Restov teemed with people. The city fairly swelled with masses of the sweaty and the desperate. Those who had struggled for the last nine years against the machinations of the noble houses and their constant bickering and political maneuvering since the fall of House Rogarvia inevitably found their way ever closer to the borders, and Restov was as close to the border as one could wish without the barbarians knocking on your door.
For whatever reasons, this city had also called to those gathered in the smoky hall of the Lord Chancellors palace. A great table containing a fully modeled map of Brevoy held the centre of the room. The detailing and colour of the beautiful map naturally dew the eye away from the other, more mundane decorations of the hall. While it was true the Lord Chancellor held great power and wealth in the city, if this hall was anything to go by he certainly lived a spartan lifestyle. The great fireplace at the end of the hall was well stoked and heat radiated throughout the room, its flickering light and the few lit torches hanging in their sconces providing adequate lighting to see by, but remaining fairly subdued at the same time. Apart from these two features and a small refreshment stand at one end of the hall, near the main entrance, the room was bare.
All of those standing there had answered the flyer calling for parties interested in exploring the wildlands to the south. The notice promised adventure and glory, but more than this it promised a fresh start. In a land verging on civil war, there were many who dreamt of such things, but only the six gathered here now appeared to have met whatever criteria it was the Lord Chancellor was using to screen petitioners.
For now they waited, wondering when the man himself would arrive to discuss their very future.
Dotting
Present and dot
Anya's eyes moved leisurely through the room. Representative without being grandiose, businesslike enough to discuss war but comfortable enough to discuss peace. She liked it. Despite her recent hardships, she felt right at home here.
She had put on the best clothes she could muster, even pushed a few silvers to have them cleaned and the seams straightened. Naturally, she had left the more warlike items back in the cheap room she and Lev had boarded in. Her hazel eyes looked clear and free from drink or heavy smoke, her hair was cut short and retained enough of its unkempt wildness to look daring... all in all, she considered herself well-prepared to encounter the Lord Chancellor.
As the six waited, she took closer stock of them. The flyer had been open enough to attract almost any kind of fortune-seeker, and seeing the Lord Chanellor's selection might speak volumes about the mission - after all, the man was going to pick the best-suited.
Elsbeth is watching the map, standing by the table. Her hair, normally long enough to reach her knees ,are tied behind her back just to the height of the chest. They are of an nearly unnatural deep red, as are her eyes, which all in all confer her a strange impression she is always ablaze.
She is wearing normal cold-climate linen shirt,thick skirt and boots, all cleaned.A pair of small bags hang from her belt.
She seems at her ease in a noble milieu.
Lev stood stiffly a few feet from Anya, waiting with tightly contained impatience. He had no care for such environs, preferring the clean reality of the wilderness and he was eager to hear what the Lord Chancellor had to offer them so that he could get started.
Though Anya had taken pains to dress for the occasion, Lev was attired in his customary leathers, his recently polished boots and a new green cloak his only concession to the significance of the event. He held a goblet of wine, untasted, in an effort to fit in a little better.
Despite himself, Lev's eye was continually drawn to the map. It's beauty wasn't what drew him; thin lines on paper could never replace the majesty of a forest or a mountain's slopes. But the map represented both places he had walked and those he had not. It was the mystery of those foreign realms that drew him. The promise of untravelled lands and what could be built there spoke more clearly to him than words ever could.
The fiery haired woman standing beside the map also caught his attention, albeit briefly. She didn't look at all the sort he'd expect to travel into the wilderness and he wandered what she could possibly be doing there. With a grunt, he dismissed her.
A small figure wrapped up in a gray cloak stood next to the refreshment stand, watching the others. Alot of them are girls! she thought to herself, which put her somewhat more at ease about the proposed expedition into the wilderness. At least its not going to be with a bunch of groping men I would have to stick with sliver.
Still, she had to wonder, why would a bunch of woman sign up for an expedition like this?
Mawj stands near the map, idly tracing a finger along rivers and roads, seeming so fragile and small in the minute detail of the map of Brevoy. Gods, I hate this country.
She takes a drink from her wine goblet and looks up to survey the other occupants. I bet I'm older than these younglings put together. In a hundred years they will be dust and memories; I will have a few lines under my eyes.
Sitting down in a chair, her brown and green leathers creak. Small smudges of dirt and dust mar the expensive upholstery. She sits with a practiced ease, but those who are observant would notice her searching eyes and tense hands.
dot
Despite his best efforts, Lev found himself growing restless and glancing toward the door he caught sight of an occupant he hadn't noticed before. It was an elven woman, with astonishing red hair and an unusually unpolished demeanor for her race. After watching her for a few minutes, he shrugged and strolled casually across the room.
"You defy convention," he said to her as he paused beside her chair. He lifted his eyes to the door again, saw there was still no sign of the Lord Chancellor, and was unable to stop an irritated twist to his lips.
"Unusual, that, especially in surroundings like this." He lifted the hand not holding the goblet to include the room at large. "A scout? That would make two of us. I'm called Lev. And yes, I'm of 'tainted' blood but it matters not when I'm on the hunt."
He turned to incline an eyebrow at her, waiting to see if she'd respond to him as most of her kind did, or defy convention in that sense as well.
She gives him a weak smile, "Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. Simply being in human lands taints to one degree or another. The Forlorn are not so different from the half-human. It's what you make of it." She looks toward the door, "I prefer not to frequent this beehive of ignorance, but their proclivity for violence is occasionally amusing. That, and liquor doesn't buy itself."
Thinking by herself "don't mind the silence , better, i like that the only man in this room looks like a perfect uncivilized barbarian that won't recognize some gracefulness even if it hit him in the face; it is likely i'll be left in peace just to change" while walking toward the refreshment stand with a noble bearing.
The "uncivilized barbarian" was introducing himself to an elven woman sitting by herself...who looked like she doesn't know good manner either.
Elsbeth sips from her goblet noticing the differences with wines of Cheliax , than she spoke in common ,her eyes still on the goblet :
" I see we are not exactly eager to know each other..." her head moved to face the occupants, she continued " but that'll be a mistake in the immediate future. It's obvious we are here for the same reason, but when we'll be speaking with the Lord Chancellor we surely cannot afford the luxury of embarrassing each other because we do not know even each other names " she pauses
" name is Elsbeth Volarius , i'm from Cheliax "
Anya watched Lev connect with the fullblooded elf effordlessly - even thought the topic seemed to be interesting chiefly to themselves, she was glad the halfblood found someone who agreed with him. The woman who introduced herself, however, was made of sterner stuff, it seemed.
She moved over, with a friendly smile. Lowered her head and bend her knees just a tiny bit in a respectful, but overly fawning greeting. "Anya, born of the Medyved family. I am glad to meet you." She grasped a goblet of wine, and sipped. "From Cheliax you say? Quite a long journey to Rostland. You'll simply have to tell that story."
She flashed her a smile, tried to discern if the other woman who looked well-kept was going to be cooperative or... problematic. "My brother is named Lev, and styles himself 'Feybane'."
She shot a glance towards Alandra, and motioned her over. "Did she travel with you? You both seem from foreign parts."
Alandra shyly approaches the group.
"No. I don't know any of you. I'm from Korvosa, a real city."
For those near the refreshment stand who make a DC13 perception check
Whatever is said in response to this was muttered yet clearly pacified the other speaker. “Aye, well I’ll trust your judgement on this my friend. Let’s see what they have shall we”
For those who have studied the map
If you interacted with the map and can make a dc 15 knowledge arcana or Spellcraft check
If your Knowledge or spellcraft is at least 20
For those near the wall who make a DC 20 perception check
Perception check
"Company in the hall." Mawj rises from her chair and crosses the room in a few strides of her lanky form. She stops in front of a hair-line crack in the wall, leaning in close to whisper, "I hope you like what you see, friend," then returns quickly to sit in the chair in her original position.
Lev glanced down at his untasted wine and shrugged. He had no interest in alcohol aside from appearances but he cared little for how others indulged in it.
"This 'Forlorn' you speak of...I have no knowledge of it."
He looked up as the flame-haired woman -- Elsbeth -- outburst disrupted his train of thought. Lev was inclined to agree with her, however, he still failed to see what purpose she could possibly bring to this meeting. That she was from Cheliax, however, was a surprise.
Then he saw Anya approaching the woman and dismissed the issue. His 'sister' would be able to handle her well enough, he expected. The other, subdued woman spoke so hesitantly that he decided to dismiss her as well.
"You neglected to tell me your name, stranger. But time enough for that later." He turned to study the map once again, keeping his body at an angle that would allow him to watch the door as well. His poise was one of cool indifference, though inside he was pleased that the waiting was almost at an end.
Alandra absently glanced at the map as well.
Perception
Anya tried to process what Alandra told her. The proclamation of hailing from a "real city" could easily be taken as standing opposed to Restov, which ranked somewhere around hovel or shack. She doubted that interpretation though - it was at odds with the looks of the woman, who didn't seem that confident to her.
"I must admit, I've never been to Korvosa? How does it measure to Absalom? My older brothers went there occasionally, and they talk of wonders you'd hardly expect to ever see." She politely asked. Maybe some perspective on the city was going to help.
She straightened somewhat even as she waited for the answer, ordered her clothes, and bit her lip not to ask how she looked. First impressions were important, true - but you wouldn't sent a peacock to hunt a fox - you'd sent a dog, and looks be damned as long as he chased it out of its den.
"I don't know about Absalom, I didn't get off the ship when it stopped there."
Alandra didn't look at the woman but stared more intently at the map instead.
"But Korvosa's way bigger than Restov." She said when as finally did look up.
Spellcraft check
Knowledge arcana check
Perception check
"Nice to meet you Anya and Lev, and Anya, u surely know how to behave yourself"
Elsbeth paused, slightly distracted by the dialog going between the others,and by the fact she was sure she noticed something odd with the map.It radiates a magic aura,some kind of illusion, of this she is absolutely sure. But needs to look into it more thoroughly...something she doesn't have the time now.
Than she continues with her answer to Anya."My story ? I assure you it isn't worth of telling,unless you delight in tales of fathers trying to rape their daughters when their breasts are grown enough....let's just say i have had my share of nobility"
"I'm here because i needed to look after myself for a change"
She finishes, than walked to map again, taking another sip from her goblet.
Arianna looks around the room studying the individuals gathered there. The Half elven man seems pretty simple and straightforward as he chats up the Elven woman. As she walks over to the refreshment stand she looks over the map table.
As she pours herself a goblet of wine generously mixed with water she checks out the other people waiting in the hall. The two Human women chat about cities and places she 's never heard about while the "Chelaxin" goes on about ettiquette and proper behavior "That'll get knocked out of her out in the wilderness." Ari thinks to herself.
As the elven woman announces the presence of company Arianna focuses on the crack in the wall as well.
She didn't seem to notice what the woman was staring at, but would trust her elven senses for now. Were ther agents of her half brother there, ready to arrest her? She didn't think the worm would risk the wrath of the Lord Protector but you never know how these nobles were going to react.
Regardless if Elsbeth had intended to shock, or browbeat some admission of sympathy out of her, Anya remained unperturbed. "Well, that's hardly what I would call noble." Her true feelings only shone through by how quickly she found a way to drop the topic.
She turned her attention back towards Alandra. Home always seemed grander than foreign lands, but she had learned to always compliment the host, sincerely if not necessarily truthfully. "Well, you certainly missed something by not going to Absalom. They say you might meet a god-to-be on its way to his ascension as easily as the one honest beggar."
She took another sip from her goblet, and tipped her finger toughtfully against its rim. "I wonder where our host is. Much as I like being treated to wine, I think this was business, not pleasure."
Elsbeth's pronouncement did catch Lev's attention. He turned away from his study of the map to stare at her for a moment. Evidently the Chelish were every bit as crude as he'd heard. His estimation for the woman rose ever so slightly for her bluntness.
Without thinking he sipped at his wine and when the light flavors of berry and lavender alighted on his tongue he almost spit it back out again. Instead, he forced himself to swallow and tried to get back his equilibrium. He reached out with his empty hand to steady himself on the map table only to get another surprise.
With a grunt, he stepped back. This was not going as he'd intended.
A small hint of annoyance flashes on Mawj's face, "The Forlorn are elves raised outside elf society, brought up among the short-lived folk — humans and other races who die before an elf even reaches full maturity. This exposure to “constant” death makes these elves more somber and melancholy compared to those who have limited interactions with non-elves. In elf society, the Forlorn are pitied and mistrusted for their emotional “scarring.”
She takes another drink of her wine, "My name is Majarian Punaba Talandaleth Orlovsky. You may call me Mawj."
"Well. A room full of unusually open people. I look forward to seeing how the Lord Chancellor responds to such refreshingly...honest...personages."
After confirming her first impression about the magic on the map, and the fact she wasn't able to look more deeply into it at the moment, Elsbeth noted the effects her last assertion had on Anya and Lev.
She again composed herself, trying to relax , to soften her facial feature.
Then she smiled to Anya telling her "I'm sorry if my last assertion gave the impression i wanted to get rid of you. It's just that my life fell apart in the last few years.I'm sure everyone of us has had his share of troubles, so surely i have no rights to act like the only martyr here.....i apologize. You were only being kind."
"Anyway this isn't the right time and place. Will tell you more later"
Even thou she didn't notice anything strange, Elsbeth saw that both the elven woman and that other girl focused on a particular section in the wall. So she stares at that wall herself.
Almost as if Lev’s comment had summoned him, the Lord Chancelor steps through the doors at the end of the hall. The heavy wood makes almost no noise as it swings on oiled hinges, and a slight chill drifts into the room from the hall beyond.
Lord Chancelor Dometion Ventes was a stick thin Brevian man dressed in dark, close fitting attire. His dark eyes scanned the room briefly, but it was obvious that moment was it all it took for the man to absorb everything he needed to know. He nodded a brief acknowledgement to those in the room before stepping in and heading toward the map table.
The man that followed him in was the opposite in almost every way. An ulfen from the far north, he was huge across the shoulders and back, narrowing down at the waist in an obvious fighters build. Across his shoulders was slung a great bearskin cloak and the sound of chain mail clinked as he moved, betraying the presence of armour under his official robes. While it appeared as if he wielded no weapons, he also gave the impression he didn’t need them to casue great harm to those who would threaten either he or the man he escorted. The Ulfen had a large leather satchel slung across his shoulder and he ducked into the room after the lord chancellor, moving across to the side wall where he could clearly see everyone and the doorway.
Having made his way across to the table, Dometion made some form of gesture over the wooden paneling where he stood and the map smoothed away to blank canvas, betraying its magical nature. Looking up, he beckons those in the room towards him with a quick gesture. “Come ladies, gentleman. Let us talk business.”
Anya watched the chancellor's entrance with interest. The bodyguard looked so out of place she automatically questioned if the bulk of muscle was all the man provided - or rather also served to counterpoint the thin and unassuming looks of the chancellor.
She moved to the table with casual steps, a polite smile and little hesitation. No matter her heart had started beating so heavily she could feel the blood in her ears - this was just a job, not an evaluation of her life past and future.
As she joined the chanellor, she shot a glance towards her brother, inviting him to join her there.
Pleased that the Lord Chancellor had decided to end their waiting, Lev straightened and nodded a greeting to both men -- pausing on the formidable form of the larger -- before catching Anya's look. A hint of a smile touched his lips as he moved with casual grace to his half-sister's side.
Once there he found himself studying the larger man more closely. He couldn't help but admire the quality of the bearskin cloak and had a brief moment of regret that such a figure was not a part of their rather unimpressive group.
Finally lifting his eyes to meet those of the Chancellor, he nodded again. "Yes. Let us begin."
Mawj drinks the last of her wine, then approaches the map table at the center. She nods toward to the Lord Chancellor to indicate her readiness to listen.
Arianna approaches the table, tentatively at first, holding her watered down wine goblet.
Alandra looked up from the now blank map at the Lord Chancellor and his impressive bodyguard. Staying silent for the moment, she waited for him to continue.
Glad that she just had the time to compose herself, Elsbeth thought she wasn't exactly dressed in high Chelesite fashion, but on the other hand neither was her host; despite this,she couldn't help but feeling more like a prisoner brought in front of her hangman,feeling heightened by the brute he was accompanied by.
All of a sudden she found herself missing the grandeur of chelaxian court.
But she fled that world because it was going to devour her, so again Elsbeth hopes she really doesn't belong there anymore.
She placed the goblet still in her hand on the nearby table,then,looking directly at the Lord she nodded a slight curtsey " Milord, that shall be my honor" she said
As the group gathers around the table, the Lord Chancellor smiles thinly and nods his head. “Welcome, and well met to all of you. As you are fully aware, the reason we are meeting today is to begin a process which I and the Swordlords hope to be one of the grander moments in our storied history.”
He pauses for a moment to remove a small crystal from his sleeve and place it firmly into a socket in the side of the table. A slight flicker of light ensues, before another map emerges, one showing a large expanse of land bordered by forests and mountains to one side, and swamps to the other. The most notable part of the map is its amazing lack of detail and random scrawling of “here be monsters” in an outdated flowing script.
“This is the Greenbelt, a land of fertile soils and river ways that traditionally belong to Restov and indeed Brevoy in general.” He frowns slightly as he looks down at the land, seemingly displeased with the absence of important features. “Unfortunately, our predecessors were somewhat lax in their duties to settle the land and it has now fallen to disuse, or rather misuse.”
He looks up then, his face holding a genuine smile for the women and men surrounding him. “That is where you come in. We wish to again claim the lands to our south, and we want you to do it.”
The statement was said almost flippantly, yet the weight it carried fairly echoed through the room.
“We have drawn up a charter for each of you. It empowers you to explore the lands of the Greenbelt using a minor trading post we have helped to establish there as a base of operations. It is officially sanctioned by the Swordlords themselves and as such, should prove useful against those who would act against you. The support of Restov and the Swordlords is nothing to take lightly, and interfering with agents working with us is certainly considered politically ….. well rude.”
The big Ulfen steps forwards and empties the contents of the satchel onto the map, which shimmers slightly at the disturbance. Six oiled leather scroll cases tumble across the surface, each embossed with the Restov coat of arms and tied with the red silk of the Swordlords. The man looks at the group and nods his head at the scrolls before speaking in a mumbled voice. “Take ‘em and have read. Ye’ll find all ye need ter know within the writing” The accent was thick and difficult to make out given his mumbled words. Surprising how quiet he was given the size of his chest.
The Charter
has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov,
acting upon the greater good and
authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the
Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel
within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration
should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and
west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of
this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful
behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry
remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this
24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov
and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of
the Dragonscale Throne.
After group have read the charter, Dometion raises an eyebrow and casually enquires "Any questions"
Elsbeth
For everyone
The Lord Chancelor (For those who know Terry Pratchetts work, his image is from the Patrician character, but his personality isn't).
Elsbeth took and read her Charter. Than she stares at the rest of the others saying in common " I understand my role in this is that of arcane support and diplomat. I know nothing of wilderness explorations so i'll leave technical parts to the experts." Nodding towards Lev and Mawj " There are 2 of them after all "
Reaching almost hesitantly through the map and feeling the odd sensation so like water stir across his flesh, Lev took one of the scrollcases, opened it, and pulled out the scroll.
Unrolling it, he read through quickly, then more slowly a second time before rolling it up again and sliding it back into its case. He raised an eyebrow at Elsbeth's words. A user of magic. It was no wonder she looked so...soft.
Turning his attention back to the Chancellor, he asked, "These bandits. What is known of them? What of other inhabitants in this 'Greenbelt'?"
Mawj scans the charter then speaks up without looking away from the writing. "Alright, then. In addition to what this young man has asked... What is the time frame you are looking for? Do you wish regular correspondence on our progress? Will there be an appointed liaison for communication? Does this charter deputize us to dispense justice? Will dispensing said justice be by the laws of Restov or frontier justice? And finally," she clears her throat, "what's the pay?"
Alandra, who had pulled back the hood of her oversize black cloak, read the charter in silence, half-listening to the Lord Chancellor and the questions. At this last question, she perked up.
"We get paid?"
Mawj looks at Alandra with slight incredulity, "What does this look like, a convent? We're not volunteering at a soup kitchen. We're being asked to go explore an uncharted wilderness with known bandit activity. Just so you know, sweetie, people typically expect compensation for hazardous activities."
Alandra flashed a look at the red-headed elf. "How was I supposed to know?! They just told me to come here and do what the Lord Chancellor told us. I don't mind though."
Lev squashed his irritation at the women already bickering amongst themselves and forced himself to remain calm, waiting for the Lord Chancellor's answer.
Anya staid away from the too-obvious bickering. She shot Lev a short, somewhat worried glance then whispered something to Alandra
Alandra
She herself examined the charter somewhat closer, nodded. This was simple enough, but the "striving against banditry" part seemed clear enough. Bandits rarely enjoyed much pageantry and court - instead they usually ended up a foot above ground with few to complain.
Arianna picked up a copy of the charter and after reading it examined her other companions on this endeavor. "The elf and half-elf seem competent enough while his sister will get by" She then turned her ice blue eyes, a gift from her unknown ulfen father,on the remaining two women "like lambs to the slaughter' she thinks, "and unless I want to join our little shearlings I'll have to keep an eye on them."
Lev shared Anya's glance and acknowledged the concern in her eyes with a minute incline of his head. He looked forward to speaking with her in private when they could compare notes on their new traveling companions; always assuming, of course, that the Lord Chancellor would be able to satisfy their greed. For himself, he wanted only one thing...
The chancellor listens with polite poise as the questions are asked. His expression betrays almost nothing, although when the mention of money is made, there is a flicker of something across his eyes.
Sense Motive DC22
“The man you’ll be in direct contact with is one Oleg Leveton. He owns the trading post you’ll be using as a mainstay for your explorations. Any reports you wish to make can be forwarded through him. We have no real deadlines for you, when you have achieved your immediate goals as per the charter, inform us and we can work from there.”
He moves slightly, adjusting his stance to better face the two who asked the questions “There have always been bandits in the region, though lately their activities have increased somewhat. We have heard rumours of an apparent “leader” of the bandits”, his emphasis of the word indicates he doesn’t think much of the term, “however I believe this to be unsubstantiated to date. You have full leave to deal with them as necessary. If they try to impede our goals in that region, then the full weight of the law can be brought to bear, and how you dispense justice shall be yours to decide.”
He looks to his large companion for a moment “Other creatures?”
The Ulfen warrior looks around and shrugs “Tis a wild land ja. Will have wild things there. Some kritezbuld perhaps. What you call the little reptile men”
Finally the Chancellor looks to Mawj, his gaze unwavering “I’m not sure you’re really grasping the long term potential for this endeavour M’lady. You and your allies are getting in on the ground level for the development of a new Dutchy of Brevoy. An area of land in which no one currently holds title nor claim to. The potential rewards are far more than mere money, however if you wish it, I am sure we can negotiate a suitable fee for your services in lieu of such things”
Sense motive DC 22 (seperate to roll above please)
Mawj raises an eyebrow, "Without title, you say? That changes everything, Lord Chancellor. It implies that the land needs people with titles." She waves her hands in a spreading motion. "Big, fancy, intimidating titles. Now that is worth far more than a few coins or trinkets. You have my services." She thumps her fist against her chest over her heart and nods her head.
Sense Motive
Sense Motive
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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Anya pursed her lips at the Chancellors reply, and was just about to put together a statement of her own when the elf cut her short, and addedd imensely to her confusion. That kind of talk she usually knew from rebels, satirists and similar rabble. Now the elf seemed to speak like them, but without the stinger.
She considered just letting it stand as it was, but something told her that might not be the best idea. "Lord Chancellor, I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are well-aware of the benefits and chances this expeditions represents." She glanced towards the other person who had so far proven without an ounce of tact, the Chelaxian, praying to any god who'd listen for her to not contradict right now.
She decided to get back on track with the actual business - best to get past the chance to trade the opportunity for a few coins "I think you mean Kobolds, sir. So we are not aware of any organized resistance as of yet, beyond rumors. This is good. Will Oleg's Trading Post be able to supply us in case of emergencies, such as diseases requiring longer-term care, or potions and other gear?"
