Wodin nods as Johan gives him the time and place to meet with the rest of the Ninth Knot. Knowing that things are likely to get interesting once he joins up with the rest of the group, he spends his time enjoying the hospitality of the tavern. "Like your drink. Is not bad for human work," the dwarf tells the bartender numerous times throughout his stay, his smirk somehow only just barely saving Earthbreaker from the other man's ire.
Beyond this, Wodin spends most of his time at the bar silent and alone. His smile is vaguely unsettling to the rest of the patrons, but they seem to understand that they are better off not bothering with the dwarf.
Eldred, newly returned a little worse for wear from his trip to the bad of town walks into the bar where he hears that Johan was to meet the newest member of the conspiracy to bring down Talinguarde.
He recognizes Johans current 'mask' and sidles up to him.
How goes it Brother? Is our new friend here?, he asks the inquisitor while he wears the face of the squire Timeon he captured a long time ago.
Johan nods to Eldred as he joins him at the bar. Mmhmm. I made a new friend. Dwarf, meet, well, today its Timeon of Balentyne. Johan waved his mug at Eldred. You'll have to excuse poor Timeon here. He's in morning on account of his whole town being burned down. His dear ma and pa have probably been eaten by ferocious bugbears by now. Its tragic.
Johan swivels in his seat to wave his mug in the other direction, indicating Wodin. Timeon, meet dwarf. He's polite. He called Tiadora "milady," so I guess he's also niave. But polite. Johan finishes the introductions with a belch and returns to staring at the bottom of his drink.
Wodin looks at Johan crossways, but decides to hold his tongue. He turns to Eldred and lifts his mug at the other man. "Greetings, comrade. Am glad to meet you. Name is Earthbreaker," he punctuates the salutation with a long draught from his drink.
He waves negligently for a mug from the bar keep and puts down a copper to pay for it.
The man smiles you an ugly smile, some broken teeth, others rotten and wasted away.
You are pretty sure he understood you want to speak with the boss, the hind about your allegiances went unanswered, and this one is not a follower.
”Ya be’n juy gottin he’e and be wan’ing to see the boss? Fo’lsh or stupid, me says. The man up’airs don wan be inte’uped.” he says with a knowing grim.
His meaning is all too clear, pay up lad, No money for me, no boss meeting for you.
Wodin grins at Eldred when greeted in his mother tongue. "Может ваш молотком забастовки подлинной, и всех ваших работ помнить," he replies, laughing contentedly. He signals for a refill to the barkeep, before turning back to his new friend. "You will fear of nothing as long I stand," the dwarf assures, pointing a stubby thumb at himself. "This is oath of Wodin."
"Timeon" gives him a pleasant smile and a nod as he toasts him with the ale provided.
I look forward to hearing how you came to join us later. Have a care though, the walls have ears for all tongues.
I wonder where our other friends are?
Then, the con man proceeds into acquiring a servant for Agrippa, as the man requested.
Not so much time later, Sidious and Agrippa go into the meeting point, designed by Johan.
There, they found ‘Timeon’ and Johan talking to a Dwarf, probably the one mentioned by the cardinal.
As they enter, Johan waves then closer and says ”Boldwin, this is Cornelius and Sidious” introducing Agrippa and Sidious ”They are our other traveling ‘friends’.”
Any news of the Baron? I've been circulating in lower circles...
Agrippa clears his throat audibly Lord Cornelius at your service. he says with a small bow. Agrippa truly does look the part now of a lordling, with jeweled clothing, fancy boots and a clean shave.
Johan raises an eyebrow at lord Cornelius' garb, takes a long last swallow of his drink, and says, The baron seems to be a very private man. We have an audience with him tomorrow night.
Sidious greets the dwarf friendly enough but observes him closely for a time. Using his Iron Circlet to disguise his armor and weapons he is dresses as a simple priest with little that marks him as anything else. I am father Sidioius. he explains I tend the spiritual needs of the group.
Wodin greets the others with a raise of his mug, a nod of his head, and a cautious look in his eyes. "Greetings. They call me Earthbreaker. Am glad to be meeting," he says, a calm look on his face. He sets his mug down and hops off the stool to offer each man a handshake. "Cardinal told little of you. Would like to talk more in quieter place," he suggests.
Sidious nods his agreement to this but looks to Johan. I have no other plans for tonight. Perhaps a brisk walk down by the water would do us all some good?
Agrippa raises his eyebrow at the newcomer, sizing him up a bit.
A dwarf, not your match intellectually. Probably has a temper, best to point him at obstacles and watch the fun.
Johan nods in agreement and rises from his stool.
The group heads back to the waterfront and stakes out a deserted pier. Johan leans against a post. Mist forming in the cold night airs curls around his feet. Picking at his nails with a knife, Johan asks Wodin, So, what has the cardinal told you about us, about why you are here?
Eldred takes a position away from the dwarfs back but none the less behind him and to the side... ostensibly keeping watch down the pier.
Wodin cracks his neck and settles against a post on the pier. "Told to find you. Told you are serving our Lord. Told I will be of assistance. No more," he explains tersely. He grins at the gathered men as he continues, "If you are needing of muscle, Wodin can provide. Strong as boar, and twice as stubborn."
As Sidious moves outside he is immediately joined by a raven that lands on his shoulder and seems to take an interest in Wodin. As they reach the waterfront Sidious takes an interest in any people that might be around them but the bird maintains its interest in the dwarf. After a moment the raven speaks quietly to the group. The dwarf is not of good alignment. He possesses enchantments on his weapon, armor, and shield, along with an item I will guess is the circlet that you all also possess. It is at least of the school of illusion and the same relative power as the circlets.
Johan looks to the raven, then at the dwarf and back again. He still hadn't gotten used to this talking bird. Even the pets wear disguise he thought to himself.
Right, he says in response to Wodin. That sounds like the Cardinal - always "need to know" only. I expect we will indeed be needing muscle soon, so welcome. He then outlines the task of summoning a great deamon and stealing his plague to unleash on the nation that the Cardinal had set before them. A task that was also disturbingly spare on detail as Wodin's, Johan thought.
So tomorrow night we meet this Baron. Until then we are at loose ends. He looked about his companions. Any ideas on how to stave off boredom for a day?
Wodin listens carefully to the explanation, his grin growing wider and more evil as the simple outline of the plan goes on. "Sounding like just desserts for Talinraen fools. Wodin is at your call," he says, his crimson red beard bouncing as he nods his head emphatically. "Any goods will be needing for plan? Or armor and weapon enough?"
At Johan's query, Wodin's grin becomes less feral and more amused. "In mountainhome, bordedom solved with drink and women. Is surface different?" he asks, but it's clear in his gray eyes that he knows the answer already.
The next evening, you again rendezvous with Tiadora. She is bedecked brilliantly in all white, looking like a travelling noble on the way to her wedding.
She looks at your clothes with a sneer in her face ”Dearest, I told you to be presentable.” she says as she touches Johan circlet, forcing his clothes assume a formal noble attire appearance.
Lacing her arms in Johan’s as if they were a couple. She escorts you through the bustling dock city of Farholde. She takes you to the nicest part of town, a gently sloping hill called Calliver’s Green
This is a gated community and she approaches the guard confidently. “Baron Vandermir is expecting us,” is all she says.
“Of course, my lady. This way,” the somewhat nervous guard answers after consulting a list.
If anyone manages to sneak a peak, 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 is indifferent from the guard request, carrying no weapon herself.
When Tiadora shifts Johan's clothing to a more noble attire Sidious quietly shifts his appearance to look more noble as well. As the group enters the gated community he glances at the guest list in passing.
At the door he nods to the request and offers both a heavy crossbow and spear to the guards. He wears a cold iron morning star on his belt but that currently looks like an incense censer.
Agrippa, in his best Lord Cornelius outfit, strides confidently into the Baron's home.
The guards makes no mention to take any Sword tied to a belt in a formal attire.
Wodin takes long strides in his disguise, a jet black outfit with red trim. At his waist is what appears to be a ceremonial sword, a length of crimson string tied between the pommel and the sheath, emphasizing it is simply for display. The dwarf's hair and beard seem even more well-kept than usual, with a handful of silver loops woven into the braids hanging from his chin. He looks every bit like he is some sort of dwarven diplomat, but he pulls his dorn-dergar from around his waist and hands it to the guards when asked.
Eldred happily visits in his wealthy merchant attire, armed with a dagger.
The guards however, they do not search you, only confiscating obvious armament. Further, they will allow anyone dressed in noble clothing to wear a sword at their belt.
A successful Knowledge (Nobility) skill check (DC 15) reveals that the livery is a variation on the heraldry of House Barca, the royal line deposed by the current Darian regime. A DC 20 result further reveals that the livery marks the guards as servants of the Baron of Westell and Mir, farming towns south of Farholde.
You are greeted at the door by a formal butler and attended by a small squadron of servants who offer them 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.
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
==//==
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?”
Johan relinquishes his weapons at the door, all except the dagger he took from lord Thomas - the only possession he owned that was fine enough to not look out of place in his current guise. He looks ill at ease in his noble garb, and seems more upset at having to wear them ( illusionary though they may be), than being parted from his mace and shield.
During the banquet he eats like a horse, paying particular attention to the braised beef, and practically snarling at the servants when they try to remove his fruit chocolate profiteroles early.
He says little but watches everything. When the Baron speaks, Johan follows the routine that he and Eldred have followed before in situations like this, letting the ranger do the talking while he waits for his cue to be grim and forboding.
Knowledge Nobility
Clearly Eldred has not done his homework on the mighty families of the area, the evening before confined to wenching and diverse entertainments.
Still, he knows how to act in such settings and does himself no dishonour in his approach to the banquet, definetely far more distinquished than his inquisitor commrade.
Indeed we bring little My Lord... well, I say little being only a few words but given those words come from a mutual friend of great stature himself? I would say that a wise man would render such aid as he were able, especially if it were speed potentially toxic guests on their way.
He gives the Baron a winning smile.
In truth we require little, and but minor services that carry little risk to your self and position... who knows? Maybe some profit too may come your way.
Diplomacy
Wodin grins wickedly and nods, his mouth still full of food. He swallows noisily and seconds Eldred's statement. "Sooner to be rid of us, is certainly of much benefit, no?"
The Ranger thanks the bartender with a nod. We've got an understandin' but I need something in the mean time - one of our jobs needs someone who knows life under the stairs and how to treat the Nobby folks - an old footman or such but also someone who understands our side of life. If you've a recommendation, send 'im along to this inn, and ask fer a Lord Agrippa. He's gonna get a decent job so you can milk the bugger fer a referral fee before you give the man the job tip
Surely a Barca would have no love for the current rulers of this Isle? Agrippa says Think grandly, what could you accomplish here were you left alone and given freedom to do as you please.
”Surely, House Barca has more to lose that some madman renegade priest of Mitra.” says the Baron at Agrippa remarks then he turns to Eldred and says ”Threats will earn you nothing. Don’t you think I don’t know who and what Thorn is? I’ve guessed much of this plans. Surely Sakkarot will fall when the Victor marches, why would I risk my own neck, helping the losing side? ” he looks at you all putting his hands over the table ”If you are thinking that removing me is an option, let me give you two fair warnings: First, you cannot best me in combat. Second, I’ve arranged some preparations, in the unlikely case of my demise, your plans to be exposed. Kill me, and let the hunt against Thorn begins.”
Good Baron, we do not offer threat, but only remind you of Thorn so that you might recall what level of reward can be granted to those who help us. Might it be possible to offer such aid without it becoming common knowledge?
What Thorn is… Hmm. That is interesting. Perhaps I can check into this more later.
Fair enough. To the bold goes the power....Help us and we will be gone soon enough. We know where your allegiance lies, whispered words in the wrong ears will bring about your destruction too. Surely we can come to some arrangement.
Don't bluster my lord, its unbecoming of your station. You know what and who Thorn is - and so do we. He would not have sent us to talk to you if removal was part of his plans. No threats were offered - I merely pointed out that speeding us on our way with such aid as you can render... information and misdirection for the most part brings little risk and removes any possible complications - we are by association, toxic, yes? We are both better served if we are about our work. There is, as always opportunity to profit - we imagine our activities will require liquidisation of some extra-ordinary things. To have distribution rights to such would bring some benefit to you as our primary, if distant, benefactor.
Johan was remembering why he disliked nobility, and starting to miss his weapons as he listened to this fool skwak. Though like Sideous, he noted the little slip 'A renegade priest of Mitra?" Hmmm
All this talk of warnings and destruction. You haven't even heard what we want yet lord baron. Or what we offer...
Johan leaned back in his chair and chewed lazily on a cold fowl's tongue he had nicked from the buffet. You know Cardinal Thorn. Which means you owe Cardinal Thorn. You are being given a chance to balance the ledger here, yet all you do is preen and threaten. Johan pushed his chair back from the table, making ready to leave but not yet rising. Which I suppose means we are done here. Thank you for the dinner sir. Tiadora, do, make sure to tell the Cardinal what a helpful host the Baron has been.
”And you show how ignorant you are.” he says at Johan’s words ”I own the cardinal nothing. Which he uses to threaten me are his bullies” he says pointing at you ”and you are not even aware of that.” then he turns to Tiadora and continues ”Beautiful lady, please convey to your master how incompetent his servants are. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled.” The baron however sees reason in Timeon’s words ”What kind of profit are you expecting?”
Tiadora, as always in indifferent to everything that's being said.
Wodin sizes the Baron up, not interested in antagonizing the man if they needed his help. His facade is not so easy to crack, however. "Overmuch haste. Is nice dinner for eating. Let us cool heads and enjoy Baron's hospitality," the Stonelord suggests, trying to calm the situation before anyone says anything they'd regret later.
He leans closer to his companions, whispering, "Threatening possible comrade is not of good planning. Need- what is called? Soft touch?" He grins and continues, "More friends made with ore than rock." The fact that they might not be aware of this particular dwarven proverb escapes Earthbreaker's notice.
Johan imagined leaping across the table and banging the baron's face off its laquered hardwood surface repeatedly. Instead he settled back into his chair, steepled his fingers and waited silently for the 'cooler heads' in the room to salvage the situation.
Father Sidious tries again to sway the baron. Lord Baron. We propose a simple alliance. In these troubled times it is good to have friends to call on. Would you not agree? The Bugbear army may be defeated. But not before it destabilizes the realm, and I would not bet against them yet I have seem them march to war and the sight can shake a man of lesser faith. Our lord smiles upon our endeavor, this I assure you. Surely you can find wisdom in an alliance. As he speaks he gestures to emphasize his points.
Wodin nods again, seconding Sidious' words. "Our Prince, he guides our hands. With our muscle, will making of his vision. You help, you look good. You no help, Cardinal takes all credit," he explains, still trying not to antagonize the Baron.
Yes, profit - our goal is to locate and hold a certain territory, hidden within the Caer Bryr. I imagine it will be either guarded or will that we may attract attention that draws people here to investigate it and our actions.
In dispatching any guardians of the territory, We'll agree to sell magic items through you at market sale price - typically set at 50% of the purchase price, giving you in effect first choice of items before they go to market - if you keep any of them? You've bought them at half price of the purchase price you'd typically pay. If you onsell them? Well, the right buyer may be tempted to go above market for the right item.
Assuming if new comers arrive to investigate? They'll be carrying expensive magical items in all likelyhood. Preparation is all. If you get the word out in advance with certain underworld contacts you can arrange to waylay any new comers, slip them drugs or poisons or just plain out bushwack them. Your hands remain clean and you profit. If you need an introduction I can arrange one after a few days. In this respect its a targeted con' - we'll know our marks by their investigations. We set up the right stories in taverns, direct inquirers to certain "sages" and "wise old men" and you'll have them where you need them. Any profit from this would be yours.
It is an alliance but make no mistake - we will succeed in our mission, Thorn will not suffer failure, and your aid - like it or not - is a part of our mission.
”Fair enough.” says the baron finally ”Your terms seems to be good enough.” he says in agreement with Eldred statement.
Having the Baron Arkov Vandermir as an ally in Farholde is incredibly useful. The Baron Vandermir is the richest, most well connected man in town since the Duke departed for the war. That said, his generosity does have limits. After all, he has agreed to help you, not give you the full run of his family fortune.
First, he can provide the party with accomodations and a safe house. His manor is not only opulently appointed with every amenity known to man, it also has a secret tunnel that runs from Calliver Green to a small nondescript hovel at the base of the hill. You can come and go at will without anyone observing yours movements.
Second, he can grant you almost total legal immunity in Farholde. As long as you are not caught redhanded doing some henious deed his word that you were with him excuses every suspicion of your involvement in a crime. He is loathe to use this influence too much. After all, while the local magistrates are easy to deal with, blatant crimes may eventually draw Mitran inquisitors to Farholde.
Third, he has contacts among the shadier merchants who operate in and around Farholde. He can give you access to poisons (though none more expensive than 1100 gp a dose) and more sinister magic items (though this still has the usual cost limits here in Farholde). He can also fence any items they’ve recovered that may be difficult to otherwise sell (for example -- he could have helped you to sell Lord Havelyn’s Bible from Book One).
Fourth, the Baron is a competent sorcerer specialized in the enchantment school. He is also a negotiator without peer. If you need someone charmed, bribed or persuaded there are few more qualified people in all of Talingarde to aid you than the Baron.
What the Baron will not do is aid you in finding the Horn of Abaddon. He has volunteered to help you, not fight yours battles. He also has no desire to die in some cursed daemonic temple.
In general, with the Baron as your ally, Farholde becomes a non-challenging environment for you. Almost anything you want within reason is within your grasp. Without him, you are unconnected outsiders lost in an unfamiliar port city.