DM Vord's Zeitgeist Act I - Portents of a Starry Sky

Game Master Vorduvai

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Heward Sechim’s Office (second floor), Sechim’s Alkahest & Etchings Factory
Approximately quarter after twelve o’ clock
All but Gemma Atherton

Inside Heward Sechim’s factory, the six constables can clearly see the bulk of it is devoted to one wide open factory floor that goes thirty feet up, with catwalks and chain pulleys twenty feet up all around the workroom floor. Stout barred windows are interspersed along the very topmost portion of the walls, closable from the catwalks with heavy grab-poles stationed at each interval. There are dozens of employees on the main floor or on the catwalks above working the pulleys, with easily a dozen areas of vats and piping producing a variety of alchemical acids and chemicals. Four large pipeworks over the floor with clockwork mechanical fans seem to pull up toxic fumes near the ground up into the ceiling far above. Right now it seems that more raw materials are being brought into the factory from doors on its other side that open out to a pier and the lake of Parity itself, with many workers hustling goods inside in an organized fashion.

To Anneca, each area with its vats, piping and other smaller holding tanks has various stations that govern a particular process of mixing, refining, distilling or collecting the alchemical product; she quickly deduces the areas are laid out well logically, with both an eye to efficiency and safety for its workers. Only one area seems out of place with the rest – a rear-corner section of the floor is walled off with a low ten-foot interior wall that is guarded at a single door but not showing any worker’s activity there, with no obvious signs of equipment or piping visible.

All about them they see men, women and even older children working these areas of the factory’s processes, with nearly all wearing goggles and heavy wetted scarves to protect their eyes and mouths, or even full leather masks with odd breathing apparatus affixed to them if they are mixing the contents of the largest vats. The place seems relatively clean and orderly, though the air is very acrid and stings their eyes as they walk across a section of the workroom floor towards a metal staircase that ascends up thirty feet to the next floor above.

The ascent to the top floor on the staircase is a little dizzying for those that look out across the floor of the factory, but soon they pass through the main room’s ceiling and to a heavily reinforced landing with a strong door that is seemingly unlocked for now, as Heward opens it without a key. Once inside this area the sounds of factory work diminishes greatly, and they see an empty common lounge area with well-used, threadbare couches and chairs. Coming off the common lounge are two open archways to adjacent rooms, and two closed doors. The nearest adjacent open room is unlit and set with a dozen simple cots, mostly filled with sleeping factory worker types; the other adjacent room off the common lounge holds goggles, masks and heavy scarves with bottles of some clear alchemical agent in neat rows on shelves. Heward puts a finger to his lips to ask them to be quiet as they pass the common lounge, moving to one of the two doors that opens into his work office.

The office is well-used and seats several people for what must be administrative work: small desks with stacks of papers and ledgers on them, as well as inkpens and counting tools for calculating various numbers and figures. A large clockwork timepiece of brass sits on one wall, calmly tick-tocking the time in a precise manner. On another wall are several diagrams and instructions for various alchemical processes posted on heavy paper, with smaller hand-written notes and calculations written on the margins. On a side table are several glass decanters of what appear to be pure water, as well as a section where metal teapots hold hot tea and perhaps even Yerasol coffee.

Heward Sechim offers the six constables to pull over chairs from the other desks to his own, which is larger and a bit finer than the others, though nothing extravagant. He also directs them to the refreshments side table as a courtesy, and then sits down heavily at his desk, putting a hand across his face in apparent fatigue before speaking.

”First constables, before you relate to me the circumstances of Nilasa’s…death…I should disclose to you that I feared this might happen. I feared she was caught up in the movement, you see, though I warned her not to on many an occasion. Not that I don’t understand the sentiments and her desire to see change come to this city, but because I was afraid for her safety. She was…she was like a daughter to me…or perhaps a favored niece I suppose…as I’ve never had children myself to know. But I loved her, and so did my uncle. He feared this would happen…he saw it in fact...”

Heward’s words trail off then, his face having a haunted and sorrowful look with eyes distant in some memory.

Around the Perimeter, Sechim's Alkahest & Etchings Factory
Approximately quarter after twelve o'clock

Gemma quietly listens to the men, taking in all the information, appreciating their candor. She's had to stop herself a number of times from apologizing for not only the horrible conditions but also the police brutality. She knows that no apology from her is enough to make up for the mess, but she does make a private vow to address it at a later date with someone who might actually be able to help.

With the mention of "strangers" walking about, her ears perk up. "What strangers would those be? Some of our business has been a bit out of the ordinary lately. Anything you might be able to tell me could make a big difference."

Heward Sechim’s Office (second floor), Sechim’s Alkahest & Etchings Factory
Approximately quarter after twelve o’ clock

During the ride through the Parity Lake district Fethryth gets angrier and angrier. She knew that the smog would be worse around the factories, but this? This is a nightmare. These monstrosities are poisoning everything around them. Air, land, water, people- all care for their well being swept away in the name of “progress”. It’s barbaric.

She’s never supported the Dockers, law breakers that they are, but she feels a flash of sympathy for them. Those poor people, locked in the factories against their wills...they remind her of her ‘training’ in the enclave, of being forced to practice spells over and over again, no rest or food until she got them right. How in the Bleak Gate is this behavior legal in Risiur? It turns her stomach.

Inside the factory Fethryth stares at the workers. She only gets a quick look but what she sees matches with the lack of protestors outside; Sechim’s not mistreating his people. The realization lets her throttle her anger back and listen to the man with a clear mind.

She immediately zeros in on his last words. ”When you say he ‘Saw’ it, are you talking about the Old Ways? Is your uncle a Skyseer?”

Around the Perimeter, Sechim's Alkahest & Etchings Factory
Approximately quarter after twelve o'clock
Gemma Atherton

”Well,” hesitates the taller guard named Angus, ”beggin’ yer pardon constable, but it might be best if you speak to Master Heward on that. I don’t know what the talkin’ was about but these strangers came to meet with Heward on two different times, and they weren’t acting very friendly like, you understand. Wanted him to do somethin’ he wasn’t gonna do, and I guess they threatened him for it.”

”Not from around here ya understand,” chimes in the shorter guard named Hap helpfully. ”No ma’am, they weren’t the blackboot type of the rival places around here, that’s fer certain!”

Angus nods at his fellow and adds, ”Hap and myself and a couple other lads followed ‘em a week ago after they came back a second time, just to see who they were workin’ for, but they didn’t go to Alchemy Row or any of the other factories by the lake. No, they went east of here, deep into the back alleys of old Parity and we lost ‘em as we got closer to the shanties of the Nettles.”

The third guard comes back then from the rear doors, commenting the workers are nearly finished with getting in all the supplies from the lake barge and are about to close up. Angus and Hap both nod and suggest to Gemma that they finish their perimeter walk so that they can get back to guarding the front doors.

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Heward Sechim’s Office (second floor), Sechim’s Alkahest & Etchings Factory
Approximately quarter after twelve o’ clock
All but Gemma Atherton

Heward Sechim looks at Fethryth with sad eyes but a slight smile forming on his lips as he replies to her. ”Yes constable, indeed I am. I’ve been around it all my life and respect those traditions, but in these modern times I generally do not speak in such terms, as it makes some folk uncomfortable talking about the Old Ways. My uncle Nevard is indeed a Skyseer of fair repute, though I myself have none of those talents.”

Sighing then, Heward says to the assembled constables by way of explanation, ”My uncle Nevard feared for Nilasa, regarding her as a beloved granddaughter even as I joked lovingly that she was like an adopted daughter to me. Just about three weeks ago he had a rare, clear vision and uttered to me the words, ’An adopted daughter will blindly ride the wind to her demise.’ We both felt what that meant…the meaning of the ‘wind’ was very clear to me. Gale. By that time, you see, I suspected she was firmly in the fervor of working for Gale, having flirted with joining the Cloudwood movement since last year, but making her mind up after ‘Ethelyn’s Rebellion’ in the Spring. Her home was here, with us, where we could make a difference in our own way, but Nilasa was headstrong and her blood boiled at the injustices and the lies, taking up the boldness of the Dockers, and she decided she had to make her own mark in the struggle for the people.”

”After Uncle’s vision of Nilasa, I was distraught to say the least. She hadn’t been here in weeks, and I just couldn’t abandon all of my people and my work to go chasing off after her. I had kept tabs on her at The Thinking Man and heard she was bringing around some ridiculous Danoran she had taken up with, but she’s not a child after all. The last I saw her was just about a week ago, when I paid her bail at the Parity main stationhouse after she had been rounded up with two “friends” of hers that were arrested for some sort of petty criminal activity or what-not…she had been staying with them for some reason she wouldn’t specify. She promised me she wasn’t going back to her old habits of thieving at least, and I believed her. She wouldn't even take any money from me, said she didn't need it. I asked her to come home and help me once again at the factory, but she wouldn’t…said she had something to do first…and I tried to tell her that Uncle had seen…”

Heward starts to tear up then, and abruptly stands up from his desk and turns around to dab a linen kerchief at his eyes, clearly trying to gather himself. ”Ah…well you see she was bold and headstrong, Nilasa was. She knew what she was doing and was being careful, she said. Said that what she was doing was worth doing, and that she’d be helping a lot of good people by uncovering the truth of the wicked oppressing the people. She wouldn’t tell me what that was, but whatever it was she believed in it.” He breathes heavily and says, ”I blame myself, really, because she listened to me perhaps too well all those years whenever I would talk about how horribly other factory owners and industrialists treated their workers…I just wanted to instill a sense of pride in what we were doing here…”

Tobias frowns as he hears Nilasa's story. That this young woman could be inspired by both Gale and Ethelyn was worrying in and of itself, that old Skyseer's were seeing visions of her fate was potentially worse.

"You said you kept tabs on her at The Thinking Man. Do you have the names or descriptions of anyone she spoke with frequently? Not the Danoran, I'm fairly certain we know him already, but other contacts of hers might be helpful." He adjusts his vest and checks the time, trying to ignore the feelings of remorse and sorrow emanating from the man.

"We have reason to believe she was also worried about your safety. Do you know why that might be? Do you need us to secure you protection from the local authorities." He stops and things about where he is. "Or maybe some authorities from a 'cleaner' district?"

Knowledge: Engineering 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Anneca scoffs at the idea of predicting the future. Still, she doesn't vocalize the thought out of respect for the man's recent loss. She feels the pang of jealousy against the dead woman, for having someone who so seriously feels her loss. With Makala dead, who would mourn her passing in such a fashion? She is fairly certain that she will meet a bloody - or fiery, more likely - end, and hopes that someone will remember her fondly. Still, that is beyond the scope of their investigation here any now. She simply listens to the man answer the questions, unable to improve upon the mind-reader's interrogatory, and tries to figure out what was going on with the out-of-place section of the factory floor that she noticed while on the way up the stairs.

Jesselle looked from Tobias to Heward, "It was a plea that we protect you from whatever it was that killed her, Nilsa was sure it would come after you."

"I thank you constables," answers Heward Sechim with another deep breath and a return to his polite and controlled demeanor. "I can assure you that "protection" by the local police forces means something very different than what you would intend, so I respectfully decline. I have good and solid lads here that are loyal to me, and we have friends about Parity and up in the Nettles that keep us informed of most troubles. Years ago my uncle challenged me to create a place with his wealth that would serve as a modern example of how industry could be a boon to its workers and not just to profits. I won't abandon that now...there are too many here that need me. I will keep more alert however, and take extra precautions for my own safety and that of my workers, given your stated concerns."

Heward seems to remember something then in his expression, but whatever it is he shakes his head in dismissal and with a grim countenance he says to Jesselle, "It both gladdens and pains me that she thought of me before she died...and I should like to know what happened to her that ended her life, at least as much as the R.H.C. can share with me. Also, I would want to see her properly buried in the ways of the Old Faith, and will take possession of her remains when you allow me to."

"And as for the Thinking Man..." Looking at Tobias he smirks and says, "Well I go to the Thinking Man each week with my hardest workers and buy their rounds in appreciation, so I know the place fairly well. I can offer a name or two, but going in like you...well...in your greys and all official-like isn't going to go as you'd expect, if you take my meaning."

Fethryth’s been gawking at Heward since he mentioned his uncle. ”Nevard Sechim is your uncle? That’s amaz- um, err, not professional of me.” she finishes lamely. Her cheeks redden from embarrassment and she immediatly jumps to a new question. ”Did Nilasa ever mention a Doctor von Recklinghausen? Or someone named Porter? That one might be a cop."

"Well I go to the Thinking Man each week with my hardest workers and buy their rounds in appreciation, so I know the place fairly well. I can offer a name or two, but going in like you...well...in your greys and all official-like isn't going to go as you'd expect, if you take my meaning."

Tobias smiles back at the other man. "I can be pretty persuasive my friend, and these cloaks are easily removed." As he speaks he lets his country accent slip out and he slouches in stature a bit. "I'm jus' a boy from the country lookin' fer work."

"That being said, I do already have plans for this evening, unless my colleagues think this might be a better lead?" He raises an eyebrow at the rest of the constables, wondering if he should meet the Danoran secretary or do some recon at the Thinking Man.

"Do you mind if we look around a bit? She might not have been here for weeks, but there may be some evidence. Is there any place that she was known to frequent when she was here, or anyone else that she was particularly friendly with?" Anneca tries her best to couch the request in friendly terms, but it still manages to come out as if it isn't a request at all. Gemma is already on her own checking for leads, but there's no reason they both can't branch off alone.

Jesslle nods at Heward and starts, "Nilasa appears to have attempted to take something of note from Danorian Consulate. She did find what she was looking for, but we are not aware of what or much she had when she attempted to escape. That is when she was attacked by, an unknown being, before she tried to escape by going through a third floor window. Whatever magics she thought would help her did not and she fell to her death."

"Nilasa feared the being that attacked her, would come for you. While I am sure those in your employee can contain person or persons that might wish you harm, I would would want to ask if they can defend themselves and you against a supernatural force." Jesselle says to make a point.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Jesselle adds, "You are one of our first stops, as Nilasa made it clear that you might be in danger, but we are determined to find out what happened to her and deal with whatever might be responsible for her death. And why she thought you might be in danger is of some interest.

"Nilasa was bright and beautiful, bold and charming. She knew nearly everyone here by name, and for a time was happy here in uplifting the plight of the workers. She was one of the first hands I had hired five years ago you see, and so it's no exaggeration to say that she knew everyone here. Certainly she had her admirers and those that were smitten with her, but she was never deeply interested in any one man - that she had taken steady with a Danoran from their consulate was...unusual to my mind, and not like her at all. If she was using this man to find something at their consulate...something perhaps Gale herself set her to task...well that oddly makes more sense to me than her being smitten with the man."

Shrugging, he says to Anneca, "No, I do not mind constable...if anything you find can be of help to bringing out the truth of this..." Heward Sechim doesn't finish as he stops short before losing his composure once again, though he gives a wave to the other closed door back in the common lounge area. "Nilasa's room is...was...just through that door and the second down the hall on the left next to the washroom. She hasn't been there in weeks, but you are welcome to anything of interest."

Heward moves over to the side table and pours a full cup of clean water from one of the glass decanters, answering Fethryth's questions. "So you've heard of my Uncle Nevard then, have you constable? That is good, as so many have forgotten the old ways and stories here in Flint. Let me see...no...no I cannot say that I've heard of this doctor you mention, nor any policeman by the name of Porter. Because most of my shipments go directly to the naval shipyards, I have not had to make "deals" with the Parity police here...Mayor Gohins knows better than to tamper with those that have Risuri military contracts."

Heward sips his water and leans on the edge of his desk, his eyes sad but also lost in thought. He taps his chin a few times with his finger, and then points in the direction of the Jesselle as if making up his mind about something. "That you're willing to ferret out what's been done to my dear Nilasa...well it speaks volumes about you. Unlike the police the R.H.C. has had a fairer reputation, true, but now I see firsthand it's more than just what the dailies say." He points to Tobias. "Maybe you and your fellows can find out more from those she consorted with at the Thinking Man. A good word to the proprietor, Tad Hilly, might help you...and I also know that Barb would always draw her off in conversation whenever we and the lads went there together. Who knows? I see now that Nilasa was involved in her causes far deeper than I could have ever guessed. Maybe by not telling me she was trying to protect me from those who murdered her."

"Yet there's one more than any other I would think that could tell you what Nilasa was truly involved in, and that's Gale. As it turns out, there's one man I know whom Gale trusts, one that could possibly set up a meeting if you were so inclined to agree to terms. That man would be my Uncle Nevard..."

Willem takes notes of the conversation and then speaks up, "I will search for evidence in Nilasa's office to be efficient. We all do not need to stand here and we should hurry before the evidence grows cold. Please excuse me Mister Sechim?"

Willem walks over to Nilasa's room and begins to search the room in an orderly and respectable manner. Picking things up with gloves and placing everything that is not pertinent to the murder back without damaging it or displacing it much.

Using the evidence collection kit ...

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Profession-Constable-Evidence gathering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

(Ouch, dice rolls!)

Gemma comes in, unfortunately, towards the very end of the conversation, but she doesn't feel her turn around the building was time wasted. She clears her throat of the acrid layer that's starting to coat it and waits patiently for a a proper break in the talking.

"Master Sechim, before we finish up here, I'd like to ask you about some strangers that were here recently. Your men mentioned them and said they'd been by a couple of times to see you. They also happened to mention that their visit might have been a bit distressing."

Gemma gives Heward a moment to think but quickly adds, "However, your men also spoke exceptionally well of you."

She waits for his response, wondering what the next step will be and how best to protect him. They can't take him away from his business, but after seeing the situation here, she wouldn't trust any of the local police. She would trust Hap and Angus far quicker. Heck, she'd even trust someone from Gale's camp to protect him better than the local beat cops.

Willem takes notes of the conversation and then speaks up, "I will search for evidence in Nilasa's office to be efficient. We all do not need to stand here and we should hurry before the evidence grows cold. Please excuse me Mister Sechim?"

Willem walks over to Nilasa's room and begins to search the room in an orderly and respectable manner. Picking things up with gloves and placing everything that is not pertinent to the murder back without damaging it or displacing it much.

Willem leaves the rest even as Gemma joins the others from her perimeter walk with the guards; he makes way to Nilasa Hume's small room beyond the lounge room door where Heward described it. Unfortunately there’s not much to find: just some clothes, incidental money of some shills and pence, and a book for her to learn Elvish.

Heward looks to the newcomer, Gemma Atherton, even as he awaits a response from the other constables on his offer to them of seeing his uncle. Though he still seems mostly unconcerned about any imminent danger he himself is in, he does answer Gemma's inquiry about the odd visitations.

"Ah, the strangers. Yes they present a concern for me, having "met" with me twice and being so insistent about their offer. It's not going to deter me, or that of my work here, but I will relate to you all...please understand constables that I understand the feelings of both sides of this conflict. Gale may be many things and I don't endorse her violent methods - particularly the attempted murder on Kane Westman - but this business of the recent factory fires doesn't seem to be her doing, no matter what the Governor and the dailies say. Instead, I suspect these men who threatened something similar to my own enterprise. I couldn't confirm any suspicions though. My men couldn't track where they came from, but maybe you know something that I do not."

Heward then relates the story of two encounters with odd men he had never seen before, just over two weeks ago. The men, who smelled odd, sort of like burnt engine grease, wanted to buy a few cases of alkahest, but insisted he not report the sale. Since he sells to the government and his product is hazardous, he has to account for all his materials; so he refused. The men got angry, made some heavy allusions to the fires that have been striking around the district, and then left, saying they’d be back.

The second time, about a week ago, two different men came. Heward stalled, said he needed time to arrange something, then had the men followed. They went to a seedy part of the Parity district, away from the lake and nearer to the Nettles, but that’s as far as they could be tracked. That was a few days ago and they haven't been seen sense; Heward has taken precautions to arm himself and his men while on his property, doubling his guard during shifts as much as possible.

Willem returns to Heward Sechim's office and takes his time to return by taking in what is around him and anyone in particular who is intensely watching Willem investigate.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

”As a Skyseer and a follower of the Old Ways, I would consider it an honor to meet your Uncle.” Fethryth watches Heward’s reaction to her next words. ”But, understand, Gale is a wanted fugitive. We are obligated by our duty and our vows to arrest her for her actions. I assume any terms would mean letting her leave our meeting? I have a problem with that.”

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

"A matter to be concerned about, for sure. I am not sure Nilasa's concerns for your safety related to it, I would be wary of most. if you have any further troubles whatever they may be, feel free to call upon me Mr. Sechim," Jesselle relates as she stands with the man as her colleagues look around.

She also continues, "I would also like to take you up on your offer. I do not know if its connected, but it cannot hurt to meet with Gale herself. Perhaps even come some sort of understanding, at least in the short term. Please speak with your uncle and inform me of the terms, if my friends her agree as well, they will be along with me."

Her thoughts swirl with the possibilities... so much was in motion it was hard to tell which would bear fruit and others a dead end and wasted time.

Emerson had been quite for much of the questioning, mostly just listening to Heward’s responses to the myriad of questions from his friends. At the mention of what the men smelled like, Emerson retrieves the envelope with the oil stained rag and produces it for inspection. ”Do you recognize it?” he asks Heward abruptly. ”I think this oil may be one of the ways we can find the men who threatened you.”

After waiting for the man’s response Emerson thinks about something else not mentioned before and pulls another item from his coat pocket. ”We also found this parchment. It appears to be a deed of ownership for a canal barge. Would you have any idea what Nilassa or Gale for that matter, would have wanted with a Danoran canal barge?”

Heward Sechim accepts the soiled rag and reviews it briefly, looking at its consistency and smelling it with some distaste. ”Hmm. To me there seem to be two different kinds of oil on this rag, but this dark-stained substance does remind me of those men I had the misfortune of meeting twice earlier. At least in the smell.” Heward inspects it further. ”It’s odd, like heavier oil or grease to coat crankshafts of machine engines, but there’s something else odd about the color here, as if it was burnt, and with a viscosity that doesn't seem quite right.” He nods and returns the rag back to Emerson, saying, ”I would assume you have alchemical laboratories and the like for analyzing this substance, but if that was an issue I would gladly do so myself with my own laboratory downstairs, though it could take a day or two to get accurate results.”

”As for the barge canal and the Danorans…well I’m afraid there’s nothing sinister or uncommon about the lake barges. Many factories own barges to ply materials across Parity Lake and the Stanfield Canal that connects us to Flint Bay and either the commercial docks at Bosum Strand or the government’s shipyards at Central. Some entrepreneurs even specialize in that trade for those like me who don’t own them myself. It is also known the Danorans have invested in such activities themselves here in Flint, just as they have ownership stake or investment in several of the factories in Parity, more so after the King’s announcement at the beginning of the year.” He frowns as he thinks about Emerson’s question. ”Nilasa would have no need of such a deed that I can think of. Neither would Gale, though I don’t pretend to understand her reasoning for many things that she truly does.”

The middle-aged nephew of Skyseer Nevard Sechim seems somewhat fatigued, rubbing his eyes and returning to his desk to sit down before the now-returned seven constables in the room. It seems he notes a difference of opinion between Jesselle and Fethryth, looking back-and-forth between them, along with a glance towards Willem who returned from Nilasa’s room. Their conversation is briefly interrupted, however, by a female supervisor in a heavy smock with a full mask in her hand, who respectfully excuses herself to the constables and relates to Heward that he is needed to approve the shift’s final batch mixtures before they commence the distillation process. The master alchemist and factory owner smiles tiredly and lets her know he’ll be downstairs soon, with instructions to begin cleaning some holding tanks before the afternoon shift begins soon. The supervisor nods and leaves, leaving them alone once again in the main offices.

”If you do gain a meeting with Gale, constable, I’d suggest you not do anything rash, duty or no.” As far as Fethryth can discern, Heward is speaking the earnest and unvarnished truth, such as he knows it. ”I do not know Gale myself, nor has she ever contacted me. I disagree with many of her extreme acts of sabotage and violence…and her recruitment of eager youth like Nilasa to her extremist cause will only lead to more senseless deaths.”

”Yet I understand the sentiments of those who follow her willingly, to a degree. In my youth I was angry and felt much like Nilasa did I suppose, revering the Old Faith and wanting to stop the injustices to my friends.” Heward smiles wryly. ”As I got older, realized I had no talents as my famed uncle, and became educated at Pardwright, I discovered my talent for equations and alchemy and became obsessed with methods of arcanotechnology, to deliver a new future in discoveries and inventions that could lead to real prosperity. You see, I’ve been on both sides of the debate, gotten into my fair share of trouble. I’ve come to realize each side – traditionalists and industrialists – have valid points and have a stake in Risur’s future. My Uncle Nevard encouraged me to find a way to bridge the divide…and I have done as best as I can here to show a balanced way.”

Smiling at the thought of his uncle, the smile turns to a sad and almost wistful expression. ”My uncle is dying, constables. He has foreseen his own last journey to the Bleak, and it is close at hand. He wanted to see clearly once again above the soot and smog, perhaps for the last time, so that if there was something that could help the Risuri people he could do his part to tell them. Right now he is deep in the Cloudwood at a campsite near an ancient henge he always loved to visit by foot in his youth. The traditionalists up there both respect and protect him, including those you might call bandits. I can give you accurate directions to go up there and find him…nearly a half-day’s journey through rough roads and game trails, so I would not attempt it after midday unless you are prepared to camp and spend the night.” Heward shrugs his shoulders to Fethryth and Jesselle. ”Gale respects Uncle Nevard, that much I know. Perhaps he can arrange for you to meet with her, perhaps not. If you do gain a peaceful audience with her, I would like for her to know from me that the tragedy of Nilasa’s death should not be repeated…that Gale should relent on using youth in her plans which will just get them killed. Tell her that for me, should you ever talk with her.”

Knowldege Engineering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Emerson retrieves the rag from Sechim and returns it to the envelope before storing it again in his coat pocket along with the scrap of parchment. ”Thank you for the offer. If our people come up short we may take you up on your offer.”

Once the smocked woman leaves the room, Emerson begins again. ”If you please Mr. Sechim, two more questions and I think we may be on our way. What potentially destructive devices could one make with alkahest?”

He waits for the response and follows with ”And without giving anything away, what alchemical substances are you working on that you would consider ‘top secret’? It may help in putting all the pieces together to this mystery.”

” You see, I’ve been on both sides of the debate, gotten into my fair share of trouble. I’ve come to realize each side – traditionalists and industrialists – have valid points and have a stake in Risur’s future. My Uncle Nevard encouraged me to find a way to bridge the divide…and I have done as best as I can here to show a balanced way.”

If only more people saw that way. Tobias thinks to himself, wishing that Risur could find some sort of balance and that his fellow citizens would stop killing each other.

"Sounds like the best time to leave will be tomorrow morning. Since no one weighed in, I'll just go meet with Tia tonight, then I can bring Doctor von Recklinghausen file with us on the way to meet with the Skyseer. We can go over the information together and see what else we can piece together about all this."

Willem returns from searching Nilasa room, during a break in discussion, Willem interjects, "Constables, Mr Sechim, I did not find any evidence pertaining to Miss Hume's case. However more sets of eyes is better than one set."

Gemma looks to both Willem and Tobias, as well as the other constables present. "I think probably between both you and Anneca, there wouldn't be anything missed in Nilasa's room. And Tobias, between you and Emerson, you both are more familiar with the Thinking Man than the rest of us. I know I'll stick out like a sore thumb there, so the two of you would probably do well speaking with Tia this evening. It's probably a good idea that we all make our way back to headquarters to try and get some more information on that rag before we all set out again."

Gemma then looks to Heward. "I think Constables Wesmere and Teldanona will do very well with speaking with Gale and your uncle if, indeed, an audience can be granted. As for myself and Constables Muhnee and Summers, I think we may do best in trying to track down your strangers. We may need one of your people to help us with where they were last seen though."

She lets out a small sigh. "I have a significant concern for your safety though. I understand that you cannot leave your factory, nor probably would you, and I know there would be no question of your men protecting you. But there seems to be a lot of discord and hate on the streets here and Nilasa was quite insistent that your life would be in danger. I think it would be wise that we send a separate detail to help watch over the place, and you, in our absence."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Emerson takes Willem's hint and tries to see if he can find anything of interest in Nilasa's room. After a cursory examination, nothing seems to leap out at him.

"I think Constables Wesmere and Teldanona will do very well with speaking with Gale and your uncle if, indeed, an audience can be granted."

"Woah woah! I'm not missing out on an audience with Gale! Heward said we shouldn't leave until tomorrow, so I can meet with Tia tonight. If Emerson wants to go to the Thinking Man, that'll save me from having to split my leads too, but there's no way I'm not meeting with Gale."

Tobias, with his background in diplomacy and espionage can't think of any task better suited to him then meeting with one of Risur's biggest criminals at the moment and at least trying to come to some sort of common ground, or at least profiling her personality for the the R.H.C.

Emerson nods in agreement to Tobias' comments but simply follows it up with a smile. "Hey Tobias, I can be your wingman tonight. If anything I can simply sit with some of the regulars and be a second set of eyes and ears in case she is followed."

Fethryth pinches the bridge of her nose and grimaces. "Alright, alright. It's like triage; handle the gut-wound first, leave the sore throat for later. I won't tackle Gale and clap her in irons." 'But after tomorrow all bets are off' she thinks to herself. "There are important things I need to ask your Uncle so I'm not keen on upsetting him. I think I..have..to be there"

The constable sighs. "I can't go with you to The Thinking Man, I stand out too damn much. That leaves me with a free evening, and I think I'll spend it watching after you." She points at Heward. "Paranoia's part of the job description. We don't have to spend the evening baking cupcakes and braiding each other's hair, but I want to stick around until we get a trustworthy watch in place."

Jesslle looks to Gemma after a moment or two of thought and asks, "And should we encounter trouble, especially if we are more than a few minutes apart, would we be able to help one another?"

"I am not saying that attempting to investigate different paths would be more efficient, just trying to consider matters if they were not to go well as we would like them too."

'I also agree that the safety of Mr Sechim an issue for me as well. What Nilasa said is most worrying." She says with a nod.

Emerson retrieves the rag from Sechim and returns it to the envelope before storing it again in his coat pocket along with the scrap of parchment. ”Thank you for the offer. If our people come up short we may take you up on your offer.”

Once the smocked woman leaves the room, Emerson begins again. ”If you please Mr. Sechim, two more questions and I think we may be on our way. What potentially destructive devices could one make with alkahest?”

He waits for the response and follows with ”And without giving anything away, what alchemical substances are you working on that you would consider ‘top secret’? It may help in putting all the pieces together to this mystery.”

Heward smiles and waves his hand in acceptance as if the questions are no bother to him. "That is certainly fine to answer constable - though my formulas and processes are secret, the results of the products are neither secret nor sinister in nature. Alkahest is an alchemy term for a "universal solvent" as it were, but in truth my products are acids of various potency and consistency. Most are very strong and corrosive in nature - the Risuri Navy uses my acids to etch arcane runes into the hulls and superstructures of its metal-clad steamships like the Coaltongue...as you know there are two new warships like her being laid in the naval yards. The Army has been experimenting with clockwork constructs with their new arcanotechnology research division, so that has been a newer order of fulfillment. Oh, and Pemberton Industries of course has a standing contract with me." He says proudly, "I have the finest liquid acids and corrosive glazes in all of Risur."

Heward smiles to Fethryth then, saying, "You're stubborn I see. I think my uncle will like you. How about we compromise and you return later this evening at the shift's end, and I can have something prepared for dinner while you "guard" me and we can talk about my uncle if you'd like...also I could then write up a letter for you to give him on the morrow if that would be acceptable."

Looking to the clock in the office and noting the time, Heward says to them, "The shifts are soon to change and I will be very busy this afternoon with preparing a new set of batches for my next fulfillment to the Navy, so I can only offer my lounge up here if you really want to stay. I assure you, constables, that the lads and I can take care of things for now, but if you'd prefer to add a watch detail with your clout and resources, I have no objections." He points to the window outside and adds, "As you can see, half the Parity police not on duty are at the factories anyway, so it's not unheard of."

For Willem and the rest, nothing else seems amiss of of note in the upstairs floor of Heward's factory. When asked about the downstairs walled-off area, he relates that it is his own private laboratory where he works on experiments of new products and conducts his arcanotechnical research - he has it walled off so as to prevent any accidents or mishaps with his workers in the main workroom floor. Currently he is experimenting with creating an enchanted urn that raw materials can be poured into, and after time a finished acid product is created magically. The urn and a nearby forge are not completed however, so he keeps them away from the other workers - including the more curious child workers he has employed.

Heward writes up a brief set of instructions on where his uncle's camp is located in the Cloudwood, and marks it on a basic map of Flint and the surrounding environs for them as well. With a clamoring of workers now lining up to ask Heward questions about progress on the workroom floor, he excuses himself to attend to the business of his factory.

***********************************
In the R.H.C. Carriage (sitting outside Heward's Alkahest Factory)
Quarter-till one o’ clock

The seven of you are crammed in the enclosed carriage, with your driver Mavery covering his mouth with his scarf up above on the front driving bench, awaiting your orders...

prior clues collected so far
Danoran Consulate and nearby alleyway
House of Blue Birds

Willem looks at the crowd to see if anyone is watching the constables more than others. While doing that, he asks, "Where to now? Gale's since our immediate fresh trail has gone cold?"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Jesselle first looks to Fethryth, "If you are coming back here later, count me in."

Looking to the rest, "I am up for the Thinking Man. Might as well attempt to track down some more information before this evening."

"And for those that stay together, I have magics that may help so that we can stay in communication with each other." She describes the magics of the Message spell, its benefits and hindrances.

To Williem, "Thus far we have not even set up a possible meeting with Gale. We must first speak with Heward's Uncle in the Cloudwood to see if he would be willing. I know Fethryth is wanting to speak with the Skyseer and I did elude that I would be will to set up a meeting with Gale under her terms. Morning might be the best time to travel into the Cloudwater."

Though Willem is looking out the carriage window and paying particular attention to the various crowds protesting and opposing guards at the adjacent factories, he concludes there is scant attention being paid to them. Hoping that he might see some sign of someone sinister watching their movements of that of the relatively benign Heward's Alkahest & Etchings factory, he instead sees nothing of note in the smoggy gloom of Parity Lake.

A quick review of the map and instructions provided by Heward Sechim shows his uncle Nevard's Cloudwood encampment hours away (roughly in location of the miles measurement key on the Flint Map), with horses or carriages possible on the roads and trails assuming fair weather.

Gemma looks to Jesselle and Fethryn and mentions that she'd like to come back as well to look after Heward. Then she suddenly gets a look on her face as if she's just remembered something very important.

She calls out the window to the driver. "Wait just a moment, please!"

"Emerson, may I have the evidence bag that contains Nilasa's note?"

She takes the bag and quickly steps out of the carriage and disappears into Heward Sechim's factory.

Covering her mouth and nose with the crook of her elbow to avoid the fumes, she calls out for the factory owner. "Master Sechim? I have one more question. It should only take a moment."

As soon as Heward comes towards her, she shows him the note with the alchemical codes and measurements written on it.

"This was found on Miss Hume. It seems to be an order of sorts but we can't make anything of it. Would you be able to tell me what it is or who's initials those might be at the bottom? It may prove very helpful in our investigation."

"Hmm..." answers a now-gloved and goggled Heward Sechim on the main workroom floor as he takes the note and peruses it. Two other workers near a large mixing vat as tall as the first story of a building come over and offer a spare damp scarf and goggles to Gemma as she stands there; the pungent acrid fumes burn Gemma's eyes and throat as she is much closer to the factory's work that before.

"Thank you Wat, Mabes...always help the constables that keep our lands safe eh? Keepin' a good eye around you too - both of you are on the roll for the end-of-week at Thinking Man's, all right?"

Both workers nod and thank him with a respectful "Good Master Sechim" and give a gloved salute to Gemma before hustling back to their positions by the vat.

Heward returns his eyes to the paper, scrutinizing it a long moment before handing it back to her. "Silvo, Deorn Feldman, D.W....no I'm afraid I don't know any of the names or initials there, and aside from the factory piers there's really no "family" wharves here to speak of - I'd assume that's all in the districts around Flint Bay."

"As far as these items go...my my that's an expensive sum for whatever's here!" Heward looks closer at the listing and shakes his head at the sum of nearly two-and-a-half thousand crowns. "I don't know what these items are with any degree of certainty you understand, but I can at least tell you they aren't alchemical in nature. Rather, they seem to be herbal or medicinal. The measurements in drams is shared by alchemists and apothecaries alike, so my guess is this came from an apothecary's shop. That's about all I can gather from it."

Handing the script back to Gemma, Heward makes his polite farewells and returns back to a review of the nearby mixing processes, with Gemma returning the goggles and scarf back to the door guards she met earlier as she makes her way back to the carriage.

1 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Early Afternoon (two o’ clock)
Offices of Doctor Barnaby Camp, North Shore District, Flint City

Soon the R.H.C. carriage is rapidly rolling northward on the main streets of Parity Lake, their driver Mavery eager to be gone from the smog, soot, gloom and potential violence seething from the factory streets. They wind their way around the east side of the lake for a half-hour until reaching one of the main thoroughfares that tacks them northeast into the far edge of North Shore proper, the lightening of the gloomy sky and fleeting catches of salty air signaling to the constables that they are finally leaving Parity Lake behind them.

Soon enough, Mavery has them back on the main east-west boulevard of North Shore, rolling westward past large walled estate compounds, elegant shopping and dining plazas, manicured gardens and the fine splendor of Flint's elite moving about in carriages of their own, with the servants, couriers and laborers fortunate enough to serve them walking to-and-fro on various business. The playground of the elites and home to nearly all but the most wealthy who own plantation estates on the islands of the Ayres just offshore, it is said anything of idle pleasure or interest can be found here: jewelry and luxury goods, objects of art, the finest gambling houses and dance halls, the most exclusive social clubs for “lords” and “ladies” alike, exotic creatures from all over Lanjyr, and the most exclusive traders of magical and technological objects not devoted to the military or royalty. Not the mention the best tailors, chefs, doctors, healers, performers and other high-end artisans catering to even the most exquisite fashions and tastes on the leading edge of style. Of course, North Shore is known to have markets for the less approved but equally valuable commodities: the finest courtesans and “companions” of quality, the finest drugs and concoctions that black market money can buy...and rumor has it the choicest contract opportunities for saboteurs and assassins that money and power can afford, discretion nearly guaranteed. It is not lost upon the constables that burglary, extortion, murder, kidnapping, slavery and other illegal acts are part of the "trade" here in North Shore as surely as they are in Parity Lake, Pine Island or the Nettles - just that the stakes and the costs are higher, with a generally accepted notion to keep the "unpleasantness" discrete and underneath the glamor of the district's gilded veneer.

It takes Mavery some time to find the offices of Doctor Camp, but with the reference listed at the House of Blue Birds and a brief stop by the messenger and drivers pool just off the main boulevard for instructions, the constables soon come to a stop at a well-maintained two-story building just two blocks from the main road. The building is evidently devoted to new methods of surgical healing, and acts as a teaching academy of sorts for surgeons and chiurgeons both within Risur and beyond. Instructions to the place stated that Doctor Camp keeps permanent offices here and teaches at the academy often, though he does not live here.

With a white-coated servant coming over to help Mavery with watering the horses, the seven constables make their way into the building, the door opened for them by a burlier but respectful doorman at the front entrance. Within they are greeted by a businesslike reception clerk who quickly directs them to Doctor Camp’s office on the second floor, noting that he should be returning soon from morning teaching at the surgical theatre if he hasn’t done so already.

Once upstairs and at the door to his office, a respectful knock is received with a curt reply to enter. Inside there is both a formal office as well as separate sitting rooms and a cloakroom. Doctor Barnaby Camp is a portly, curly-haired man of somewhat past middle age, having gold-rimmed spectacles on while writing in some sort of ledger or journal; the doctor is dressed in fine garb befitting a doctor, with an embroidered white coat and silken kerchief tucked into a front pocket. ”Yes? Yes what is it…oh…” Doctor Camp seems curt and stern at most likely being disturbed, but is clearly surprised at the collection of R.H.C. constables coming into his offices. He sets his inkpen down and regards them with bushy eyebrows raised in surprise. ”My apologies, constables, as I thought you were the servant that is notoriously late with my request for tea and biscuits. I did not think to receive more unexpected visitors today…what may I be of assistance with in regards to the Constabulary?”

Carriage Ride on the Way Back

Gemma thanks Heward for his time and new information and assures him that one or more constables will be back later to "keep him company".

Once back at the carriage, she signals to the driver to get going while she talks to the other constables inside. She holds out the piece of paper all to see while she talks. "Glad I remembered this. It seems that this is a very expensive shopping list according to Master Sechim. He doesn't feel that it's alchemical in nature but more herbal or medicinal. Either way it adds up to almost two-and-a-half thousand crowns. He didn't recognize any of the names but said that "family" wharves, if that's what it's referring to, would be anything around Flint Bay. I think that's probably too much ground to cover unless any of you have some in's with locals in certain areas. Or if any of you know any apothecaries or doctor's. I know we need to follow up with the one. In the meantime, we may want to stop by headquarters so they can get that rag analyzed while we head back out."

She has a moment of hesitation though. "Emerson, maybe you can cut off a bit for us to hang on to, just in case? I'm not sure we want to give the whole thing up. And I'll copy down what's on this list."

On the ride back, Gemma will scribble down the note, word for word, onto another piece of paper before giving the original back to Emerson.

"At some point we may need to take a trip to the Parity Lake police station to follow up on Nilasa's arrest, too. I don't know how helpful they're going to be, but it's worth a shot."

Jesselle sits closely with a fellow constable on either side of her as the carraige rolls through the North Shore. she considers all that they have learned this day and is trying to put someone of the pieces together as best she can while lacking a lot of answers. She will ask questions of the others as she does so to refresh her memory on what they learned.

1 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Early Afternoon (two o’ clock)
Offices of Doctor Barnaby Camp, North Shore District, Flint City

"Good day Doctor Camp. I am Constable Wesmere and these are my colleagues," Jesselle lists off each of their names in introduction. "We are here today to ask you about one Doctor Wolfgang von Recklinghausen. You were listed as his primary contact. Would you please tell us if you know the man and what you can tell us about him?"

The woman smiles at the good Dr. Camp awaiting his answer...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

1 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Early Afternoon (two o’ clock)
Offices of Doctor Barnaby Camp, North Shore District, Flint City

Tobias moves up next to Jesselle with a broad smile and a tip of his hat.
"And, I'm curious about who your other unexpected visitors today were as well."

Seems to a phrase we're hearing a lot lately. More leads? Or the same leads?

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

1 Summer, 500 A.O.V. – Early Afternoon (two o’ clock)
Offices of Doctor Barnaby Camp, North Shore District, Flint City

As usual Fethryth hangs back and lets the others do the talking. She lets her gaze roam around the office, looking for anything that stands out to her as either a constable or a healer. It’s been awhile since she took medical class and she files away a mental note to look into taking one.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Though Jesselle's greeting and inquiry is polite and businesslike, she nevertheless catches the eye of the good doctor and her smile seems to win him over almost immediately; the added words of Tobias gains almost an immediate nod and recollection of something unpleasant, and with their friendly tone they get Barnabus Camp to open up easily.

"I believe I can answer both questions for you, constables, for your two inquiries are strangely related. Would you care for some tea Constable Wesmere? For any of you? The service is slow but they do make a fair enough tea downstairs."

Fethryth finds the premises of Doctor Camp interesting, though somewhat at odds from a traditionalist point-of-view. There is nothing here that suggests Doctor Camp has any study or belief in the Old Faith, and is clearly not a "healer" in the traditional sense. Her visual scrutiny suggests he is not an adherent to the views of The Clergy either. Seemingly, his talents lie exclusively in the modern and scientific, eschewing the holistic herbal remedies or faith-based healing. Such modern practices of the chiurgeon have been said to be common in Danor and Drakr, outlawed in Crisillyir and growing in both Risur and Ber...though even in the capital of Slate these modern methods were not much more than an elite curiosity. Aside from these revelations, however, nothing seems amiss or out of place for the good doctor - certainly he has money and is well-to-do, but the books and decorations that adorn his office seem more akin to the learned scholars of Central's Pardwright University and less about the gaudy frivolity of North Shore.

"You are not the first to ask me about Wolfgang von Recklinghausen today, though you are much more polite than the appointed of North Shore's policemen - I was going to send a letter to the station commander on the rudeness of their officer's behavior, an Officer Porter by name. Perhaps if you are going that way you would deliver that missive upon by behalf? No? Ah. A moment if you please."

Doctor Camp shrugs and pauses while a servant comes in with a tray of tea and biscuits, ordering the young man to return with more tea for his guests and to be quick about it. When the servant leaves, he takes a sip of his tea and continues. "Officer Porter interrupted my teaching seminar earlier this morning in fact. Quite rude, quite rude, but he was injured with a limp and seemed quite put out as if in some distress or pain - I offered to treat his injury for free in exchange for a live review of my class of journeymen surgeons, but he rudely refused me."

"Doctor Wolfgang von Recklinghausen is an acquaintance of mine of some years now, a doctor and chiurgeon of some distinction from Arrovia." Barnabus takes another sip of his tea and reflects upon the missing doctor. "I surmise that you have come by my name as Officer Porter did, from the House of Blue Birds. I did give reference for Wolfgang there, and met him for dinner at least twice in the past fortnight after he arrived here. In fact, he did give a brief teaching seminar a week ago at my behest - brilliant mind and with keen and steady hands as a surgeon, reminds me of a younger "me" I suppose! Some of his theorems are questionable admittedly, and he delves into some topics of vivisection that are not popular in the Risuri surgical community, but much of that comes from the dour circumstances found in Arrovia, and I will attest to you that he is a man of good character. His arrival here in fact was to leave behind his backwards homeland of Arrovia and seek passage to Ber, to expand the new modern methods there...Reo Pedresco if I am not mistaken."

Gemma politely takes a cup of tea and a biscuit as she looks around the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

She seems as if she's only barely listening to what the doctor is saying. However, with every word, she's trying to piece together all the clues they've gotten so far with any new information that he provides. It's disappointing that he's not more of an herbalist, but she feels they can find one easily enough to help with the list in evidence.

"Forgive me, Doctor Camp, but is there anything specific that you could tell us about Officer Porter...an accent or scar...anything really other than his surly nature? We were told he was equally rude at The House of the Blue Birds. Perhaps any particular thoughts about the wound? I know some skilled doctors can sometimes deduce the nature and severity of an injury within minutes of the patient walking through the door."

Jesselle nods and takes some offered tea, "Thank you Doctor."

The woman considers what the doctor has said before she asks several question, "Have you had any contact with Doctor von Recklinghausen since last night? Would you have any idea where he might go or be at present? Does he have any other friends or acquaintances that he might turn to?"

Tobias takes his hat off and shifts it between his hands as he thinks on the new information.

"Certainly no surprise to hear about Officer Porter again. Did the good Officer ask any questions that seem to stand out as particularly odd? Did Doctor von Recklinghausen have a particular interest or project he'd be working on when he reached Ber?"

Tobias frowns slightly as he asks about Ber, old family prejudices were sometimes hard to shake. "Ah, also what was his seminar about?"

"Forgive me, Doctor Camp, but is there anything specific that you could tell us about Officer Porter...an accent or scar...anything really other than his surly nature? We were told he was equally rude at The House of the Blue Birds. Perhaps any particular thoughts about the wound? I know some skilled doctors can sometimes deduce the nature and severity of an injury within minutes of the patient walking through the door."

Though Doctor Camp does not respond to Constable Atherton with as much enthusiasm as the questions Jesselle and Tobias ask of him, he nods at the keen insight to her questions. "It is true that I have skilled discernment of such observations, constable. After all, I did my part as many of my colleagues in triaging the wounded during the last war. I noticed Officer Porter was injured almost immediately - both with a limp in his right leg as well as a bandaged area around his middle. Oddly, the bandages looked freshly applied, yet there was no blood that would be the obvious product of a fresh wound. He was, I think, in some degree of pain, which influenced his rude behavior. He had an odd smell about him as well. Otherwise, I could not describe any remarkable features about the man - I would like to relate more to you, but as I stated he did not tarry after his battery of questions about Wolfgang."

Jesselle nods and takes some offered tea, "Thank you Doctor."

The woman considers what the doctor has said before she asks several question, "Have you had any contact with Doctor von Recklinghausen since last night? Would you have any idea where he might go or be at present? Does he have any other friends or acquaintances that he might turn to?"

"Ah, well our last dinner meeting was about a week ago and not last night. It was most routine, and he told me he expected for the Danoran consulate to gain his formal entry to Ber within a fortnight. You see, Arrovia of the Malice Lands does not have a consulate here in Risur, but their standing relations with Danor allows for actions upon their behalf. I wish I could tell you more, Constable Wesmere. Truly I do, though I must again insist that Wolfgang von Recklinghausen is a principled man of well-meaning intentions, not to mention possessing a keen intellect and sound faculties. I do not know what...troubles...he has become involved in, but I would ask that you treat him fairly and respectfully if you should find him." Barnaby takes a sip of his tea, sighs, and then continues. "Now then. I do not know of his current whereabouts, and he has not contacted me recently. He was married in Arrovia, but I believe that relationship ended on poor terms prior to traveling to Risur. I seem to recall he may have had another acquaintance here in Flint, but Wolfgang is a rather private fellow and did not relate details to me. A woman of education though would be my best guess."

Looking to Jesselle and then the rest of the constables in his office, Doctor Camp takes another sip of tea and says, "I suppose you won't tell me what this is all about? Even so, I have no interest in keeping matters from the R.H.C. - if Wolfgang contacts me I shall send word to you."

Zeitgeist Act One: Portents of a Starry Sky
Discussion (OOC) Chat

Welcome to Zeitgeist!

Invited Players
* Isaac Duplechain
* Celeador
* Sigz
* Cromlich
* SpaceCat72

Player selection as you know was closed to recruitment, so this Discussion Tab (OOC) represents the first area to formally start up our new campaign. The purpose over the next week or so is to get all characters worked out and materialized into fully realized aliases for the players on the Paizo boards, including full stat blocks, backgrounds/history/personalities, starting gear, etc. Once all player characters are up and running (or mostly there), I’ll start up the Gameplay (IC) Tab with a prologue to set the tone, and then drop all of you in the R.H.C. where you’ll be able to pick one of three areas to interact with NPC’s and each other prior to the first mission.

Please use this tab to…uhhh….say hello to me and to each other…and work out anything you need to with your characters in an OOC context, as well as ask me or the group any questions you have on your mind. An upcoming post here will put out some Zeitgeist-specific details on character building, including some of the uniqueness of gear in a Zeitgeist setting, firearms, character wealth-by-level as a “salary” model and such. More on that soon. In the meantime, refer to my DM_Vord profile for general character creation rules I prefer to use.

Some Starting Material Links
Vord’s Zeitgeist Google Drive (for the sharing of documents needed in the campaign)
Vord’s Zeitgeist Picture Gallery (for pictures of notable persons as well as news articles you may see from time to time)
Zeitgeist Extended Player’s Guide to Download!

Chaotic Shiny Fantasy Language Converter Site (great site for quick blah blah language – several types so if you use one, perhaps OOC everyone what you’re using for a specific language for consistency).
Risus Monkey Fantasy Language Converter Site (my favorite for Elvish-looking text which I recommend highly – unlike Chaotic Shiny it only has the one language type).

As we have at least one of us new to PbP on the Paizo boards (and its never bad for all of us to have a refresher to refer to), here is a quick summary on the way to post in the game.

I’ve put down some thoughts on the “spirit of posting” for the players to consider, which I believe good players follow (and which I’ve seen in other games). Sort of a posting etiquette set of pointers. Because of the nature of PbP and the fact that posts cannot be edited after the one-hour mark, it’s important to post in a way that doesn’t cut off other players’ actions or limit how they would respond, or otherwise confuse the way the story reads for everyone. PbP takes a little getting used to with a new group, but follow these guidelines and you’ll be fine.

Okay, enough talky-talk! Next post from me in OOC here will be on some Zeitgeist-specific character creation elements. Think about what you want to be and do in this intriguing campaign world!

Okay, on to the Zeitgeist specifics of character creation...

Each of you who have been invited to this game have already spoken with me in a general sense of what you want to play. So far so good, but now it's time to get the characters created and where we all can see them. Part of this will include a need for the players to understand what each character "brings to the table" in terms of a general role, their Zeitgeist-specific Theme Feat and their skills. Zeitgeist is as much of a skill-intensive game in terms of challenges as it is with combat challenges, so serious gaps in skills could be disastrous for the party as a whole. Once characters start getting developed, I encourage for the players to post here on any perceived skill gaps and just making sure all of the bases are covered.

Note: Not all the Zeitgeist-specific theme feats need to be covered. It's not a good idea for only two to be represented either, but more than one character can take the same feat if that truly represents their character concept.

*****************************
Character Creation Parameters
This also shows up on the DM Vord profile tab, but I've included it here for easy reference:

I think everyone for the game are used to the concept of hero points, but here are the specifics if you're hazy on the particulars.

In addition to the nuts-and-bolts character creation aspects, I want for each player to run their character through the "Ten-Minute Background" process and add this to their character profile. This is an excellent way to focus your mind on very solid background elements, as it gives you a good working framework to start from. Use your Zeitgeist Character Guide to come up with ideas -- anything you want to run by me here in OOC or via PM is welcomed, including any assistance in helping to fit a Zeitgeist element to a background element you have in mind.

Dot

found ya :)

Jolly good!

Howdy!

Ping

Reporting for Duty

Great to see you all!

At this point I'd like for everyone to get going on your character creation (if you haven't already), with at least the avatar created with character name by this weekend -- by the end of the weekend I should be able to start up the Gameplay Tab with a proper intro and then a starting scene for you to interact and post in. We don't need for characters to be 100% complete with all crunch and fluff by this weekend - I will probably devote the first week to you interacting with NPC's (and potentially each other) in the RHC with no skill checks or combat going on.

Please review the 2nd post above for some Zeitgeist campaign specifics on character creation, starting wealth/gear and the 10-minute background requirements. Post here or PM me for any questions you need answered on character creation specifics.

Also, it would be a good idea to start talking about skill coverage between your characters, as a gap could pose a significant issue for you. I've heard at least 2-3 of you will have CHA-keystat characters, 1-2 of you will have INT-keystat characters, and then a primary martial type. In terms of Zeitgeist Theme Feats, I know at least 2 of you are going for "Man With Two Guns is God" theme and 1 for the "Martial Scientist" theme, but would like to see posted here what all five of you are choosing - again the Theme Feats do not all have to be unique to each character, but your group can gain advantages in the storyline if you have more of these represented. Your choice of course.

Francis is one of those int-keystat characters, an investigator with 18 int and 15 skill points.

I'm open to shifting around most any of the skill points but there are a few skills that he can't do with out, namely craft(alchemy), craft(weapons), profession(blacksmith), knowledge(engineering) and spellcraft, for his concept as a scientist/gunsmith/crafterish type to make sense.

He's got the man with two guns is god feat and aiming for mad shootist.

Going to be primarily a Gunslinger (Mysterious Stranger) but due to story background will start off life as an Oracle (Life). High CHA will give me Bluff and Intimidate of +5 and Diplomacy of +8. Will also have a Survival of +4.

Also going with the man with two guns feat but not going to worry about the mad shootist.

I'll have my stat block up later this weekend.

Maybe I should have a gun as well. Everybody else is doing it!

Maybe I should have a gun as well. Everybody else is doing it!

It's a bit of a bite of your starting wealth at first level, but with firearms 25% of cost it is possible. Pistol would probably be the most cost-effective choice (giving you the greatest "bang" for the buck...err gold piece...).

The way I see it in game so far is that firearms are common, but most typical actions would be a fire-and-toss or swap to melee, due to the action of reloading (and AoO taken if doing so in a threatened square).

Flavor-wise you'll probably see more firearms in Flint and Slate, and more "traditional" ranged weapons of crossbows and bows in the other towns of Bole, Shale and the villages/rural areas.

oh yeah! Guns galore!

So perhaps I should dust off Rhegalion as my character.

A nice contrast to Francis build wise, the spiritualist vs. the materialist.

Certainly fine if you want to run Rhegalion for this alternate timeline of sorts. The extended players guide has it's own race reference for deva in place of aasimar that you'd need to convert over. Assuming that also means the theme feat is the spirit medium?

Knowing what Cromlich has in mind, if you do go with Rhegalion it will create a very interesting dynamic between the pair!

So it appears I'm your martial girl! A Martial Scientist to be exact.
STR 16, INT 14 with 12 skill points
HP 12
And even though she can use a gun, her sabre is her preferred weapon.

Treatise on Select Races of Lanjyr, Part I: Beran Races
DM Note: Delving into some of the races not explicitly defined in the Zeitgeist Player's Guide, to better define what each race contributes to the Zeitgeist world.

Orcs: Orcs as a race are concentrated in Ber in the last two millenia, but some archeologists debate that orcs had a once larger range with tribes and clans, stretching into present-day Risur and even to Danor and beyond - though both Danorans and Crissillyiri historians hotly contest this (perhaps one of the few points of agreement between those nations). Whatever their origins, they are a proud and fierce race that prizes physical prowess mixed with traditions of honor and loyalty. Their detractors proclaim them barbaric, bloodthirsty and warlike, but reasonable historians note that their efforts in war were due to the Dragon Kings and not from any inherent desire for blood and destruction. Orcs are known to keep their oaths when given, though they are not given lightly. They respect strength and skills in battle, though orcs have a shamanistic tradition with wise ones and elders who practice traditional magics. As such on the whole they are not keen for technology, as they see it as detracting from the virtues of martial prowess. Orcs make capable and effective mercenaries, for their agreements are rarely broken unless duped or crossed. They get along with goblins quite well.

DM Note: Think of Orcs not like those of Golarion, Greyhawk or Middle-Earth, but more like Klingons or those of the Elder Scrolls universe.

Goblins: Goblins have been around as long as orcs, though evidence of their origins is unknown. While they can fight they prefer not to, engaged more in exercises of planning, trading and crafting than pursuits of war. Goblins get along well with orcs, their insight into more learned trades and arcane pursuits surprisingly pair well with them, shoring up what they traditionally lack. Economics and trade, arcane lore and alchemical study, law and contracts are their main pursuits. It should be noted in modern-day Ber that while legal systems were sought from the established empire of Crisillyir, it was goblins that successfully adapted the laws and processes to Beran society, forming much of its modern-day bureaucracy. Unlike their orcish allies they do not shun technology nearly as much, but prefer their own inventions and innovations of arcane and alchemical prowess over Danoran and Drakran imports.

DM Note: Think of Goblins like those of the world of Harry Potter but without Gringotts. They have no relationship to the Golarion version.

Minotaurs: It is said the origins of the minotaurs stem from the Dragon Kings in ancient times, the first such race magically created and bred to act as warriors of past dragon tyrants now lost to obscurity. Whatever their origins, minotaurs are the lore-keepers, bards and diplomats of the former realms of the Dragon Kings. While they have gone down in their histories as some of the most powerful warriors of renown, minotaurs are slow to anger and judgments, seen as wise and fair. It is not a coincidence that Le Roye Bruse, an orc and the first true king of Ber after the fall of the Dragon Kings, named a minotaur as his successor - indeed without the minotaur bards advising him in his rule Ber would never have been united. Minotaurs treasure academia and learning for all the Beran peoples, leading the Panoply movement there.

Gnolls: The second of the magically created and bred races of dragon tyrants, gnolls are the most primal and warlike of any that still exist today. They are aggressive, barbaric and xenophobic to all except those linked to draconic bloodlines - basically most unfounded rumors as to the disposition of orcs actually are true when it comes to the gnolls. Not many gnolls are seen outside of Ber...and even within Ber they are insular and stay largely confined to the southern coasts in their tribal structures. Some say they hold onto a zealot-like hope that the Dragon Kings will return to raise them above the lesser races that "abandoned" the cause of war and domination against enemies real or imagined. Some gnolls escape this tribal life and actually are "reformed" in the cities of Ber, welcomed (for the most part) by the more civilized races of Ber, but these gnolls are the exception to the norm.

Lizardfolk and Kobolds: The third and fourth of the magically created races of the dragon tyrants, the efforts of the Dragon Kings to breed races for servitude after their own desires became more refined and specialized. As such the lizardfolk and kobolds saw themselves as “superior” to orcs and goblins, having been bred to take their places in some dragon realms for their bred loyalty. Lizardfolk value martial prowess and the ways of war much as orcs do, though with a unique flair to fight in terrains that orcs were not as accustomed to doing – the waters, swamps and grasslands of their enemies (both in Ber and in neighboring Risur). Kobolds were created and bred to fight underground in areas the lizardfolk had trouble in, but also acted as scouts and skirmishers for tyrant armies, as well as effective miners of the vast mines plundered for dragon hordes. When the last Dragon Kings were slain two centuries ago, the lizardfolk and kobolds were “toppled” from their previously superior caste levels by the other races, giving them great bitterness and shame over their fall from grace in the old ways. As such, lizardfolk often seek ways to show their value and worth, aspiring to glory and victory over other races as validation of their “superior” heritage. Kobolds are less conspicuous about it – many were destroyed in the aftermath of the Dragon Kings’ fall, with many of the rest going into hiding deep underground or maintaining small enclaves in desolate lands few other Berans cared to occupy.

Giants and Half-Giants: Giants and half-giants are an old and original race lost to antiquity, though rare to find except in mountainous areas of Ber and Drakyr where they hold enclaves. Seen as potential rivals by the dragons, they were hunted and enslaved by the dragon tyrants, forced to labor and build mighty works for them, or power siege weapons of war in their armies. In the times since the fall of the Dragon Kings, most giants want little to do with the other races and lands, preferring to stay insular and adhere to their traditional ways of worship – with some exception to the lure of crafting metal and stone or building notable works that stand the test of time. They have little interest in the politics and “progress” of modern-day Ber, preferring to be left alone in peace.

DM Note: I see these giants of Lanjyr more as Ogiers from the Wheel of Time series.

"Dragonborn" The ultimate representation of the Dragon Kings’ breeding programs, dragonborn actually are infused with dragon blood and dragon ancestry, even if diluted. If the lizardfolk considered themselves superior to the orcs and other older races by virtue of their artificial heritage, the dragonborn were considered the pinnacle of the dragon’s caste system. They were often raised to prominent positions of power and authority in the Dragon King courts, leaders of the armies and direct diplomats allowed to pass between dragon domains. After the fall of the Dragon Kings two centuries ago, most dragonborn were wiped out in acts of vengeance by the other Beran races, while some attempted to carve out their own empires and realms as the dragons once did – typically ending in defeat and disaster for themselves and their families. Those few that remained openly renounced their draconic allegiances and actively worked to establish a new beginning for their race, in the interests of averting extinction of their bloodlines altogether – further hampered by relatively low birthrates amongst their kind. This and an above-average intelligence has made them quite pragmatic in their outlook of the modern-day society.

DM Note: Dragonborn would be similar to the draconians of the old Dragonlance sagas in appearance, though without the inherit “Tiamat evil” of their corrupted Dragonlance ilk.

Treatise on Select Races of Lanjyr, Part II: Risuri Races
DM Note: Delving into some of the races not explicitly defined in the Zeitgeist Player's Guide, to better define what each race contributes to the Zeitgeist world.

Halflings: The “race” of halflings are unheard of prior to two millennia ago, for they could truly be considered a cursed race. Legend has it that two hundred years before the rise of King Kelland, another great warrior-leader of humanity rose up to challenge the Fey Titans and the Unseen Court. Sadly that attempt to wrest freedom and destiny from the fey and their elven taskmasters failed – in retaliation the humans who fought against the might of the Unseen Court were altered to what a halfling resembles today, forced into the most humiliating and cruel aspects of servitude as a lesson to any other “upstart” humans who would dare try to challenge them. That challenge was successful in the form of King Kelland two hundred years later and the halflings were released from bondage, yet the tragic lesson of that curse remains with them.

Halflings can be generalized into two main philosophies. One group of “traditionalist” halflings are centered in the lands around the Risuri city of Bole, compliant and respectful of the Old Faith and all fey customs and traditions. They have “learned the lesson” of their disrespectful ancestors and do not desire any further retribution from the fey, living a traditional and pastoral life and adhering to the druidic ways of the skyseers and Old Faith wisdoms. The other group of halflings have broken from tradition and seek to overcome their “curse” of long ago, despising what the fey have done to them and always looking for ways to prove they have not been beaten or cowed into submission by the ages-old act. Enclaves of halflings have migrated to the other cities of Risur as a result, often embracing values of progress and tangible gain, with elements of anger and defiance inherit in their world-view. To say that the second group of halflings have something to prove (to themselves and over other people) is an understatement.

Gnomes: The race of gnomes was largely unheard of in Lanjyr prior to the time of King Kelland, circa 1700 B.O.V. Like the elves and their eladrin kin, the gnomes are clearly descended from the fey…and once lived beyond this world in the lands of the Dreaming where the Unseen Court resides. The exact reasons are lost to time, but the gnomes of the Dreaming actively aided King Kelland in his bid to wrest control of the land away from fey dominion, and for that they were exiled by the Unseen Court. Seen as traitors of their fey heritage, gnomes found they could not “fey step” as they once could and lost most other powers stemming from the magic of the Dreaming. This sacrifice was not lost upon King Kelland who granted them lands and openly supported their settlements as much as possible, yet this did not remove the great collective ache upon the gnomes who could never return home again. Over the millennia the gnomes have come to accept this fact, the fey of the Dreaming still treating them with contempt and ire (including the death of any gnome that would somehow try to reach the Dreaming), yet cases still arise where gnomes tire of this world and fall into despair, oftentimes committing suicide not long after or dying from a lack of will to live. As such, many gnomes strive to find something engaging and worthwhile to pursue in their lives, seeking adventure and experiences to lessen the ache of their misfortunes. This gives gnomes a somewhat manic and energetic demeanor in their pursuits, and also encourages them to eschew old traditions and values in an effort to find the new invention, philosophy or discovery.

Elves “Common” or “Wood”: Common elves are not of the stock of the eladrin, being much more folksy and rural than their eladrin kin of the once-mightly Elfaivar Empire. They were considered “lesser” to the eladrin if not by the fey themselves, and served mostly as scouts, skirmishers and servants to the eladrin – though never were they enslaved by them as had been done to humans and other humanoid races. Known as “wood elves” in areas around Bole and the wildlands, their reaction to the rise of King Kelland was mixed, with common elves mostly passively siding with the fey with some notable exceptions. It is said that the final truce and lasting peace between the Unseen Court and King Kelland would never have happened had it not been for the common elves bridging the gap of communication between them. Whatever the true history, the common elves of Risur were granted acceptance and peace by both fey and human after the founding, helping to communicate the requirements of ritual and offerings to the human communities by the fey. Yet the common elves had their own tragedies in the era of the Great Malice and the fall of the Empire of Elfaivar, losing a small number of their own elvish females from the sudden event. In the five centuries afterwards the common elves have become more and more reclusive in Risur, hiding from onslaughts by other races for elvish “breeding stock” and others leaving Risur to bolster surviving pockets of eladrin survivors in the old homelands of former Elfaivar. Some elves do break from their enclaves and come to see the changes of the world in the larger cities, but most find the urban setting discomforting to them – Flint particularly disrupts elvish sensibilities with the connection to the fey stamped out by so-called progress.

Various Types of Steel and Coinage

Steel: For the most part, steel and iron are of the common variety that is expected in nearly all the nations and city-states of Lanjyr. Yet there are some specialized differences which have earned popular reputations in the world – due to perceived superior quality or special aspects to the steel that mark it different from the norm. The majority of this is aesthetic in nature, though it may add a slight markup to prices – mostly it is used to denote popularity or describe a commonly held belief on its value.

* Risuri “sheensteel” Steel: Iron mined from the eastern Anthras Mountains south of Bole has an especially sparkling or glittering quality to it, as if flecked with brighter metallic ore. When smelted into steel it can be given a highly polished sheen, almost mirror-like in appearance. It is said this is a “gift” or blessing of the fey of the Unseen Court after the pact with King Kelland in the first days, and the ore is fey-touched there. Whatever the reason, weapons made with “sheensteel” can act as rudimentary mirrors, and have been popular with higher-end (masterwork) shields, plate armor, swords and other bladed weapons. Songs and tales speak of Risuri battles where the blades and shields of kings and great heroes reflected the fear of their foes back upon them to see…and in one case a terrible fey-inspired beast whose gaze could kill at a glance was rebounded back upon itself from the hero’s sheensteel greatsword.

Price for sheensteel weapons or armor are typically 10% above normal value.

* Crisillyiri “brightsteel” Steel: Iron mined in the Penance Peaks or mountains and deserts of Crisillyir bear no inherent special qualities, but the weaponsmiths of the Clergy developed a technique for steelmaking that was deemed proper and holy, claiming to catch and shine the light of purity in its enchanted weapons that help to ward off the darkness. The smelting process – blessed by the Clergy - gives these steel weapons a slightly metallic hue of gold to bronze, though it is clear to the observer that it is still a steel object and not of another type of metal. The metallic hue of brightsteel is fashionable (if gaudy) in Crissillyir and can be seen in soldiers’ spears and officers’ breastplates, but bears no true advantage except when a weapon is enchanted or a light spell is cast upon a brightsteel object; in that case the illumination radius is increased by an additional five-foot radius (25’ radius instead of 20’) over normal distances.

Price for brightsteel weapons or armor are typically 10% above normal value.

* Drakran Steel: Iron mined in the Shawl Mountains is said to be the finest in all of Lanjyr, and the Drakran dwarves have perfected the smelting process with a secret recipe of carbon, making Drakran Steel the “best” and strongest steel in existence. Drakran steel takes on a dull black hue like coal or obsidian, making it distinct and easy to recognize. Some say the dwarves infuse their steel with adamantine skymetal though this is denied by them…and the price of their steel does not reflect that as a reality. Weapons and armor made from Drakran steel add +10% to both hardness and object hit point values (min. 1 point).

Price for Drakan steel weapons are typically 20% above normal value.

Mithril or “feysteel”: Mithril is also known as “feysteel” in Lanjyr, and its appearance is only possible as a result of the fey and the realm of the Dreaming. Whatever its origins (some say it is originally just steel or silver ore transmuted by fey rituals), mithril is made by fey or eladrin rituals in the lands of the Dreaming which give it form, and is not found within the earth. As such it is very rare, though with the fall of Elfaivar the claiming of mithril weapons and armor was possible; also the fey themselves sometimes offer mithril to those they deem worthy or who please them in some way.

Adamantine or “skymetal”: Adamantine is known as “skymetal” in Lanjyr, and is said to truly be rocks and metals that fall from the heavens. Though it has a distinctive glossy black appearance with flecks of metallic color in the right light, the skymetal is given its final form by a secretive process known only to the Drakran dwarves in Mirsk and the Shawl Mountains. Without Drakran smelting rituals, adamantine cannot be realized. Therefore caches of skymetal found in Lanjyr are often sold to Drakran merchants…or brought to Drakr directly to engage in an arrangement to have it smelted and forged to a desired form – something the dwarves will often do for those that truly found the skymetal in the first place.

Other Special Materials: Available in select areas of Lanjyr which they are known for.

* Darkwood is found in secluded forest areas (typically fey-patrolled) of eastern Risur. Larger caches exist in the wild forestlands throughout Elfaivar. More recently a cache of some note was discovered in the forests bordering the Penance Peaks northeast of the city-state of Nalaam.

* Cold Iron is more of a process and not a distinctive ore, but it should be noted it has been formally banned in Risur since the pact with King Kelland. While it has been forged upon occasion in Risur, it is not officially sanctioned and would most certainly draw the wrath of the Unseen Court if discovered. Rumor has it that attempts to enchant cold iron are automatically known by the fey (inviting an immediate and lethal response) unless significant rituals are employed to obscure it. Most cold iron comes from Crisillyir, who employed it against the demonocracy from the first days of Triegenes and whose Clergy still use it openly to ward off fey and other enemies of the theocracy.

* Dragonhide is known in Risur by great armor-crafters of the kingdom, due to the chronic struggles against the Dragon Kings up until two centuries ago. Berans also learned to master the crafting of dragonhide into armor, though it is a skill that has diminished over the decades. It was said that Le Roye Bruse had the finest full plate made of dragonhide upon his coronation as the King of Ber, with knowledge gleaned from Risuri armorsmiths from the days of King Boyle.

Coinage Names of Risur:
Platinum Pacts (named from the pact of King Kelland with the Unseen Court)
Gold Crowns
Silver Shills
Copper Pence

Coinage Names of Danor:
Platinum Octians (octagon shaped coin)
Gold Hexigans or “hexes” (hexagon shaped coin)
Silver Quadrans or “quads” (square shaped coin)
Copper Trigans or “bits” (triangular shaped coin)

Coinage Names of Crissillyir:
Platinum Centios
Gold Decios or “decks”
Silver Primos or “primes”
Copper Hooks (named from the Hook of Triegenes)

Coinage Names of Drakr:
Platinum Keeps
Gold Towers
Silver Spires
Copper Picks

Next up -- NPC's of the R.H.C. - other constables you will know and have worked with in your time there. Some may be friends while others may be rivals, or both!

We will start the game in the beginning of the year 500 A.O.V. during Spring - it will be assumed that each of your characters were inducted into the R.H.C. in the late Fall of 499 A.O.V., and then had the equivalent of three month's time (or all of Winter 499 A.O.V.) to perform first assignments and duties...and undergo more training and instruction. Prior to that it probably took the equivalent of 2-3 months (near to all of Fall 499 A.O.V.) to train and be evaluated by the R.H.C. before passing your tests and being accepted. So up to half the prior year was devoted to R.H.C. efforts, but your characters have only been constables for a full season.

Outside of the R.H.C. you are known as "Constables" and fully respected as such, regardless of seniority (besides the top leadership tier of Inspectors, there are no publicly displayed ranks to outsiders). Inside the R.H.C. however you are considered "Associate Constables" as the junior-most informal rank - another word for rookies essentially. Including your characters, there are about twenty active constables (agents) in the Flint branch of the R.H.C., with a larger support staff of guards, researchers, scribes, legal scholars, etc. who support the R.H.C. and its grounds. Flint is not the only location of the R.H.C. - Slate is the largest and houses those constables of the highest prestige and most prominent accomplishments, including those that serve as the King's bodyguards. Bole and Shale also have R.H.C. presences but they are much smaller to the other two cities.

So the NPC's are coming next. Anything else that I can post here to clarify or expand on what you need as you work out your characters in the Zeitgeist world?

How about half-orcs and half-elves?

How about half-orcs and half-elves?

I would say while half-orcs and half-elves are uncommon, they are not a rare or near-unique case in Risur. In fact, Risur would have more half-orcs and half-elves overall than any other nation in Lanjyr.

Half-Orcs have come to Risur largely by the mingling of orcs and humans in the centuries preceding the current unified Kingdom of Ber - raids and wars across the mountainous borders during the days of the Dragon Kings led to odd occurrences of prisoner-of-war orcs in Risur, or enslaved humans in Ber, with circumstances leading to odd pairings and children. Some orcs would have even sought status as refugees if their tribe or clans was wiped out from the factional wars between dragon tyrants or clan feuds. In the last forty years since the unification of Ber under Le Roye Bruse these conflicts largely ended, but by then the presence of orcs and half-orcs in Risur was grudgingly accepted (even if discrimination and negative sterotypes persisted). Interestingly, it is much more rare for half-orcs to find acceptance in Ber than it is in Risur these days - with slavery ended in the last forty years, many descendants of enslaved humans were repatriated into Risur, with few remaining in Ber.

Half-Elves are 99% the offspring between "common" or wood elves and humans, the largest concentration of which are in Bole and the eastern forested wildlands. Wood elves have never had the xenophobic characteristics of the eladrin, being more influenced by fey-like whimsy and curiosity. What is unusual is for half-elves to be raised in wood elf enclave - mostly the children would be "delivered" back to a human community if such a choice exists. In the last two millennia the traditions which govern the relationship between fey and human allowed for more acceptance of half-elves in Risur...provided half-elves adopt human practices and cultural norms. Some of this tolerance has been eroded in the Flint area in the last forty years, due to the conflict between technology and traditional values - Flinters often see half-elves as automatically sympathizing with terrorists of the Cloudwood and Gale Soliogn.

Working on NPC's and should have those done and posted tonight - this should help to give you a good sense of your bosses, fellow constables and support staff in the Flint R.H.C. branch - whether friends or rivals are up to you. I'm hoping to flesh out the R.H.C. as the center of your character's interactions, as you will start nearly every morning there while in Flint.

It's taken me longer to read and absorb a lot of the Zeitgeist material and construct those story elements which I think will make the game immersive for you, so my apologies for the extra week's delay. After the NPC's are posted, I will be writing the gameplay intro and then constructing the initial scene from which you will be able to choose and interact with various R.H.C. NPC's.

Immersive games are worth it.

NOTABLE NPC's OF FLINT R.H.C.
The Inspectors
* Lady (Chief) Inspectress Margaret Saxby, Human Female (Fighter-free hand fighter/Rogue-investigator/Duelist): A former superstar investigator who cracked many famous cases in her time, Saxby was promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector and transferred to take over Flint operations a decade ago as its Director. Lady Saxby was a darling of the public when she married a much younger veteran knighted during the Fourth Yerasol War. People say the marriage was meant simply to improve her standing, and Lady Saxby’s fierce emphasis that she be the face of the RHC is well known among constables. She often views associate constables with disdain until they have proven themselves after a few years.
* Assistant Chief Inspector Stover Delft, Human Male (Investigator): A local Flinter in his early 40s, Delft is your direct superior. Generally good-natured to his subordinates, he has a penchant for grousing about people behind their backs. A much better manager than investigator, Delft has advanced this far in the Constabulary by finding good agents, supporting them on difficult missions, and sharing the accolades from their successes. Delft chews tobacco, and thinks he looks charming if he grins while sucking on tobacco juices. He walks with a cane because a mimic tore a chunk out of his leg fifteen years ago. He has a habit of poking inanimate objects with the cane before he gets too close to them, and spitting on them when he wants to be extra sure.

The Constables
* Senior Constable Makala Fileccia, Human Female (Bard-daredevil/Master Spy): Rumored to be the most capable spy of the R.H.C. Flint branch, though Anderson Sperring would disagree with this assessment. A favorite of Delft who jokes that she is his “fourth” favorite constable that has come along under his so-called tutelage, Saxby publically hails her as a model constable (and privately rumored to see her as a rival, eager for her upcoming transfer). Makala’s accomplishments in the last five years have given her great prominence and prestige, which has recently earned her a “promotion” to Slate branch and a fifth spot with the famed ”Resilience” team out of Slate’s R.H.C. branch. Makala has been mocked by the other senior constables as being a “short-timer” but in truth she still takes on the most difficult missions to prove her superior talents up to the time of her transfer.
* Senior Constable Carlao Ven, Human Male (Cavalier): A noted Yerasol veteran of the Fourth Yerasol War who proudly displays his martial splendor, even going so far as to wear his elaborate enchanted full plate armor in the city. Carlao is charismatic, confident and unafraid to order the other constables around when he can, believing it to be a mark of leadership. Though Carlao is clearly not the brightest investigator or infiltrator of the branch (except perhaps to himself), he is Saxby’s trusted aide and something of a director’s pet, getting many of the choice assignments due to his political connections. It is not uncommon that Carlao Ven gives prepared statements to the press when Saxby cannot do so. It is also rumored he is in line for Assistant Chief at one of the R.H.C. branches in the next few years. Carlao often says everything in a profound way, as if being overheard for print or giving a speech.
* Senior Constable Serena Taflis, Human Female (Slayer): An accomplished agent and hunter of Risur’s enemies, one would not know Serena’s lethality by her demeanor. A technologist who often tinkers simulacrums and gadgets useful for spying and “wet works,” Serena is surprisingly cheery, seeing all female constables as her sisters-in-arms. She is especially fond of Kaea and draws her out to engage with others socially. It was rumored she and Carlao once had a dalliance while on mission, but if so neither one speaks about it.
* Senior Constable Dima Sorginson, Dwarven Male (Warpriest-disenchanter): A dwarven priest of the ancestral dwarven pantheon, Dima was raised in Risur and is as Risuri as any of his comrades, having served in the Fourth Yerasol War faithfully. He has a penchant for paperwork and finds its precise and proper completion strangely fulfilling to the cases he works – that includes badgering the newer constables to do the same. He is friends to Carlao (evidently having served with him in the war) but is closest to Gaethan. Unlike many of his race he does not adhere to philosophies of Heid Eschatol, and rails against any notion of dark magic being necessary to hold back abominations of the Malice Lands.
* Constable Kaea Than’dil, Wood Elven Female (Wizard-evoker): An elven (not eladrin) wizard originally from the Bole area, Kaea earned her reputation for excellence in an undercover operation to root out a Vekeshi murderer in the Cloudwood. Unfortunately this earned Kaea wide distrust from the fey and the Old Faith druids, as she posed as a skyseer to do so. Kaea does in fact have some skyseer talents, so the estrangement has affected her with melancholy – this makes her difficult to engage with in idle conversation. Fortunately Serena keeps her spirits up as best as she can, and Kaea enjoys speaking her native tongue in conversation with Jaevin and Gaethan. She is terrified of oceans and vast expanses of water.
* Constable Josiah Crux, Human Male (Gunslinger-musket master): A sniper by trade, Josiah is considered perhaps the finest marksman in the R.H.C. Flint branch – at least with a musket. Handsome and charming but arrogant, Josiah has been known to be promiscuous in his dealings abroad; rumor has it that he has a running bet with Carlao on the bedding of various women of choice, and has been reprimanded at least once for dalliances with other R.H.C. members by Saxby. Unlike Carlao, Josiah’s arrogance and lack of political or war connections makes him unlikely to advance under Saxby or Price-Hill’s directorship. One joke is that Josiah’s “true love” is his rifle – a Drakran steel enchanted rifle he acquired in Trekhom while on mission, which he refers to as “kissed by the maiden” when used in action. He enjoys marksmanship challenges with Drake and Gaethan.
* Constable Gaethan Blackwater, Half-Elven Male (Ranger-urban ranger): A true spirit medium after an encounter near Cauldron Hill three years’ prior, the impact of the spirit world has somewhat addled Gaethan’s mind and leaves him absent-minded – possibly a life of seclusion in the wilds would help him, but he does not want to leave the R.H.C. and continues to serve as best he can. When fully focused Gaethan is a relentless tracker in Flint, able to find most R.H.C. suspects that have gone to ground. He is one of the few that continues to favor a longbow over crossbow or musket. He is closest to Dima and talks with him about what he sees, and also enjoys practicing marksmanship with Josiah and Drake.
* Constable Anderson Sperring, Human Male (Investigator-infiltrator): Originally hailing from the R.H.C. Shale branch, Anderson Sperring is smooth, suave and confident – backed up by a high completion rate on his case missions. Ambition is evident in Anderson, and he has had a rivalry with Makala since he arrived to Flint, though she has bested him by most opinions. Anderson fancies himself having a keener mind than Makala, just not her luck at getting the “choice” assignments from the Inspectress. Anderson has an antipathy to tieflings and Danorans in general, and relishes assignments to mark their spies, himself being quite a master of disguise. To other constables that he does not consider worthy, he appears surprised and slightly offended when spoken to. Due to his skills and temperament, he works alone on assignments.
* Constable Renzo Moreschi, Human Male (cleric-merciful healer): A man of Crissilyiri heritage, Renzo was raised in Risur after his family became refugees from the Yerasol archipelago. A believer of Triegenes and the faith of the Clergy, Renzo nonetheless is a loyal Risuri, citing that without the acts of Risuri Kings the rise of humanity would never have been possible. A graduate of Pardwight University, he can be found taking offered courses of instruction in his free time, and is friends with the retained R.H.C. linguist Nya Lockley. He often runs support for teams of constables on missions abroad. Renzo is known to be overly wordy and long-winded in his briefings and written statements alike.
* Constable Jaevin Darjudin, Half-Elven Male (Bard-detective): Jaevin is the classic “street” information gatherer of mysteries, having come to the R.H.C. over from the Flint Police ranks. He is the workhorse of Flint R.H.C. in getting to know the happenings in city districts and separating useful intelligence from idle gossip. Jaevin is an admirer of Reginald Filby and enjoys his briefings at the R.H.C. – it is rumored Jaevin is writing a fictional account of mysteries and spy stories that he hopes to one day (with consent by R.H.C.) publish . Jaevin has a lucky coin (a gold crown he says came from King Aodhan himself) that he flourishes upon occasion and tosses to make a decision. He is unlikely friends with Wilhelm Coin and Devinn LeMont due to their sympathies with the Docker movement, and both often tout the over-the-top performances of Rock Rackus as worthy and entertaining.
* Constable Bridget Sharpton, Human Female (Alchemist-mindchemist): An intellectually gifted woman from Pardwight University, Bridget might have been relegated to Research-and-Development had it not been for an anti-terrorism case where she put herself on the line in the field with other agents, credited for saving Jaevin, Drake and Gaethan from an intentionally misdirected lead that was trapped with a bomb; Bridget deduced the irregularities as a trap and defused it in the nick of time. A tremendous linguist and scholar in her own right, her alchemy skills have come at the expense of physical competence – it is rumored one day Bridget may have to “demote” to R&D because she will not pass her annual exams. Most of her field work is local to Flint as a result – often she can be found in the alchemy labs with the researchers going through an advanced formula of hers. She has an irritating habit of always agreeing to others in conversation, but later changing her mind just as easily. She also constantly apologizes as a verbal habit – unless she’s under the influence of one of her cognatogens or mutagens, at which point she seems supremely confident. Serena will often stick up for her in meetings.
* Constable Drake Wellingham, Human Male (Gunslinger-bolt ace): Drake is as skilled of a marksman as Josiah is, but specializes in the crossbow over a more modern firearm. He is a fair constable in other areas, though not the sort to be given a difficult investigative assignment solo. Drake provides backup for constables like Jaevin and Makala when needed. He grumbles and complains about the difficulties involved in anything requested of him, which has earned him reprimands in the past. Drake has been known to make annoying impromptu rhymes on the situation, typically with expletives.
* Constable Wilhelm Coin, Halfling Male (Gunslinger-pistolero): Wilhelm is the sole halfling of the Flint R.H.C., making him something of an oddity in constabulary circles. His bravado is only matched by his temper, which holds him back in the eyes of Saxby. Being a crack shot with two pistols and proven in a firefight is his finest quality. Wilhelm has connections in the rough and seamy side of the Dockers in its illegal brawling and fighting matches, not to mention a source of information from fellow halflings throughout Flint. Wilhelm makes lots of idle threats but will back down if challenged (much of the time), and hates politeness as he views it to be disingenuous – he has been known to tell people the “real” reason they do things. He is friends with Jaevin and at least somewhat friendly with Devinn and Alastair, but fairly inhospitable to everyone else.

NOTE: Budgetary increases by King Aodhan himself led to larger pools of “interns” for induction in the past two years. These inductees are considered the “four-nine-eights” and “four-double-nines” with the latest group standing at “associate” status for the first year.
* Constable Talyssa Dane, Human Female (Wizard-metal): Talyssa is one of the “four-nine-eights” of R.H.C. Flint – one of three most recent constable inductees aside from the PC’s themselves. Similar to Bridget, Talyssa is intellectually gifted, meticulous and socially awkward – she has a habit of making strange observations and comments about things that are implied or that are better left unsaid. She often dresses in workman’s clothes and goggles and is generally unconcerned about her appearance. Unlike Bridget she is a technologist and often fidgets with gadgets and devices, even while others are talking. Talyssa is fond of coffee and a frequenter of the best coffee houses in Central or Bosum Strand. She has a “pet” clockwork Beran raptor named Skimmer. Serena keeps an eye on her and the pair often discuss aspects of clockwork constructs, and is friendly with Alastair and Devinn who look out for her. Known to be a family friend of Quartermaster Babcock.
* Constable Alastair Rayne, Human Male (Brawler): Another of the “four-nine-eights,” Alastair is a Yerasol War veteran from the army, but does not come across as military at all – he has the practiced discipline of a martial scientist and actually enjoys practicing maneuvers with Durbul or Johanna during downtime between assignments. A physical athletic man, Alastair is friendly, mild-mannered and easy-going – something not typical for a martial war veteran. Though still in his twenties he bears grey and white streaks in his hair, though he never truly answers how that happened. Alastair is perhaps the most balanced constable of the “four-nine-eights” in terms of investigative and martial skills, though he does not prefer to lead on mission. He is friends with Talyssa and Devinn, keeping the latter constable out of trouble as best he can. Alastair is also one of the few that is friendly with Wilhelm and can tolerate his behavior.
* Constable Devinn LeMont, Human Male (Bard-sandman): The third of the “four-nine-eights” active in R.H.C. Flint, Devinn is a Docker and performer, fancying himself as a “master” of information gathering and disguise (and is fairly good at it but not nearly as skilled as Anderson or Makala) with personas for every district. He is unorthodox, womanizing, charming when he wants to be but mostly sarcastic and mocking of others, and generally thinks the R.H.C. is there to satisfy his interests. He has a habit of giving unwanted nicknames to others and getting them to stick. It is said he is terrified of oceans, having that in common with Kaea. Having influence in the Dockers, Devinn is well-versed in many of the popular drinking establishments of the city, both formal and underground. He is a fan of Rock Rackus and his mockery of the government, something he and Jaevin (“Janks”) share and like to discuss. He is friends with Talyssa (“Jet”) and Alastair (“Easy”), whom he came into the R.H.C. with.

Noted Support Members
* Quartermaster Ethan Babcock, Human Male: The Quartermaster of R.H.C. in Flint, responsible for all provisioning and requisitions of the constables, having one Assistant and several clerks under his department. Retired from active constable status ten years ago, Ethan was one of the original constables in its founding thirty years ago. Stern but fair, little escapes his notice on what the constables have checked in and out of HQ. Is often seen with his notebook in hand jotting some figure or tally down.
* Assistant Quartermaster Nestor Zinjo, Goblin Male: The Quartermaster’s most trusted and capable assistant, and often takes the later shifts at HQ. Very stern and precise in his dealings with the constables – unlike the Quartermaster he seems to keep all tallies and requisitions in his near-perfect memory. Has a penchant to cause “paperwork” grief to those who dare mock him or try to circumvent protocols, and is rumored to be extremely stealthy in “following up” on those that have overdue equipment.
* Researcher Effram Mifrain, Human Male: One of the main researchers and dweomercraftsmen of R.H.C. assigned to the newer constables, helping to divine and identify recovered items by the constables. A wizard by trade, Effram is not a field operative but works closely with the constables when called upon – typically during daylight hours. Orderly with a dry humor and not very expressive verbally, his face reveals much about what he is thinking. An unlikely friend of Devinn, the pair having gone to school together.
* Researcher William Stock, Human Male: Another of the researchers assigned to the newer constables for support, William’s specialty as a dweomercrafter and researcher is clearly disappointing to him, as he failed to make the “cut” of the four-nine-eights and was relegated to R&D. He seems to be particularly critical of Talyssa Dane, whom it is rumored he disparages as cheating him of his rightful spot as constable. Given his abrasive personality he often pulls the night shift.
* Head Instructor Landon Howison (investigations), Human Male: The head instructor of Flint R.H.C., responsible for evaluation of “interns” and issuance of examinations that will determine if someone is eligible for constable status. Specializes in the protocols and rules regarding investigations and jurisdiction in his own courses. Rumored to be foolproof to any lies or misdirections told to him directly, and has a patient but unsettling gaze.
* Instructor Johanna Durrance (weapons), Human Female (Swashbuckler): One of two martial instructors retained by R.H.C., though Johanna has passed all examinations as a constable would have. Johanna is no-nonsense and intense, seeing her instruction as essential to keeping new constables alive in a dangerous world. She was a Yerasol Veteran, and like so many of her ilk she does not care to recount what she did during the last war. Rumor has it that Johanna killed a Slate nobleman in a duel shortly after the war. Her favored weapon is the rapier, though she is deadly with sabre and shortspear alike. She disdains firearms, though grudgingly includes that in her courses.
* Instructor Durbul Lescane (hand-to-hand), Orc Male (Brawler): A second-generation Risuri orc (his family opposing Le Roye Bruse in the unification of Ber) and the second of the martial instructors, the imposing and intimidating Durbul is unrelenting in his harassment of new arrivals until they prove themselves to him. He does not shout or lose his temper easily, using actions instead of words for the most part – he carries a shortstaff around to “correct” bad forms and improve posture in stances. For constables those that show aptitude and true desire, he gives them grudging respect and encourages them to undergo “advanced” training with him directly on select evenings.
* Instructor Indigo Daybee (calisthenics), Gnome Male (Wizard): The diminutive Daybee is an energetic and positively excitable fellow, encouraging with his “students” and always looking to praise their efforts. That being said, his inventive obstacle courses and unorthodox physical training regimens are some of the most difficult around – those with military backgrounds joke that Daybee’s courses are far worse than any Battalion camps. He delights in designing new challenges, working well into the night and interns finding the training grounds completely redesigned from one day to the next. Indigo has a wife that is a confectionary artist, and often “rewards” his students with special indigo-colored rock candies that are very tasty.
* Instructor Nya Lockley (linguistics), Human Female: Nya is the retained linguistics instructor for R.H.C., lured to full-time status from Pardwight University. Nya is said to be fluent in over a dozen languages and dialects of Lanjyr. While all interns are required to pass exams on a rudimentary knowledge of national dialects and basic languages phrases, the majority of her time is spent with established constables in preparation for missions abroad. Many constables may find her instruction distracting, as she is utterly gorgeous as well as intelligent, but seemingly without time for suitors or social dalliances – rumor has it that Carlao, Anderson and Josiah have all tried and failed to woo her.
* Meg Swinson, Human Female: Meg is one of the matronly cooks of the Flint R.H.C. dining hall, serving up meals to the one-hundred or so constables and support staff at the compound. She has a pronounced lower-class Flint accent. Meg is also the unofficial hub of rumor-mongering and gossip of R.H.C. Flint, getting the “inside news” on the goings-on between the constables and staff, including juicy tidbits of rivalries and dalliances that may occur. Meg would deny this of course if confronted directly, but is a useful source for this kind of information to those that want to know – her price of course is juicy information in return.
* Fin Wraggle, Human Male: Fin is a janitor of the R.H.C. HQ building, a big man but kindly and quiet. Fin does his job well and truly desires to help Risur as best as he knows how…which is to keep the place clean and well stocked for the constables and inspectors during daylight hours. It is said he supports several younger brothers and sisters in the Parity Lake district (both parents having died years prior), for he could not afford accommodations elsewhere. Fin has a slight stutter but his speech has improved due to charity from Nya Lockley, giving him speech lessons for free during his off-hours. Meg is known to keep extra food from the day’s meals aside for him to take home when his shift is done.

Other Notables Directly Associated With Flint R.H.C.
* Captain Brin Umurn, Half-Orc Female (Fighter): Brin is the Captain-of-the-Guard of Flint R.H.C., leading a half-company of the Risuri Army that are permanently detached to guard duty of its headquarters and compound grounds. While her commanding officer would be Colonel Greg Masterson of Flint’s land forces, she also reports to Lady Inspectress Saxby directly for all matters concerning R.H.C. security and force protection. Attractive and athletic, Brin is rumored to have an off-and-on relationship with Durbul Lescane, though she is aware of this rumor and discounts it hotly as discrimination (that she would or could only court with an orc because of her own heritage).
* Lieutenant Cason Dale, Human Male (Fighter): Cason is considered the “nightwatch” officer in charge of Flint R.H.C. security, as Captain Umurn handles the day shift. He is humorless and has little tolerance for disorder from his men on the nightwatch, seeing it as his duty to “shape them up and turn them into something” for few men willingly volunteer for duty at night. Cason has a severe scar on his face and rumor has it that he received it from Johanna Durrance for a slight one day, though Cason denies this and maintains he received it at Battalion Academy during training maneuvers.
* Sergeant Hunley Stiverson, Human Male (Warrior): The good sergeant often is the one constables see at the R.H.C. exterior gates in the mornings, overseeing the admittance of men and women into the compound. He has a rural accent but seemingly knows all constables by name and helps to usher them through so they do not have to wait.
* Captain Rutger Smith, Human Male (Warrior/Expert): Captain of the fast clipper R.N.S. Impossible, Rutger Smith is Risuri Navy but on permanent detachment to the R.H.S. private docks; formally he reports to Rear Admiral Morris Dawkins but has a direct report to Lady Inspectress Saxby for when and where he puts out to sea. He has been derided by other Risuri naval officers for his lack of combat experience in the Fourth Yerasol War as well as his politics – he is an avid proponent of the Philosophy of William Miller and unafraid to debate others on the topic. Morale amongst his own crew is high, but Risuri sailors see a transfer to his ship to be a demotion of sorts. In addition to captaining his own ship, Rutger Smith sets up sailor crew rosters and performs inspections for the other four R.H.C. vessels.
* Sub-Lieutenant Ian Smithe, Human Male (Swashbuckler-Picaroon): Sub-Lieutenant Ian Smite is one of the few Risuri officers who volunteered to server under Captain Rutger Smith, which most view as a career death sentence. Regardless, Ian is an able captain and engineer of the smaller R.H.C. vessels, helping to run inspections and able to take any of them out for a constable mission as required by the inspectors or constables. He favors the two steam-powered vessels that are available, due to his engineering expertise.
* Police Inspector Reginald Filby, Human Male (Investigator): Said to be one of the finest (if not the finest) inspector of Flint Police, due to his keen intellect and remarkable skills of investigative deduction. Inspector Filby has solved a tremendous number of cases during his tenure, to the point of having prestige with the local populace and press. He is often called upon by Stover Delft at R.H.C. to provide his constables briefings of current Flint P.D. cases and coordinate with the police wherever necessary. Filby is always well-dressed and carries a walking cane for stylish emphasis. He has a habit of speaking as if looking down his nose at everyone and implying his view is superior to others, though most perceive this as unintentional on Filby’s part. Rumored by some a few years ago to have taken the R.H.C. examinations and passed them all, but then turned down the offer to become a constable.

NOTABLE NPC's OF SLATE R.H.C.
* Viscount (Director) Inspector Nigel Price-Hill, Human Male: A commander of the Fourth Yerasol War, Nigel Price-Hill has been Director of R.H.C. for many years now, having solidified his position for King Aodhan after uncovering and capturing a group of Drakran necromancers attempting to animate undead dragons in the Anthras Mountains. He has been known to openly favor constables in Slate that have military experience, particularly those who fought in the war and have prestige as a Yerasol veteran. Slate constables tend to be some of the highest decorated and prominent members of R.H.C., performing the highest-profile missions abroad and at home – including personal bodyguard detail for King Aodhan and Minister Lee. A scrupulous and methodical administrator who will not overlook even minor infractions by his agents, Nigel Price-Hill has been rumored to offer second chances to those that show repentance and remorse for their transgressions – something his war experience taught him.
* Constable Anya Landreth, Human Female: One of the “four-nine-eights” of Flint R.H.C., Anya is a highly regarded Yerasol Veteran of the army. Upon passing examinations and earning her place as an R.H.C. constable, she was transferred to Slate R.H.C. for bodyguard for the King’s Bodyguards unit. It is not uncommon for her name and likeness to be referenced in press reports of the King’s public visits in Risur, with her backstory and heroism in the war often touted.
* Constable Ifris Lanvaldan, Human Female: Another of the “four-nine-eights” of Flint R.H.C., Ifris is formerly a Yerasol Veteran of the navy’s marine brigades. Her story in the war is well-known and touted, as is her “uniqueness” to the martial scientist community in being able to manifest weapons with her mind. Rigid and dutiful, Ifris was transferred along with Anya to become a King’s Bodyguard. She is not nearly in the press as much as Anya, but instead is there to provide a unique type of protection for King Aodhan.
* The “Resilience” Team: A highly decorated team of constables, one of two teams allegedly performing the highest priority assignments to protect Risur from its enemies, both at home and abroad. Said to consist of four constables of profound skill, power and prestige: Tanya Sparhawk, Letmas Lewing, “Seven-Foot” Danan Jakes and Burton Glix. A fifth constable was lost the prior year on a difficult mission, but the team opening is soon to be filled by Flint R.H.C.’s Makala Fileccia.

Okay, NPC's of the R.H.C. are up! Hope you will enjoy them - they are also posted on the main campaign tab. This will form the basis of who your characters will be interacting with, whether as friendly allies or bitter rivals.

If you see a character hook here that you'd like to incorporate into your character's recent history, please feel free to do so. Please remember however in your interactions that your characters are the most recent constables inducted into R.H.C., with just a season of service under your belt. If you want an NPC from your background included in the R.H.C. list please let me know directly and we can see about fitting him/her in...but do so quickly as we're moving forward towards gameplay.

If not completely clear, your group is considered the "four-double-nines" group of inductees, as you passed your examinations and were inducted into the R.H.C. at the end of Fall 499 A.O.V. This makes you the rookies of the branch - inside term is "associate" or "associate constable" by those who have seniority to you. The "four-nine-eights" WERE the associates until your group came along, so with over a year of service now they are full constables. You all get to start at the bottom of the heap here.

Remember that part of your stipend puts you at an "Average" Cost of Living (per CRB rules). This includes a single-occupancy place, like a small loft, boarding house room or flat in the city which is paid for. HOWEVER, the prices in Central District are too high for you to afford - you'll have to do one of the following:
1) Have your place in Eastside (east of Central district beyond the walls but before the Nettles), Bosum Strand, The Stray Banks, etc. if you want a place to yourself - especially with more room. Refer to pgs. 45-50 of the Player's Extended Guide for Flint District details.
2) Share a room or loft with another if you want to stay in Central District, sharing the costs enough to afford the rent.
3) Opt for R.H.C. dormitory-style housing which is in-budget. Have a room on a shared floor with other R.H.C. staff and support personnel (sharing bathroom and kitchen facilities with a dozen others), but hey it's just across the street from R.H.C. HQ and the grounds are guarded.

Please pick a living arrangement - it will mostly be for flavor, but helps define your character and what kind of lifestyle you happen to live.

Note that for the most part, your character starts his or her day going to the R.H.C. HQ and reporting in, getting morning briefings and assignments, filing reports and requisitions before heading out for your day's activities. The exception to this would be if you are abroad or on an undercover assignment.

Any questions? Next up will be the gameplay post intro, so please start to finalize and put up your backgrounds!

Great stuff Vord, I'll have my stuff done tonight.

Great! Just as a reminder to everyone, my intro and then first "scene" for you all to participate in will be RP-heavy and not require skill/combat checks, so you still have some time to get your gear and statblocks all straightened out on profiles. Obviously though you want to zero in on the RP-aspects of your character. Aside from participating in the first RP scenes once I get gameplay thread going, an "intro" of your own character would be encouraged to set your own character's tone and such.

Anyway, just give me a post of PM if you need any help.

Vord, I want to take the (Saboteure) archetype in addition to Grenadier. I feel the synergy is really good and fits the campaign well. Let me know if I would need to burn a feat for the racial herritage option.

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/ArchetypeDisplay.aspx?FixedName=Alchemist Saboteur

Also, in place of the somewhat lackluster human favored class option, how do you feel about half-orc one that allows +1 additional bomb damage (not per dice, just flat), per 2 levels of the favored class bonus.

Vord, I want to take the (Saboteure) archetype in addition to Grenadier. I feel the synergy is really good and fits the campaign well. Let me know if I would need to burn a feat for the racial herritage option.

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/ArchetypeDisplay.aspx?FixedName=Alchemist Saboteur

Also, in place of the somewhat lackluster human favored class option, how do you feel about half-orc one that allows +1 additional bomb damage (not per dice, just flat), per 2 levels of the favored class bonus.

I've looked over the PFS-based Grenadier archetype in relation to the ARG Saboteur archetype, and I'm fine with both -- to your point both are a great fit with each other. With respect to the Zeitgeist world, it doesn't make sense really that a "Saboteur" Alchemist is exclusively in the dominion of gnomes (we're not in Krynn after all). Actually, if I had to place it I'd put it in the Zeitgeist Goblin arena, but it could also be something feasible the Danorans know and possibly Drakyr dwarves.

So no need to burn a feat to do that, but it would be nifty if you put in Arthur's backstory where he learned those special skills - gobin or gnome war advisors to Risur, or captured Drakan or Danoran saboteur, etc.

The +.5 bomb damage per level for favored class option out of ARG half-orc arena is fine as well -- if you're willing to trade that out in place of a SP then I'm not going to stand in the way of it!

So here's a little something I came up with today. This is knowledge that Gemma would have gained through the academy. Some of you will have done the same. Some of you may know a bit of the histories, some may not know them at all, and some of you may have actually lived the latter part of them. But Gemma is big on knowing her battles and war stories...which all good cadets should.

Critical Battles of Lanjyr through the Ages

Battle of the Fey Titans
-1200 BOV
Considered a diplomatic perfection by King Kellan preventing the destruction of Risur as well as most of Lanjyr.

Battle of McQuaig’s Hill
-75 BOV
Battle between Risur and the Eladrin near what is now known as the Penance Peaks. Called McQuaig’s Hill due to Elan McQuaig’s (a human male) fierceness and tactical superiority. He spearheaded a resounding victory against the Eladrin. Considered, tactically, near perfect. His tactics spawned McQuaig’s Treatise.

Declaration of Tagus (a.k.a. The Declaration of Reo Pedresco)
295 AOV
A battle ultimately solved by tongue rather than swords. A pact of non-aggression signed by King Boyle to leave Reo Pedresco alone. Created and mediated by the brilliant Minotaur diplomat, Mirroth Roslarb. The interaction spawned The Annals of High Mark Diplomacy written by none other than Roslarb himself as he was considered not only an unsurpassed diplomat but quite a self-assured showman as well.

Boyle’s Last Battle
300 AOV
Not his actual last battle but the battle where he defeated the dragon tyrant, Inatch the Hex-eater. The battle occurred at the southern edge of the Anthras Mountains at a place called Lissolth Pass. It is now referred to as “The Killing Field”. Boyle’s tactics were flawless and said to be single-handedly developed by the king himself. He used a crack group of rangers led by Egnasseth Aeothire. Her bow work helped to suppress scouting from the opposition as well as any aerial assaults. Her deadly aim also managed to take down, Valstrath Tezolt, Inatch’s second in command.
Despite Inatch’s intimate knowledge of the mountains and terrain, King Boyle had surprise as well as height advantage. It didn’t hurt that he also brought along the gifted skyseer, Gyrythil Mandrake. Her natural abilities are spoken of even today in the skyseer community.

Battle of the Five Islands (Third Yerasol War)
455 AOV
A land and naval battle between Danor and Risur. Ended in a stalemate due to heavy losses on both sides. Considered by some to be a tactical victory because the sides were so well matched. Considered by others to be a complete tactical screw up. This battle is also of note because of who was killed. Somewhere near the end of the stalemate, the two main martial scientists/tacticians of the battle squared off against each other in single combat. Supposedly it occurred in the destroyed remains of the gardens of Plantation Hollister. The fight lasted for near an hour due to each man’s superior skill, but whether it was due to fatigue or both men were simply battle-weary and no one could gain the upper hand, they made the unorthodox decision to end each other’s life with a single blow. Macnamare Flavin of Risur with his sabre and Jean-Marc Bellaros of Danor with his rapier killed each other in the once-beautiful Hollister gardens with the legendary final words to each other “It has been an honor to fight you”. The Battle of the Five Islands ended soon after as a draw having both sides lost their master tacticians.

Battle of Capital Hill (Third Yerasol War)
462 AOV
A land battle between Danor and Risur. A skirmish over a coffee plantation on Capital Hill on Langavor Island. Ultimately considered a victory by Danor due to heavy losses on Risur’s side. Despite jungle-like conditions to get to the plantation, Danor used technology to defeat Risur. However, Risur, after accepting defeat, used alchemical fire to burn the coffee crop to the ground. A Risurian war hero, Tomos Ceftain, arose from this battle supposedly due to his quick thinking and ingenuity. However, the war hero Bronwyn Carrios, disputed this claim saying that she came up with the idea to burn the coffee fields. She claimed that she threw the first fire bomb while Tomos ran away, dropped the bag full of the remaining vials and set the field completely ablaze with one big (accidental) blast. Due to the ensuing fireball, Bronwyn narrowly escaped with her life (and a bad burn to her right leg). By the time she made it back, Tomos had been proclaimed hero, believing Bronwyn to be dead and unable to dispute the claim. Bronwyn then proceeded to try to set the record straight, much to the dismay of Tomos. The king finally had to step in to end the dispute, as it was causing very bad PR. Tomos ended up keeping his title of war hero and his stories of heroics in the face of certain death were re-circulated and once again believed by the general populace. The only exception to this were the dockers, who still believe him to be a liar. King Aodhan, in turn, gave Bronwyn her own small Risurian island complete with exiting sugar plantation and staff. Bronwyn was appeased but took to piracy after a few years of sheer boredom. She became (and still is) far more useful to the kingdom than Tomos ever was. Bronwyn is quite feared and is still called upon by the king on occasion to do raids and generally annoy the Danorian navy.

Battle of Beaumont (Fourth Yerasol War)
490 AOV
A battle where Risur manages to cripple the Danorian port of Beaumont with the skill of Captain Bronwyn Carrios and her crew of the ship The Siren’s Voice. Using completely unorthodox naval strategies, she used the Danorian’s own technologies against them and destroyed the port. The port is crippled for the better part of a year which forces Danor to open up a second port 200 miles to the south at Watchman's Wake. A much more difficult port to dock in due to strong currents, but a working port nonetheless. It, too, was then crippled by Bronwyn half way through completion using the same tactics that she did in Beaumont. Due to her skill, a treatise was written by the famous martial scientist, author and brilliant tactician, Malvin Richoux, a Danorian out of the Jierre Sciens d’Arms.
Danor has been unable to catch Bronwyn, despite their continued efforts. The Siren’s Voice is rumored to be the fastest ship on the seas and she never sets port in the same place twice. Bronwyn is even rumored to have a secret island somewhere that only she knows how to get to. The Danorians can only hope that their new defenses are strong enough and many a Danorian dock worker are thankful the war is over for now.

Gameplay tab and intro post is up!

An interactive post for R.H.C. is coming up next, but feel free to dot and run an intro post if you are so inclined.

Decided to go with a new character after all. She's a wizard, but she's mostly defined by her shotgun (blunderbuss) and her take-no-prisoners attitude towards criminals and her career. I'll get more of a background up quickly. None of the theme feats seem especially fitting yet, except maybe for the Technologist.

Decided to go with a new character after all. She's a wizard, but she's mostly defined by her shotgun (blunderbuss) and her take-no-prisoners attitude towards criminals and her career. I'll get more of a background up quickly. None of the theme feats seem especially fitting yet, except maybe for the Technologist.

It's definitely a neat concept and the arcane + gun aspects sound right up your alley. Cromlich should be able to cover the divine needs early on with Emerson, so I'd say it's a good mix. I will say that having a technologist theme feat in the party is definitely not a bad way to go (not that spirit medium was either of course, just different).

Arthur is first in the gameplay post ... he wins a horde of copper pence (but has to throw them all in the Penny Pyre in the Stray awwwwwwww).

Looking good so far but looks like you still have to sub in the Saboteur archetype stuff. Also, what are you taking for theme feat again?

Vord, character sheet has been updated to reflect the inclusion of the Saboteur Archetype. Working on more of my background now. I am going eschatologist, though I am taking a slightly different take on it.

Working on your first "interactive" post, which will take place starting at the gates of the R.H.C. Should have that up sometime this weekend - I'd like for that to last about a week and get you going with your interactions and feeling your characters. Then we move to your first mission day.

In the meantime, looks like we still have two characters to go with starting (intro) posts...

Sigz is in! I'm halfway done on the interactive RHC post with options for you, and working on that tonight.

First interactive post up for ya! Hope you enjoy it - I'm trying something a bit different here in the sense that you get to "place" your character in the location you want to be in with the NPC's you want to interact with. I'm looking for a nice flurry of back-and-forth dialogue posts to bring out PC-NPC or PC-PC discussions.

Some quick guidelines on how to engage in the post:
* There are four scenes spoilered - it's up to you if you want to pick your location and only read that particular spoiler, or if you want to read all of them and then decide - totally up to you.

* You can pick a location that someone has already posted in of course, but if you are second or third+ in on it, please play off of those characters who posted ahead of you - assume your character came in just a slight bit after the first character.

* Exposition is great but you can run shorter dialogue posts and I will keep up with you - just don't try to run three simultaneous conversations in one post, as it stifles the flow of dialogue.

* PLEASE put an OOC header at the top of your posts with the location selected, so that it flows better when reading the different characters in the different locations.

Go for it!

Oh and by the way...uhhh...you all can talk to each other in here! Don't have to but it's nice to say hello in OOC. Perhaps you want to establish your characters as being friends, rivals, strangers, etc. Which leads me to...

What About You Four-Double-Nines Anyway?
So all of you know each other from this year, because you all were tested, evaluated, trained, and in the end accepted at the same time. You represent the top 5 chosen for R.H.C. out of a starting group of eighty applicants. Certainly that means you got to know each other as training occurred and examinations/evaluations were taken, eventually whittling you down to the final group accepted. That wrapped up at the end of Fall 499 A.O.V., and for the last Winter Season you've been on preparation assignments for a big event on 1 Spring 500 A.O.V., as well as assisting the other Constables on various in-city assignments. You've become accustomed to doing a lot of grunt paperwork too by the way.

What About Those Four-Nine-Eights Anyway?
The prior year's selection of Constables, eventually six were chosen for the R.H.C. - Ifris, Anya, Rhegalion, Alastair, Devinn and Talyssa, selected out of a similarly massive group of initial applicants and prospects. They have one year on you in terms of experience and are accustomed to how things work in R.H.C., whereas you may still be sketchy. Of the six, Ifris and Anya were transferred to Slate Branch of the King's Bodyguard detail fairly early, whereas Rhegalion was just recently transferred there. Of the remaining three, they view you all as the "rookies" now (and you are), but they don't nearly hold you in biased contempt as many of the more senior Constables.

Why Are There No Four-Nine-Sevens, and What's the Deal With the Other Constables Anyway?
Of the year prior, only one was selected to be R.H.C. - Bridget Sharpton. There were none in the previous year, and before that those that became R.H.C. Constables averaged perhaps only one per R.H.C. location. Selections were largely based on personal references and single apprenticeships with senior Constables, or "promotions" from those that served the R.H.C. in some capacity already (R&D, Army compound guard, Navy crew of R.H.C. vessels, etc.). So what happened? Rumor has it that three years ago there were some heavy losses to the R.H.C. teams, with others retiring due to old age and other factors. Certainly the grind of the Fourth Yerasol War in recent years affected the attrition rates of the R.H.C., and matters came to a head around 496-7 A.O.V. As a result, King Aodhan essentially doubled the budget for the R.H.C. and mandated Nigel Price-Hill to bolster the ranks with qualified operatives and reinvigorate the core. Which he did...and the last two years reflect the changes that were made to achieve the King's orders. Yet the older Constables see the influx of new arrivals as a "watering down" or degradation of the Constable core, and treat the newer Constables as such. In truth this is not the case - scientific and logistical advances in applicant selections, training and evaluations were able to ramp up the numbers of qualified members obtained, but the bias from the longer-term Constables remain.

Okay players - time to get into this thing full-tilt.

For those that have already posted to their scene of choice - bravo. I've caught up on all scene responses as of tonight, and am ready to keep it moving for your characters to get acclimated before the first mission. Don't think you have to run mega-posts if you're reply-posting w/ dialogue - if you want more short-but-frequent posts, I can handle that on most evenings.

For those that haven't...time to get into it. Please get into the habit of checking the boards, thinking about your character and translating that to posting action.

If you need something from me on character development or background context I'm happy to help. Ten-minute backgrounds should start to be wrapped up and posted in profile before the first mission starts, as should all character statblocks and max starting wealth gear choices.

Just some quick info that Sigz is enmeshed pretty heavily in matters of school and exams, and is the reason why we have not seen Francis Kane since his intro post. It may be that he will not participate in our pre-mission day scenes, but hopefully will be back soon.

I expect these scenes on 91 Winter 499 will go through the end of the work week, and then I'll be setting the next scene on the weekend for early morning briefing on 1 Spring 500 (where you'll all be together), which will be shorter in duration and lead from there to your first encounter challenge.

It's early in the game still, but I think so far this is my favorite line...

"...and that's after I saved his bacon - with the threat of fiery death," she loudly calls out to the hallway to the absent Effram.

Yeah, pretty snarky!

Time to cap your respective threads if you're done, or get any last posts out there that you'd like a reply to - either is fine and I can get a turnaround post in quick, but just don't leave it open-ended. I'm working on the next scene now, which will put all of you together in an early morning briefing in two days' time.

Still looking to see when Francis Kane will be present, as I'd like to have all of you on board for mission day after the briefing.

Apologies on the lack of activity, but had the 18th anniversary to attend to this past weekend! In other news I am writing up the next scene, and feel I should be able to put it up on Wednesday night. So wrap up your threads with a final post or two if you haven't already, and we'll move on to the morning of 1st Spring 500 A.O.V.

Hey Summers. Way to win friends and influence people! lol

She's a people-pleaser.