Little Lya |
"Hiya!"
Sgt. Blue |
The Galtian Half-Man seems tongue tied. His bags overflowing with papayas, and secrets. The fruits, though, have not provided the mysteries on the edge of reality as Calistria seemed to have promised him they would. Instead leaving Blue with a bit of an allergic reaction that has numbed his throat.
"Hoy," he says.
Anya Polina |
"I have heard rumors of the Keleshite princess traveling merchant. Tell me my dear, for I have always wondered, how does one wash the stink of camel off in the desert?"
Little Lya |
"Kirin! So good to see you again!" a mischevious smile takes holds.. "daughter of the prodigious Padishah Emperor of Qadira, Merchant Queen of the great Quetzal Caravan. How is the trade business? That Venture in Irrisen working out for you?" Lya laughs softly at the memory.
"Oh - you have Sgt. Blue with you! You look a little worse for wear Blue, are you okay?"
Kirin Quetzal |
Kirin smiles politely at Anya, furrowing her brow in confusion at the question about camels before preferring to respond to Lya instead.
"Lya! Yes. The trade business is going swimmingly. I've negotiated several new arrangements with interested clients recently." Kirin pauses a moment as if reminding herself of something. "I should check if that Lucious fellow needs transportation for his most recent acquisitions.."
"I sure hope this next expedition is warmer than Irrisen was..." Kirin shivers at the memory.
Kirin looks over at Blue, concerned. "Doing okay there Blue, my friend?"
Little Lya |
Ever the diplomat, Lya turns to Anya "Why a Wizard of course. Magic is a wonderful tool. I am Lya, Paladin of Shelyn. And you are?"
Anya Polina |
Anya wipes tears from her eyes as she finishes laughing.
"Yes, that was right humorous. Thank you for that. My name is Anya Polina, Jadwiga, of Irrisen. I follow in the steps of my Grandmothers and am a Winter Witch. I do not fear the cold."
Little Lya |
"Oh wonderful! We had the wonderful opportunity to visit your country. Helped out one of your sisters... Uliyara, daughter of Baroness Nadya. Such a coincidence!"
A. Edward Lamontaine Harrington |
Looking uncomfortable at the familiarity of his fellow Pathfinders, Edward shifts his weight and grunts.
"Well, since you all seem to know each other... I am Sir Arthur Edward Lamontaine Harrington."
With that, he holds out his hand expectantly. With a sidelong glance at Kirin, he adds, "A pleasure to meet you all, I'm sure."
Little Lya |
Lya gracefully takes his hand with a smile. "a pleasure. I look forward to working with you. "
GM Silbeg |
Each of you have been given a letter from Lady Gloriana Morilla, requesting that you travel to the town of Silverhall in Brevoy.
Please review slide #1 in the tactical, discuss, and keep on with the introductions. You have the chance to make any purchases needed prior to heading up there.
Little Lya |
"Oh how interesting, I have never been to Brevoy. But I do prefer the non-violent missions very much!"
Anya Polina |
"I approve. It is cold in Brevoy, although I am positive one of you will need to do the talking. I have a hard time relating to non Jadwiga. It appears I am arrogant, rude, and condescending to those not familiar with Irriseni ways of life."
GM Silbeg |
You make your way up to Silverhall in Brevoy with no difficulties, and await your host's arrival.
A fire burns merrily in the large hearth of the audience chamber, casting warm light over the long wooden table and high-backed chairs. A pair of guards opens the engraved wooden doors, and a regal woman enters, her hair tied into a tight bun. The guards stay by her side as she scans the room and then takes a seat at the head of the table.
“You must be Lady Morilla’s Pathfinders. I am Dame Sarrona Lebeda, and I am well aware of your desire for the Horn of Aroden. I am sympathetic to the cause of the crusade, and am curious to learn whether the Horn’s magic can be returned; however, the horn has already been pledged to King Noleski Surtova as a fitting part of the dowry for my daughter’s hand in marriage, and such promises cannot be overturned lightly. Nonetheless, I am willing to find a replacement gift in exchange for one kindness on your part: bring my son back home.
“As of late, my son Lander has been neglecting his duties in favor of playing the part of an adventurer. His swordplay admittedly shows promise, but wielding a weapon is only one facet of being a proper lord. Worse, the style and legacy that he has become obsessed with is that of Baron Aldori, which many houses perceive as a sign that we are not as committed to a unified Brevoy as we may appear. The truancy of a second child may not seem much of a threat, but with his older sister spending her days in the capitol negotiating the web of Surtova politics, the increase of bandit activity and wolf attacks in our lands, and Lander neglecting his responsibilities within our holdings, I am concerned that he is as much a liability to our family as an asset. You are adventurous types yourselves, and understand the hazards and difficulties of the lifestyle. Perhaps you could find Lander and convince him that the way of the sword is not the life he romantically envisions?”
An image of Dame Sarrona is on slide #1
Little Lya |
"Congratulations on the engagement."
Lya's look turns dour "The way of the sword is one of violence. It begins and ends in violence. Hopefully he is open to learning of other lifestyles. If so, we will help him."
A. Edward Lamontaine Harrington |
Edward nods respectfully, acknowledging the task. "We will, of course, make every effort to find him and return him here. Do you know where he has gone? Where he was last seen? Does he have any adventurous associates, perhaps ones that have been a poor influence on him?"
GM Silbeg |
"Lander has taken to associating with a blacksmith named Marek Bogdan. Marek is a retired soldier and a practitioner of the Aldori style, and Lander says he’s a fine instructor, but my son spends too many hours at the Three Tongs smithy practicing his swordplay when he should be overseeing our cottars and building alliances. He was headed to the Three Tongs when last I saw him, two days ago.” says Sarrona to Edward.
Kirin Quetzal |
What more might I know of Baron Aldori?
Kn:Nobility: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
"We would be glad to help. What more can you tell us about Baron Aldori? Any information you could provide would be most helpful."
GM Silbeg |
To Kirin, she says, “Baron Aldori is much more than a man in Brevoy the’s a symbol, specifically one that represents an independent Rostland. Many of Aldori’s followers fought against Choral the Conqueror several hundred years ago, and many still work to split the two halves of our country apart. Although the Lebeda family supports the Surtovas’ rule over a unified Brevoy, there are those who doubt our commitment. Considering that the Lebeda family gave succor and support to Rostlandic rebels in the past… it is certainly in our best interest to maintain our distance.”
To Lya, she says, "Lander is the younger of my two children. He is good looking, and has caught the eyes of several noble scions in Silverhall.
"Lander has always been fascinated by stories of bravery and derring-do. When he was a child, he spent hours questioning soldiers, guards, and mercenaries about their campaigns and fights against monsters. His collection of Brevic military histories is second to none in Silverhall."
To Anya, she sighs, and says, "Unfortunately, I have told you what I know about the blacksmith Marek Bogdan."
Knowledge: Nobility/Gather information for more on Lander
Knowledge: Local/Gather Information for more on Marek Bogdan
Little Lya |
gather info Lander: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
gather info Marek: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Anya Polina |
After hearing of the short history of the late Baron Aldori, "Sir Arthur Edward Lamontaine Harrington, I believe you may be instrumental in our up coming adventure. How are your dueling skills? Think you can convince this impetuous boy he is learning a fool's craft?"
GM Silbeg |
Kirin Quetzal |
Gather info Lander: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Gather info Marek: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
GM Silbeg |
Nothing new on Lander, but...
Marek Bogdan owns the Three Tongs smithy and is a skilled
artisan who specializes in making weapons.
Marek trained to become an Aldori swordlord for several years before moving south to Silverhall.
A. Edward Lamontaine Harrington |
At Anya's statement, Edward raises an eyebrow. "I would hardly call the swordsman's art a, "Fool's craft." The boy might even do well to learn it - military service provides discipline and structure for unruly youths. Also, for future reference, just, 'Edward,' will suffice."
Diplomacy to gather information on Lander: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Kn: local for Marek: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Little Lya |
"As we were told.. Marek Bogdan owns the Three Tongs smithy and is a skilled artisan who specializes in making weapons. I didn't learn anything else."
GM Silbeg |
No new info for Edward...
Still conversation points with Dame Sarrona Lebeda, if you desire
Kirin Quetzal |
Kirin mentions to her comrades, "Marek trained to become an Aldori swordlord for several years before moving south to Silverhall"
"Dame Sarrona Lebeda. May I ask more about the bandit attacks in the area? I have caravans that traverse these lands and I like to stay abreast of current activity. Do these bandits and wolves appear to be targeting anything in particular?"
GM Silbeg |
She answers Kirin, “In the past nine months, bandits have raided no fewer than fifteen caravans headed either to or from Silverhall, most of them belonging to my family. The same gang seems to be behind all of the attacks—the attacks are precisely planned, and whatever the bandits are unable to take, they set ablaze. I suspect that our family is being targeted specifically because of some political grudge, but I have no leads as to the mastermind’s identity.”
A. Edward Lamontaine Harrington |
"You say that bandits have been raiding your caravan... is it always in a specific area? Along a specific road or trail, perhaps? Was one hit recently, that the wreckage might still be fresh? Or do you have a caravan leaving soon that might be the next victim?"
Turning to include his companions in his field of speech, Edward exposits. "Young Lander thinks himself a brave adventurer, yes? Perhaps the best way to dissuade him of this is to collect him and introduce him to some actual combat, of course while enjoying our protection and in little real danger, while simultaneously dealing with the local riffraff who plague our generous benefactor? A good deed and a young person scared into some semblance of maturity. Two birds, one stone." Pausing to consider, he continues, "Or we discover that the young man has talent with the sword, and he earns a more traditional, structured learning environment to master the craft properly?"
Did I get any information with either check? Should I look at the spoilers for Kirin and Lya?
Sgt. Blue |
"I too am considering your words on such targeted bandit attacks. Do your caravans bear your banner, and other markings, as is done in some places, or are they not so designated?"
"And when we meet your son, should our countenance as trustworthy Pathfinders not be sufficient to gain his trust, how can we show him we are sent by you?"
"Finally I must ask, if this form of fighting is so subversive, could it not be possible that he is choosing to learn it to gain the advantage over subversive forces in the future who might never expect that a supporter of the King would know their forms?"
GM Silbeg |
@Edward, you can, but Kirin already said pretty much all that was there.
"There haven't been any attacks in the last couple of weeks, Edward," she replies, "But that might be because we haven't expected any caravans, either. They seem to always happen on the main road to town, and usually a day or more from town. Our caravans do usually have markings tying them to us, and, no, we don't have any caravans waiting to go out at this time."
Specifically to Sgt. Blue, "Though my son has recently become... more resistant... to persuasion, I am hoping that you, as capable strangers, will be able to talk some sense into him, and bring him home."
You've pretty well exhausted this line of questioning, but there is one major thing you haven't asked about which is important to your mission.
Little Lya |
If it is about the horn, i expected to ask what she knows when we get it
Anya Polina |
Anya/jon gives a long history of how House Aldori refused to bend the knee to Choral the Conquerer when he swept through and formed Brevoy by force, and three red dragons. The house was exiled and the fighting school outlawed. Learning or espousing the Aldori style of fighting is considered treason. Most surviving members of House Aldori relocated to Mivon in the River Kingdoms.
Sgt. Blue |
Blue feels the familiar feeling that something is left unasked and unanswered, and silently praises Calistria for keeping her secrets. Then addresses the group, "Shall we take our leave to this Three Tongs, first?"
Sgt. Blue |
Sgt. Blue leads the way to the Three Tongs. After asking for directions from the lady Lebeda.
He will look around first before speaking to the smith(s)
GM Silbeg |
It isn't too difficult to find the Three Tongs, the smithy of Marek Bogdan (see slide #2 for his picture)
Racks of weapons and metalwork line the walls of the Three Tongs smithy, and the forge is visible through a wide door. A pair of crossed Aldori dueling swords hangs on the wall opposite the front door. The antlers of several deer and elk decorate the walls. A staircase wraps around the eastern wall, leading upstairs.
Marek Bodgan is working in the back, but quickly moves forward when he sees the group enter. "Good day, folks. What can I do for you?" he asks. "In the market for some new weapons? I can assure you that mine are the best in Silverhall!"
Sgt. Blue |
"Perhaps. But we are actually here about the Lady Lebeda's son, Lander. We Have heard he frequents this shop, which must indicate the quality of your wares, have you seen the lad?"
GM Silbeg |
You notice Marek's maker's mark, an eagle clutching a pair of tongs.
You see pretty much any type of metal weapon you would like, normal or masterwork, including some Aldori dueling swords.
"Please, come upstairs, and we can talk. I am Marek Bogdan," he says, presenting a beefy hand for a handshake. "Who might you all be?" he continues as he leads the team upstairs.
Little Lya |
Lya bows her head respectfully "Lya. a pleasure." She follows Edward's lead
GM Silbeg |
The upstairs room is cramped and soot-smudged but comfortable, with a number of sturdy wooden chairs set out around a small table and a
quilt-covered bed built into a corner. "Can I offer you a whisky, or perhaps a glass of mare's milk?" he asks. A stuffed eagle clutching
a pair of tongs perches above the door to the staircase. A cage holding
pigeons hangs just outside the window.
"I last saw Lander two days ago. He was headed out of town on the southwestern road. Over the past month or so, he’s been trying to put his training to good use—slaying monstrous vermin in the outskirts of town, that sort of thing. With the recent attacks by bandits, Lander was convinced that he could stop them himself and live up to Baron Aldori’s legacy."