Gossamer happily wrestles with Eustoma, the physical exertion putting the tiny faerie in a good mood. Wulfram's tale proves enthralling, with Gossamer hanging on every word. Once he finishes, the faerie applauds enthusiastically.
"You guys rock! Gendowyn was wary of allying with the Nirmathi who log and trap in the Fangwood, but so long as you all are in charge, I can assuage her hesitation. I'm certain the princess will dispatch a large force of dryads and satyrs to harry the Ironfang Legion's messengers and scouts. I've also been told to give you this gift--may it help you defeat the enemy!" She gives Eustoma a quiver full of 50 +3 goblinoid bane arrows.
Studying General Sebine, Eustoma notes that she seems to be reserved and observant, and very aware of the conflict between her nation and Nirmathas. She speaks to the other delegates with calm and grace. Most of her conversation seems centered on defensive strategies and fortifications. Somebody with knowledge of these things could win her over easily.
Meanwhile, Wulfram pays attention to Sir Daq. The passionate paladin always seems to want to be the center of any discussions, inserting himself into conversations. He wants to help Nirmathas turn back the Legion to protect its people and also because a goblinoid nation on Lastwall's southern border would force the Knights of Ozem to split their resources and would further draw their attention from their holy mission.
Rogar approaches Sebine, asking her for her opinion on some defensive fortifications that he might be able to quickly assemble with his powers, creating small-scale versions to demonstrate his ideas floating in the air.
Eustoma takes the arrows with a bright smile and gratitude. "I accept these, and will make good use of them against the Legion." Then she clasps Gossimer's arm in friendship like she's seen soldiers do before.
Karla finds Weslen surlier than usual due to Sebine's presence at the summit, but the sorceress still manages to begin to draw out the quiet Forest Marshal. He is beginning to warm up, though he still seems skeptical of your prowess.
Meanwhile, Rogar demonstrates his knowledge of fortifications and power with aplomb. General Sebine is quite impressed with the dwarf's abilities. "You are a one-man construction crew! I was impressed by this small town's defenses when we arrived here. Now I see how they came by such strong fortifications. We could use your skills on the front lines against the hobgoblins."
By the end of the day, the general seems fully on-board with brokering a temporary truce between Molthune and Nirmathas. Such a truce would allow Nirmathas to focus solely on the Legion.
"I must confess my embarrassment at the mess we are all in," Sebine tells you all over drinks at the end of the day. "My family played a role in the creation of the Ironfang Legion. When my elder brother Vetrigan was waylaid by Azaersi’s bandit forces a decade ago, he pleaded for his life and offered the hobgoblins steady work as mercenaries in the border war, using family connections to win the newly formed Ironfang Legion the best training and equipment. Funded and supported by a powerful nation, Azaersi and her mercenary group prospered and made a name for themselves as particularly ruthless raiders. No one realized that Azaersi’s keen mind helped her recruit the best talent from rival monster legions, or that she spent her tenure as a mercenary quietly embezzling a substantial sum from my family.
"Azaersi killed Vetrigan when she and the Ironfang Legion went rogue. The Sebine family covered up any proof of their involvement in the disaster, but I know the truth, and a powerful hatred still burns in my heart for what she did to my brother."
"I am sorry for your loss," Sebine says sadly. "And for all the lives the Legion has taken. I would see my brother avenged, and the shame of my family made right. If you promise to do so, I will bestow upon you my brother's weapon, the farspear Vigilance. My ancestors discovered it upon first settling in the unnamed wilderness that eventually became the Plains of Molthune, and it has served our family well for generations."
General Sebine bids you a goodnight and retires to her quarters. The next day begins day three of the war summit. While things start off much like the others, Sebine's appearance the previous day and the swift way in which you seemingly became chummy with her has left the attending members paranoid and defensive.
Eustoma approaches Weslen the next morning bright and early. "You must hate being inside these rooms almost as much as I do. I'd rather be in the forest doing something about the problem. I hate talking about it. Especially when you have to get people to agree about something who have reasons for doing that thing for their own reasons. Not because it's the right thing to do. I'd invite you for a tromp through the woods, but I don't think you trust any of these people to leave them on their own for a few hours." She gives him a wink. "If you need some fresh air. I'm happy to be a second set of eyes for you."
Wulfram talked with Sir Daq Sontine the next day, having first consulted with local officials to understand the Order's mission. "I know your order is mostly focused on their holy mission, and that some might see sending forces to help Nirmathas as a drain on resources. Nirmathas is certainly not in a position to help its neighbors at the moment, but after we defeat the Ironfang Legion, we will not forget those who aided us in our hour of need! I look forward to the day when we can return the favor and help the Knights of Ozem against the demonic and undead threat."
Rogar joins Wulfram in trying to ally with Sir Daq, adding in some military tactics and the like that might be helpful.
"I appreciate the offer, but now is not an appropriate time. We still have much to work out between us," Weslen tells Eustoma, eyeing Sebine warily.
Karla finds Santila particularly ornery today, resisting her attempts to convince the avaricious Prophet to part with her hard-earned wealth. Rogar has little luck relating to Daq, but Wulfram makes some inroads with the Knight of Ozem.
Despite the tension in the summit chambers, no further incidents occur, and by the end of the night you notice the forest marshal chatting and laughing with the Molthuni leader. It seems the leaders of both rival nations are beginning to find some common ground, after all.
When the council reconvenes on the fourth day, Gossamer takes flight and booms in a shockingly powerful voice, “This is inane! We waste precious time sitting around arguing over petty details! While you quarrel over every fraction of silver, the fey of the Fangwood have learned of an onyx tower within our realm! Everyone should be ashamed that while we talk, the Accressiel Court alone takes action to push back against the Legion!”
When Gossamer finishes her rant, she storms out of the hall. The knight Daq Sontine follows her in an effort to console her, and following his exit, Weslen emits a heavy sigh. He simply states, “Let’s retire for an hour or so. It seems some members have more important items to attend to.”
Wulfram went after Gossamer and Sir Daq, hoping to diffuse the situation.
Asking around, Wulfram eventually discovers the pair in a quiet retreat in one of Longshadow's parks. Both the atomie and the paladin are drinking heavily. Gossamer looks up at the shaman with a scowl. "You want to join us, you gotta drink some of this." She offers him a potent-smelling purple drink.
Wulfram eyed the dubious looking beverage. The things I have to do for the sake of the war effort! He sat down and joined the pair of drinkers.
"Interesting flavor; what's this drink called?"
Not one to be left out, Pele insisted on joining in; she was soon rolling in the grass, laughing. After a few minutes, she fell asleep.
"Mulberry milk! One of the Accresiel Court's secret recipes!" Gossamer says with a giggle.
When Pele drinks the liquor, the fiery fox feels the irresistible urge to dance! She stands up on her hind legs and capers around for a short while before the drunkenness takes full effect and she passes out.
"So, yeah, this is what we're going to be doing today," Gossamer continues. "You've already got my princess's support for your little war, so why don't you go back and keep working on the others?"
Daq grins at Wulfram. "You've got quite the fortitude, friend. I'll keep the wee one company. I promise we'll talk more tomorrow."
Eustoma almost follows Gossimer and Daq, but notices Wulfram heading out, and decides to stay at the meeting.
She decides to speak with Santila Savros today.
"Ms.Savros, Nirmathis isn't a rich country. Are you here to get on the ground floor of the rebuilding? The country and it's people are like the Spring. They always grow from the death of winter. A person with wealth to bring would be in a position to make much more. If the country survives."
Wulfram returned to the conference, with Pele asleep in his backpack. Karla was talking to Weslen, and seemed to be doing well; the shaman sighed and went to have another try with Santila Savros. His previous attempt had gone nowhere, so he tried a different approach this time.
"Nirmathis is a diamond in the rough. Its trade routes are undeveloped — even more so right now. But now is the time to establish connections! You don't want to wait until the country is back on its feet, and others are rushing in to get a piece of the action. The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the best deals."
Karla's efforts with Weslen are quite effective. The forest marshal favors the company of other woodlands folk, so he gets along well with the sorceress. By the end of the day, he has promised to organize his militias to execute a series of hit-and-run raids to disrupt Ironfang forces and draw out their numbers. He also informs you of a hidden cache near Phaendar you can access.
With Eustoma's assistance, Wulfram finally begins to crack Santila Savros's stoic standoffishness. It will still take some more cajoling to get her to fully commit her army to Nirmathas's cause.
Eventually, everybody retires to their quarters for the night. On the morning of the fifth day of the summit, as the delegates settle in once again, one of Weslen’s aides approaches the forest marshal and begins whispering into his ear.
Weslen’s features grow grim as his attention turns to Gossamer. He approaches her and very quietly informs her that the battle at the Fangwood onyx tower went poorly. “The fey pushed through some token defenses and entered the stronghold, only to be inundated with explosives and fire and then set upon by reinforcements waiting in ambush. It was a massacre.”
Gossamer sits stunned for several seconds, then speaks: “That isn’t possible; the only people who knew were us.” After an awkward silence, the fey’s tears turn venomous. “Traitor! Who is it? Who is the snake in our midst? I’ll skewer the conspirator!” She turns her wrath and her blade toward the knight Daq, and screams, “You! You knew all the details! Curse you for taking advantage of my drunkenness, but I shall have my revenge!”
Daq raises his hands. "What? It wasn't me! By the Inheritor's blade, I swear I did not betray you!"
The little faerie seems too blinded by rage to hear the knight's words as she advances on him...
Gossamer huffs and crosses her arms. "Fine. Do your thing. Let us expose the truth!"
Wulfram replied to Karla, "There are indeed rituals to magically scry on people; they work best on persons to whom the caster has a personal connection. An invisible spy at the park is a possibility; it is also possible to magically read others' thoughts as well.
"I can contact the spirits, and ask them yes or no questions; they will answer truthfully in my experience, although they may not know the answer. I would need to procure the appropriate holy water and incense for the ritual.
There is also a way to prevent someone from knowingly telling a lie for a short time, but such magic is beyond my capabilities. There may be a cleric in Longshadow who could do this."
Detect scrying does not reveal anybody watching the proceedings. Wulfram sends a runner to the local priests, who quickly return with holy water incense for his commune spell. The shaman prays and calls to the spirits, sensing them nearby, ready to answer his questions.
Wulfram retreated to a private space and meditated with Pele, memorizing prayers to help with the investigation. After that, in consultation with his comrades, he prepared a list of questions to ask the spirits. Once that was complete, he returned to the council hall and began his ritual to commune with the spirits.
Was the report given to this council of the assault on the Fangwood onyx tower accurate?
Did the Ironfang Legion learn of the attack ahead of time?
Did the Ironfang Legion learn of the attack from the conversation between Gossamer and Sir Daq Sontine in the park yesterday?
Did Sir Daq Sontine intentionally communicate word of the planned attack to the Ironfang Legion?
Did Sir Daq unintentionally communicate word of the planned attack to the Ironfang Legion?
Did the Ironfang Legion learn of the attack through magical scrying?
Did an agent of the Ironfang Legion overhear the conversation between Gossamer and Sir Daq in the park yesterday?
Question 1: Yes
Question 2: Yes
Question 3: Yes
Question 4: No
Question 5: Yes
Question 6: No
Question 7: No
After learning that Sir Daq had unintentionally tipped off the Enemy of the planned attack on the Fangwood onyx tower, Wulfram tried to focus his attention on the identity of who he had revealed that information to.
Did Sir Daq talk about the planned attack to someone else attending this council?
Is someone attending this council an agent of the Ironfang Legion?
Yes to both questions
Alarmed that there seemed to be a traitor in their midst, Wulfram tried to pinpoint the identity of the spy.
Is Santila Savros an agent of the Ironfang Legion?
Is Obsik Shalehammer an agent of the Ironfang Legion?
Is Katra Sebine an agent of the Ironfang Legion?
Is Weslen Gavirk an agent of the Ironfang Legion?
No to question 10, yes to question 11.
As soon as Rogar hears the results of Wulfram's investigation, he immediately sets off to apprehend Obsik, drifting straight through floors, walls, and ceilings to find the traitorous dwarf.
With the traitor identified, Wulfram tried to determine if the dwarf had any people here working with him.
Did Obsik Shalehammer magically report the information about the attack to the Ironfang Legion?
Is anyone else on the council, besides Obsik Shalehammer, and agent of the Ironfang Legion?
Does Obsik Shalehammer have any accomplices in Longshadow?
Question 12: Yes
Question 13: No
Question 14: No
Rogar first approaches Obsik’s quarters, where he sees the dwarf pacing back and forth. His tremorsense doesn’t pick up any vibrations though, allowing him to realize this is just an illusion. The angry kineticist picks up on the dwarf’s tracks, though, leading out of the city toward the woods...
Wulfram wondered how long Obsik had been in league with the Legion.
Did Obsik Shalehammer help the Ironfang Legion steal the Onyx Key?
Question 15: No
Rogar pops out of the ground as soon as he catches even a hint of the real dwarf, shooting himself across the intervening distance in a heartbeat, slamming into the ground not two feet away from the fleeing dwarf, and extends a dangerously sharp shard of metal at the traitor's throat, "If ye care ta live longer than one more minute, ye'll stop righ' there."
Obsik is clearly expecting trouble, having surrounded himself with mirror images. Rogar’s sudden appearance gives him pause, but the traitor simply sneers at him. ”Perhaps I can make you see things my way...”
Rogar doesn't even bother trying to break through the images, instead simply reshifting the environment around the two of them in a heartbeat, raising massive walls of earth around the two of them, dropping them into a pit below. Rogar, for his part, simply rides the changing earth to the top, looking down on the traitor 20 feet below him, and with a wave of his hand, the earth roils and begins to grab at the traitor, preventing him from doing anything magical.
Eustoma takes the time to calm Gossamer while Wulfram does his thing. She's shocked to learn that the dwarf is an agent, and heads out to try to find him.
Obsik leaps forward to avoid moving with the sinking earth, but the ground still starts to sap his health. He grimaces in pain but effortlessly avoids being stuck in the ground's grasp, aided by magical defenses.
The dwarf stares boldly up at Rogar, and the kineticist feels his willpower being drained. Obsik then casts a swift spell in an attempt to paralyze Rogar, followed by another spell that teleports him out of the area of the deadly earth.
***
Eustoma is able to pick up on Obsik's trail, as well as those of Karla and Rogar who set off in pursuit!
Rogar tries to fight off the paralysis but fails, and struggles to free himself before the traitor gets away.
Or
Rogar glares at the dwarf, fighting off the attempt to paralyze him, and stops holding back.
Unfortunately for Obsik, the dwarf has severely underestimated Rogar. With his tremorsense, the mirror images prove no protection against the kineticist's blasts. Tons of earth and jagged metal slam into Obsik, crushing his bones and burying him under a pile of rubble. By the time Eustoma and Wulfram arrive on the scene a short time later, the traitor is already quite dead.
Among his possessions, you find something that belongs to you--the sardonyx shard! It seems the dwarf managed to steal it while you were distracted and was attempting to make off with it.
When you return to search his chambers, you discover a discarded, mud-caked cape. You recognize the mud as a match for the gully where you fought the bugbear Scarvinious long ago--including thorns from the same briars. Searching the desk reveals a hidden envelope stuck to the bottom with wax. The packet contains a crumpled-up note:
You greedy sack of dwarf meat! You were paid for a job—do your damned job. So consider my counteroffer: instead of paying triple the agreed price, I’ll just send a few of my people to pick up the sardonyx shard in person. And then, once they drag your miserable, mud-eating carcass back to Fort Phaendar, we’ll see how many times we can regenerate your stubby little hands and feed them to you before they start growing back crooked.
I don’t care if you know everyone. I don’t care if the worm likes you. The worm isn’t here. So bring me that damned shard, or by Hadregash’s curdled coinpurse, I’ll use your skull to open the Stone Roads the old-fashioned way!
—Scabvistin
Once you reveal Obsik's role as a traitor, Gossamer is satisfied that vengeance has been taken. All of the other council members come forward to admit that the dwarf has been quietly trying to convince them of the alliance’s folly since the beginning. Sir Daq is grateful for you clearing his name, and he declares that he will lead a regiment of mounted knights to Nirmathas to assist the war effort.
It seems almost everybody is on board, but you still have a little bit of time left to fully sway Santila Savros before the summit ends at the end of the day.