about him is gone, replaced by that of a military man and leader. The mess of unkept silver-blonde hair and stubble of facial hair only lend to the impressive image.
"Be at peace, High Cardinal. I have deceived you, and for that I am sorry. Allow me to introduce myself. I am King Kaius the Third, rightful heir to the throne of Karrnath, and currently in exile. My story is complicated and long, and if you can stay calm, I will relate it all to you in full."
The graying Cardinal snorts at the implied slight, "Explain. Now."
And so the handsome young man continues his story, "During the course of the Last War, when Thrane and its allies pressed in on Karrnath from all sides, and we desperately needed help, an angel appeared before my grandfather, Kaius the First. She proposed to my grandfather a bargain that could save our shattered land. She would teach our people the ways of the Blood, and how to turn our fallen into ... the perfect solider ... in exchange for his undying devotion to her.
Thus, he turned himself into an undead abomination, a vampire! Several of the military leaders were also turned, most notably Count Von Zarovich. Those who refused were killed. Then, not needing his living family anymore, he used my father as a puppet, and had me put into a a prison cell, which I have been liberated from by these kind folk, although our party has changed over the course of the past few weeks (many have not made it).
That then, in short order leads us to the present. I stand before you to request your aid (and the aid of the Church) in overthrowing my grandfather, and reestablishing me as the King of Karrnath."
"And what do I get in return?"
Here, I am going to have you do something unusual. Because the action is really between to NPCs, I want you all to go over to the discussion thread (which is linked up top) and discuss what should be the bargain between these two powerhouses of Eberron. When you have decided, ONE of you post his response, and we will play it out. Work as a team, you're shaping the world!"
GM Levi |
"A WHAT?!"
Klaus stands in response, gathering himself to his full height. Suddenly, the quiet air about him is gone, replaced by that of a military man and leader. The mess of unkept silver-blonde hair and stubble of facial hair only lend to the impressive image.
"Be at peace, High Cardinal. I have deceived you, and for that I am sorry. Allow me to introduce myself. I am King Kaius the Third, rightful heir to the throne of Karrnath, and currently in exile. My story is complicated and long, and if you can stay calm, I will relate it all to you in full."
The graying Cardinal snorts at the implied slight, "Explain. Now."
And so the handsome young man continues his story, "During the course of the Last War, when Thrane and its allies pressed in on Karrnath from all sides, and we desperately needed help, an angel appeared before my grandfather, Kaius the First. She proposed to my grandfather a bargain that could save our shattered land. She would teach our people the ways of the Blood, and how to turn our fallen into ... the perfect solider ... in exchange for his undying devotion to her.
Thus, he turned himself into an undead abomination, a vampire! Several of the military leaders were also turned, most notably Count Von Zarovich. Those who refused were killed. Then, not needing his living family anymore, he used my father as a puppet, and had me put into a a prison cell, which I have been liberated from by these kind folk, although our party has changed over the course of the past few weeks (many have not made it).
That then, in short order leads us to the present. I stand before you to request your aid (and the aid of the Church) in overthrowing my grandfather, and reestablishing me as the King of Karrnath.""And what do I get in return?"
Here, I am going to have you do something unusual. Because the action is really between to NPCs, I want you all to go over to the discussion thread (which is linked up top) and discuss what should...
Moving on then...
"I am willing to sanctify the Silver Flame as a State Religion."
This statement draws the immediate interest of the Cardinal.
Vorik Kessler |
Vorik steps in at this point "While I am personally loathe to let such occur, I realize that it is to aid my country. However, as a followerer of the Nine, Six and One and a member of House Kessler, I must ask a counter favor in line with what my King has just stated. Thus, I would request a member of my House be allowed here as a relgious advisor."
GM Levi |
"A wise move, Sir Kessler," replies the now grinning High Cardinal Krozen, "And I will concede to your desires. Now, unless you have any other requests, a suggest that you return to the waiting chamber while a binding document is composed. I would hate to have you take back your word."
The halfling cleric that led you in appears at the doorway, ready to lead you away.
The Bastion |
The tension that held Bastion in place now seemingly gone, Bastion will move back into the waiting chamber, following other members of the party.
Once back in the waiting room, Bastion speaks.Well, that was precarious. I was certain we had need of an alternate escape route.
Once back in the waiting room, are we directed/allowed to take our weapons up again?
Distan Baccini |
Distan saunters out of the audience chamber a great deal more... sauntery than when he entered. "Well, taking part in multi-nationally defining negotiations, the morning after a breakout, no less. Plus I got to see elephants! This will definitely be one for the memoirs, assuming I live to a nice ripe old age to pen them."
Darius Kirisallin |
As you enter the room, you make note of a tall willowy man sitting in the corner, his legs propped up on the table before him, crossed at the ankles. He is dressed in a pair of form fitting, light weight, black breeches and a pair of thigh high black leather boots, turned down to just above the knees. He wears a white silk shirt, beneath a long black coat, with silver scrollwork at cuffs and lapel. A wide brimmed duelist hat, with a long white feather, covers his face, behind which can only be seen a wave of glistening black curls.
Darius smiles to himself. Having disengaged from the group, some time ago, he was not sure of the welcome he was going to receive. He sat there in silence as Distan spoke, making note of the new voice amongst his old friends. It seemed much had changed in his absence. 'Much indeed...'
When Distan had finished, he spoke. "So these are the famous escapees of the Dreadfort are they? Don't seem like much to me!" he laughed softly, reaching down to scratch his calf and lossen the dagger there, by force of habit. "I had heard you had quite the dashing young Elf with you. Seems he is not part of your number now hmm?"
I fully expect someone to punch Darius! :D Good to be back!
GM Levi |
A short time of waiting passes before the Halfling cleric appears before you again. She signals for you to follow her, and this time seems to lead you in a completely different direction, but the destination remains the same - the High Cardinal's office. As you give up your weapons again, and go through the suite of defensive spells the Cardinal insists upon, you notice Krozen smiling at you from across his mahogany desk. Instead of being alone this time, he is accompanied by a remarkably beautiful man.
The man stands tall behind the High Cardinal, and his powder blue skin glistens in the light, yet not from sweat. Large wings fold behind his back, and several long coiled scrolls encircle his well-muscled body. He bears no weapons, but an unusual aura surrounds him.
Distan Baccini |
Distan starts at the very talkative elf greeting them, wondering if this is some weird new test of the Cardinal's. "Um... well... met?" he says hesitantly. Given the reference to the Dreadfort, he looks over at Vorik to see if the paladin recognizes and trusts this new arrival.
After some time waiting and making new acquaintances, Distan follows the halfling and the rest of the group back to Krozen's office, and blinks in some surprise at the new observer. "Definitely a day for new experiences..." he says before sitting. He glances down at the scroll, seeing if any of it is readable.
No Knowledge: Planes at all, so Distan has no shot of IDing the presumable Outsider either; Linguistics check in the event the scroll needs one.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
The Bastion |
Forgot to reply to Darius's post.
Bastion eyes the Elf warily, until Vorik or Klaus recognizes him as an ally. Once they do so (assuming they do so), Bastion will relax, and put forth his hand for a handshake, although he stays fairly quiet.
On, to present times.
Bastion takes a seat, although the presence of this newcomer is questionable at best. Bastion keeps his eyes flitting between Kaius, Krozen, and the newcomer.
Vorik Kessler |
Aye, my bad on that one
Upon seeing Darius, Vorik strides over to him and gives him a warm greeting "You sly fox, why I am I not surprised to see you here? You've missed much." He then proceeds to catch his friend up on all that happened.
With the Cardinal
Upon entering the room, and seeing what seems to be some sort of angel, Vorik gets a little nervous and worried, though he doesn't show it much. If this is the 'person' that's being sent to his home, he does not like it one bit.
Darius Kirisallin |
Earlier...
Darius sweeps off the hat and jumps to his feet, laughing, clapping Vorik on the shoulder and making his introduction to the other.
"Always look for the snake in the least likely place!" He grinned at Vorik and listened intently as the man filled him in. "Well damn... I have been out of it haven't I? Well I am back in now!" Inclining his head to the Paladin, he smiled.
Taking Bastions' hand, Darius grins, rapping his knuckles sharply on the mans chest plate. "Well I'll be... A pleasure Bastion. This is a first for me. I have never had the pleasure to speak with a Warforged before. Perhaps after we are finished here yes?"
"A pleasure indeed!" Darius inclines his head to Distan with a smile.
Now...
Having been filled in on the current negotiations, Darius feels up to the meeting now. He moves in to the rooom, keeping to the back of the group, lingering in the shadows.
Slipping his hands in to his pockets, he runs his fingers over the bottles and paper packets there, cataloging the poison he has left to his name. 'Not much... If this goes south I am next than useless!'
GM Levi |
"The document has been forged in the language of the high-heavens, celestial, so I suspect none of you can read it with the exception of the exiled king, unless of course, they don't teach that to you in your death-worshiping country," Krozen states with a smirk, "For you understanding, I have summoned a servant of the Flame here to assist you." He indicates the outsider standing behind him.
"Now, if you look at the document, Kaius, the terms and conditions will be made clear. Thrane will assist you in retaking your country, but only if you sanctify the Flame as the state religion, and convert to it yourself. You will pay your respects to the Keeper, and obey their over-all mandates in accordance to the will of the Flame. There is a clause in the document allowing you to keep one from the line of Kessler as a religious adviser, to guide your country by the will of your old gods. This adviser must be of the line Kessler. In addition, your royal guard shall be composed of 50% Puritans at all times. There are numerous other situational scenarios covered in the document, but I'm sure you'll understand those. Now, if you'll sign here and here. Krozen indicates two lines, above which he has already signed, and the outsider has signed as well.
Kaius picks up a rich quill, and dips it in blood-red ink...
GM Levi |
"The document has been forged in the language of the high-heavens, celestial, so I suspect none of you can read it with the exception of the exiled king, unless of course, they don't teach that to you in your death-worshiping country," Krozen states with a smirk, "For you understanding, I have summoned a servant of the Flame here to assist you." He indicates the outsider standing behind him.
"Now, if you look at the document, Kaius, the terms and conditions will be made clear. Thrane will assist you in retaking your country, but only if you sanctify the Flame as the state religion, and convert to it yourself. You will pay your respects to the Keeper, and obey their over-all mandates in accordance to the will of the Flame. There is a clause in the document allowing you to keep one from the line of Kessler as a religious adviser, to guide your country by the will of your old gods. This adviser must be of the line Kessler. In addition, your royal guard shall be composed of 50% Puritans at all times. There are numerous other situational scenarios covered in the document, but I'm sure you'll understand those. Now, if you'll sign here and here. Krozen indicates two lines, above which he has already signed, and the outsider has signed as well.
Kaius picks up a rich quill, and dips it in blood-red ink...
...and signs the contract in a flowing script. As his name is finished, a flash passes through the paper, and glowing chains bind the king to the outsider standing behind Krozen.
"It is done." says the outsider in a cold voice.
"Now, we must discuss the matter if the war. I plan on you being the central component. Of course, the armies of the Pure will march on the damned nation, but you have the most important job. You will cause an insurrection, and eventually, Kaius, you and your friends will kill your grandfather." Krozen says, "Now, do any of you know where to best start this battle? A small town or village that could turn away from the vampire and his elven queen?"
Vorik Kessler |
Right before his King puts his name to the paper, Vorik grabs his hand, stopping the signing. "No offense my liege, but I do not like these terms, especially the part where you must convert. More importantly, none of this should come into effect unless our small group is unable to accomplish the coup on our own."
Distan Baccini |
Schroedinger's Distan!
Distan positively blanches at the sight of Kaius being chained to the angel. The look on his face pretty much says what have I gotten myself into? "I'm unfamiliar with Karrnath, myself, as well..." he stammers in response to Krozen's question.
OR...
Distan starts as Vorik abruptly halts the treaty signing. "Oh, we were almost out of here..." he sighs to himself. Then thinks about what was just said... "Wait... 'coup'? 'Small group'? Us?", he stammers.
Just giving a response either way, don't bother to incorporate me until it's official if there was a signing or not. ;-)
Oh, and Levi...
Vorik Kessler |
GM Levi |
** spoiler omitted **
Vorik Kessler |
Vorik sighs as his King is bound to the outsider "I do not like this my lord, but it seems the only way possible"
GM Levi |
Darius Kirisallin |
"Well... Sounds like a Cake walk to me. I regularly bring down whole countries after all!" Standing and bowing to Kaius, Darius faces Krozen for a moment, as if he is about to speak, before turning on his heels and walking out in to the waiting room.
'This is suicide...!'
Distan Baccini |
Distan gives a beaming smile to the Cardinal. "Oh, yes, I definitely have some supplies to gather before going off to assassinate a vampire king." He gives a deep bow. "Thank you for letting me be a part of history, your eminence." He turns and heads out the door after the elf; those who see his face after he turns away from Krozen notice the smile immediately wiped away.
Darius Kirisallin |
"Considering the last time I spoke to someone mysterious and strange, as Krozan is, I ended up in the Dreadfort to collect Kaius, I'd say it went extremly well!" Darius smiles at the younger Rogue, before clapping Distan on the shoulder.
"Chin up Bard. We will be fine. Vorik is a powerful presence and I am sure the Bastion here has a lot of tricks up his sleeve!"
Accepting his gear back from the guards, Darius checks his blades over, before strapping them back on. "So we have time to waste it seems. We need to get some supplies, this is true, but I would love a drink. Anyone up for finding our supplies then hitting a bar?"
GM Levi |
Considering Flamekeep's size, you can find nearly anything you would need for the expedition. Papers will be provided by the High Cardinal. After you have selected what you need, please post it here and include it in your inventory. If you need to do anything else within the confines of the capital, now is the time to do so.
Distan Baccini |
Distan keeps quiet until the group has left the Cathedral. Once outside, he glances over his shoulder to be sure they aren't be followed or eavesdropped on, and then speaks up. "Right. So, here's the thing. This? Is not what I do. I mean, I came to Flamekeep on a case, for the Seven's sake, not to get press ganged into some sort of international assassination squad. Didn't want to say anything upstairs in front of the Cardinal, because somehow I see that resulting in me vanishing into a cell or worse for the duration of the job, but I'm out. If you guys are going to do this, great, I swear I'll keep my mouth shut, but headed into Karrnath on behalf of Thrane... I'm from Sharn. I just want to find the guy I came here to find and go home. This was an entertaining way to spend a night and a day, don't get me wrong, but now... I'm backing out." He shrugs and gives an awkward smile, of the no hard feelings? variety.
Distan's leaving, but I'm not! Check the discussion thread for details.
The Bastion |
Well, I'm sorry to hear that, Distan. We've been through some good times, but I've got the feeling of a need for action. Hopefully, we'll meet again, but I'm going to stick with them.
Bastion will put his hand forward for a farewell handshake, gripping tightly the hand of the man who had made his life much more interesting since they'd been working together.
Darius Kirisallin |
Darius stares confused for a moment before shrugging. "If'n I said I'd miss ya it wouldn't mean much as we just met. So instead I will wish you good travels and better luck. Take care of yourself Distan!"
Do I have loot missing from my sheet or have we got any since the start?
Ancian Orien |
I apologize for being so absent, but i have been swamped with work during mid-terms.
Ancian has been quiet since the start of all these negotiations, debating in his head what to do. Although he is a member of house Orien and has no true ties to either of these nations, he also isn't beholden to anyone in Aundar either and would relish the chance to see Karrnath and be apart of history. When he hears Distan, he finally speaks up, having made his decision
Distan, it is with sadness that I bid you farewell. I have been thinking over your same proposition, but have arrived at the opposite. This is too high a calling, too great an opportunity to pass up. Good luck on your journey, may me meet again.
Ancian pockets the gold and double checks his gear. He finds the others, and is ready to leave.
Vorik Kessler |
Vorik remains silent once they leave the High Cardinal, lost in thought as to what to do. His only real idea is to go and find his sister, and then make their way to his home. Perhaps his family would know what to do.
"I am at a bit of a loss as to what to do. However, my twin sister is awaiting me in Karrlakton. I think we should go and get her, then make our way to my ancestral home, some place her and I have been striving to see for a few years now. Perhaps somebody there will have an idea as to what to do."
Distan Baccini |
Distan bids farewell to his allies of this past day, and a more somber farewell to his traveling companions of these past weeks. (Although he winces a little from the firmness of Bastion's handshake.) Then, with a subtle glance around to make certain he isn't being tailed by Flamites, he drifts into the crowd and jiggles his cap to become someone else for a few blocks. As he goes, he weighs his conscience over what could be considered theft against the weight of the hundred gold coins the cardinal gave him for purchasing. Ultimately, he figures it's really just adequate payment for a pain in the ass of a morning and whistles merrily as he head along. After all, he has a job to do in Flamekeep and extra bribe money can't hurt. Somewhere in this city is the runaway son of a Sharn noble family, and Distan Baccini is just the man to find him!
GM Levi |
Completely understandable Ancian! Sorry for my absence as well. We've opened two shows this week at school, so I've been very busy! Also, the spring semester guest lecture for the Religious Studies department is tomorrow, so I've been off getting that ready! I won't be posting tomorrow, but will return on Wednesday. Thanks for understanding!