Plunking down his case, Dr. Runemace drew forth a wand. Waiving it over John's wounds, golden radiance drifted down to heal his wounds.
healed.
"Alright, I have to ask. What happened at that first pit? We looked in and you were gone!"
"Some sort of teleportation magic. I was assuming that someone else would follow, but alas it did not turn out that way."
John shrugged and added "Then I met a couple of bears."
Contrary to what you have seen so far in the country of Ber, the trumpeters arrive punctually outside the tent you have been spending time in and they play a Beran version of the Risuri national hymn but with a little more flair.
A cryer steps out in a very flamboyant outfit and says, "Hear ye, Hear ye! The members of the RHC of Risur have earned an audition with his eminence Bruse Shantus, the second Bruse of Ber. The Magnanimous, El Rey de Seobriga, El protector de los Goblins, el defensor de los Orcos, el libertador de gnolls, el salvador de los hombres lagarto, el Caballero del jaguar de plata. Follow me and you will be heard!"
You flip up the flap of your tent and you see Glaucia in her dress uniform as Executore and you march being flanked by trumpeters, trombonists and drummers, first you hear military precision but then the music becomes more and more syncopated, you notice the onlookers starting dance with the music.
Knowledge Local DC 15
vs DC 15
Femi smiles as he recognizes the music. He likes the pomp and circumstance of these people. Such passion in all things ritual is a wonderful thing to behold.
He marches along for their meeting with the Brute of Ber, casting Prestidigitation as he goes to freshen up.
John exited the tent as well, trying to stay basically in the middle of the group.
Dr. Runemace made sure his topcoat and hat were lint free, then strode forth to join the parade.
You follow the procession into the summer residence which is adorned with ancient dragon skulls and you see paintings of all of the races of Ber, the Giants, Orcs, Goblins, Gnolls, Lizardmen, Minotaurs, Centaurs and as per theme, there is a black silhouette where kobolds should be but of course, do they really exist?
In the center of the lavish hunting lodge is the Bruse or Bruse Shantus sitting on a large chair. The minotaur is adorned with a different robe and crown from the one you had seen him in during the maze. He is flanked by a gnoll, half-dragon and a lizardman.
The cryer introduces you all by name with your time in service at the RHC even those of you whose cover is that you are not a member of the RHC like Javier and John.
Bruse Shantus looks over your group for an instant and says, "It must be an important reason for you to have taken the Trial of Adulthood to have an audience with me, so shan't we skip the formalities and would you tell me why you would wish to speak to me?"
Femi begins thoughtfully, ”My Lord Bruse Shantus, as I’m sure you’re already aware, we are here as representatives of Risur in a manner of speaking. We are here to petition for your assistance in locating and communicating with Tinker Oddcog, who I’m sure you know. There is much that we and Risur can offer you for this meeting, but I will not offend you by making some sub-standard offer.”
”What is it your Lordship would consider fair for such an introduction? We mean no hostility to you, or Mr. Oddcog, of course and are here as diplomats. Would you consider this with us?”
(heroism)
The Bruse scratches his bovine chin and says, "According to my information...hmm.. I am interested in your exploits on the Avery Coast Railroad. The RHC is a somewhat oddity... how does an intelligence agency and police force work together, what is the culture of your organization... see here in Ber, we keep the police force and the intelligence agency separate. That is how El Extrano says it best functions. He is the best in the business. He has eyes everywhere. Please tell me."
Knowledge Local DC15
Knowledge Geography DC 20 or Chretien
"Yes, it would be good to connect our nations by rail. I heard the project had run into some difficulty, though I didn't hear specifics. As for the culture of our force... Police are there to enforce the rule of law and solve normal crimes. We at the RHC tend to deal with... less than normal crimes and incidences beyond the ken of your average street cop. As for the intelligence aspect of it, that just tends to be how we find out about these things before they come to a head. It doesn't always work, or sometimes we are not fast enough to stop something. But other times, we manage to handle an event before it hits the papers and causes panic."
"El Extrano seems like quite the character. I'd be very interested to meet him and hear more of the Beran way of intelligence. Maybe I could learn a thing or two."
"To be honest, I think that even in the RHC there are those specialize more in gathering information than investigations, and it's not unheard of for there to be rivalry between the two groups."
The Bruse says, "So Constable Dufrene, tell me about your adventures on the Avery Coast Railroad. It saddens me that as the Bruse, I can only visit in an official capacity and then they pull out all of the stops and I can not get a good handle on how it really works. So tell me..."
Cretien does his best to regale the Bruse with the unclassified details of their time on the railroad, be it the time they shot all the mutated beasts, the time of the bombing, and/or the time of the giant construct chase.
The Bruse says, "Hmm, that is a very interesting ride. Running a country is very time consuming so I do not think I can afford the time to see all of those places. I have heard the Malice Lands do contain some oddball beasts."
He then gets back to the point, "So, you would like to make the acquaintance of Tinker Oddcog. Yes I do know where he is and he is working on some projects for the Beran government. As you probably have seen during your Adulthood Challenge, Le Sovereign's niece is here on behalf of Danor and coincidentally... hmm... most likely not actually she is after the same person... who would have thunk that to be true. She has offered a plethora of arepas"
Knowledge Local or Javier DC15
The Bruse scratches his temple and says, "Ok, what would Risur like to offer the people of Ber to speak with Tinker?"
vs DC 15
"My lord, Risur has wealth to offer of course, and exact amounts can be negotiated by your underlings I'm sure. We could even offer something as base as military goods, but I suspect you have something special in mind, do you not? We would not hazard a guess as to what might please you for fear of offending, naturally."
He smiles, "But there is much that a powerful country such as ours can offer, and much we too can do for you if you wish it."
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"Perhaps a personal and frank discussion with our King, private and unfettered by rituals and courtly formalities? Where two monarchs can candidly discuss how best their respective nations may empower each other?"
The Bruse slaps his bovine knee and says, "You are very savvy, Constable Ferka. I have not seen Aodhan in a very long time and it would be nice to see him again, both of our schedules are very busy. The fact that Han Jierre met with King Aodhan is a rare treat. But you know what I do have something a smidge more interesting in mind Cabazheros."
He then claps twice and Lya Jierre and her entourage are brought into the room and he says, "I am a huge proponent of competition, fore through which the best is brought out from all. This competition is simple Danor vs Risur and the prize is not the Yerasol Archipelago but the services of one gnome Tinker Oddcog."
He then continues, "I would like to introduce you to my vizier Zarkava and my minister of Dragon Affairs Kenna."
He then says, "Over here is Pardo, my honorary minister of Rebellion."
You visibly see Glaucia bristle at his name and presence.
The Bruse sees Glaucia and says, "Are you al... oh yes now I remember how you two know each other."
"Zarkava and Kenna," Shantus explains, "will be helping me decide which team is a better choice to grant access to Tinker. Zarkava is concerned about the nation’s prosperity and security, while Kenna has a clear handle on its finances. I am of course the heart of the country. Head, heart, and purse-strings will each have one vote, based on their opinion of the two parties. But to give them time to make their judgment, I have two challenges for you foreigners. The winner of each will earn one vote. So out of the five votes, two are from the winners of the challenges, two from my advisors, and one from me myself."
"An interesting proposition. Might I ask how large a group our competition might be?"
"Well, I am in."
The Bruse says, "You have six members and Jierre has a total of five. There is her, Merton, Rush, Ulrik and Inez. In order for everyone to have a fair start there are some major conditions: First, neither team may leave the Summer Court until sunrise tomorrow. Second, if any member of either group or anyone affiliated with them attempts to locate or contact Tinker before the end of this contest, the offending group will receive the ire of Shantus and his nation. No cheater shall be allowed to meet with the gnome, and anyone who acts in bad faith will be named an enemy of Ber. Third, if any member of one group attacks anyone in the other group, the attackers will forfeit." Shantus grins and admits, "Ok, I's open to a bit of interpretation. A little friendly disruption via third parties is fine, but we’re all civilized here, and I won’t abide killing someone from the other side. Do you all promise?"
"I have no desire to kill them unless they attempt to kill me first."
"What... ah, what manner of challenge do you intend to set?" Dr. Runemace asked aloud.
"If this is what we must do to earn your respect, and largess, then we shall do it." he bows and accepts the terms. He listens keenly for the answer to Dr. Runemace's question.
"Should be relatively easy, they'll end up disqualifying themselves. They've already attacked us a time or two."
Lya's horns perk up at Chretien and she says, "Well, constable that is not fair."
She then moves her eyes towards the Bruse and says, "I vow that none of my underlings will attack you for the duration of this competition."
The Bruse says, "Splendid."
He then stands up and says, "Well there are two challenges I have for you. The first: The Cantabrilla Railroad will connect the nation’s east and west coasts so that freight won’t have to travel along the southern coast, which has its share of hostile territory, such as the unincorporated gnoll tribes. The entire length will come to three hundred and twenty-five miles, stretching between the cities of Reo Pedresco and Renza. To motivate its fast completion the Ministry of Dragon Affairs has hired two companies: Griento Railways out of Renza, and Liss Rail Construction out of Reo Pedresco. Whenever a company completed twenty-five miles of the railroad on schedule it earned a bonus, and as the two groups near the central linkage point I am offering even greater bonuses for whichever company lays the most track. Currently the heads of the two lines are separated by thirty-six miles, and each side can lay one or two miles of track per day. Going is rough because the route passes through the central riverlands, rugged terrain full of steep gulleys carved by numerous rivers and streams."
He says, "I will award one vote to whichever group gets their railroad to lay eighteen miles first. I assigns Risuri contingent to help Liss Rail Construction and the Danorans to Griento Railways."
"Ah, I know Griento, a good man. It would be a shame to see his work sullied by Danoran schemes. Would it be possible, your highness, to have our group be matched with him rather than the other way around?"
"Yes," Femi agrees with Cretien, "We wouldn't wan the other side accusing us of sabotage due to our friendship with Griento Railways," he suggests, supporting Cretien's claim.
Lya Jierre pops back and says, "That would mean they would have an unfair advantage already having a working relationship with Mr. Griento. I suggest either removing his firm totally from the project or allowing us to work with him but having a secondary judge make sure the Risuris do not put undue pressure on him to sabotage the project."
Diplomacy
"Of course you didn't really mean to imply that we, as representatives of our government, intend to commit sabotage on the construction project of another government, did you?" John asked.
"What matter is it if we have a prior relationship? Do you fear that you cannot handle such a simple assignment, even armed with the word of the Bruse that you are to be in charge of the project? You insult the Bruse, your nation, and yourself."
"Ahh, so we have yet begun, and already you accuse us of what I just said you'd accuse us of. Why it is clear, if we meant to do this thing, we'd have simply had to keep quiet about our relationship with the fine folks at Griento Railways."
He turns to the Bruse, "My lord, do not put yourself to further trouble. Allow Griento Railways to work with us, and the whole matter is resolved. I'm sure you already picked two railway companies similar to each other in scope and skill, so there is no unfairness present."
The tiefling woman accompanying Lya asks the party, "You do have a working relationship with Griento Railways, have you not? That means you will not be at square one, compared to our situation."
Diplomacy
The Bruse waves his hands across his chest and says, "Enough of this bickering. The Risuris can work with Griento Railways."
He then starts on the second challenge, "The “Riven Sea of Gold,” Marrajado de Oro, forms part of the border between Risur and Ber. For centuries Risur had to defend against naval attacks from fleets of the pre-revolutionary dragon tyrants and later by orcish warlords. But times have been peaceful since my predecessor Vairday Bruse united the nation. However, the current executive authority there, Cavallo de Guerra, is a thorn in my side. He’s refusing to pay a fair share for the construction of the Selestala Railroad, which will link his capital city Citado Cavallo with the nation's capital Seobriga. This is just the latest dispute."
He says, "Risuris, your task is to convince Cavallo to make a public pledge of loyalty and agree to pay for his share of the Selestala route. Danorans your job is to trick him into attacking the Risuri fortress of Manhill. Basically, he either complies or he gets annihilated either by your garrison or by my army. Whichever happens first gets the vote."
The Bruse says, "Ok, if there aren't any more questions for me, I want to check out my new telescope to look at the stars."
"Thank you lord Bruse. We shall do what we can to deal with Cavallo de Guerra. Thank you for the challenge." Femi adds.
He waits to see if others have questions, as he starts to think about how they can get to Citado Cavallo quickly. He guesses Teleport will win the day...
The Bruse heads out, leaving a harpsichordist playing in his court until the place clears out.
Glaucia does not keep her eye of the other gnoll Pardo and says to you, "You might want to talk to Zarkava and Kenna. Their votes are also important."
John
John
Femi suggests the group goes and talks to each, starting with Zarkava. If they can obtain an audience, he'll start straightforwardly, "Zarkava, we would obviously like to win this competition, and so I would ask, what is it you seek? How may we impress you so as to improve our chances? What, in short, would you like us to do?"
He tries to say it with grace.
John
Zarkava responds somewhat aghast to Femi by saying "Well, I seek the very best for my nation. The best way to impress me is by winning the challenges the Bruse has given you and act in the best interest of my country. I do have to say I am not such a fan of this making the embetterment of the revolution up to actors from outside our country. My advice, act honorably and get results."
"Thank you Zarkava." Femi begins graciously, "We shall do our best to act honorably in all things." he smiles.
Begging his leave, he departs and goes to look for Kenna.
He again bows deeply and respectfully before beginning, "Kenna, as humble servants of Risur, our goal here is to succeed. And as time is of the essence, I prevail upon you to please let us know how we can best serve you in this manner."
"We've already spoken to Zarkava and promised that we would behave honorably. What would you see us do in order to feel comfortable voting for our success?"
As Femi talks to Kenna, John observes her reactions, trying to see what information he might suss out.
Zarkava moves over to Kort and says, "I hate to be presumptious but you would not happen to be an Eschatologist?"
Kenna the half dragon looks at Femi and says, "I find this game exciting and I have to say I am less interested in how you can help me but rather how you can help my country. I am of course a General in the Beran military and I want to make sure our country is strong. So what can you help us with? And what information are you looking for? I mean the Danorans have already promised a great deal."
As she talk to you, she grabs a handful of appetizers and munches on them.
John
"To be fair though, Danoran promises aren't worth the air expelled to make them. Risur, on the other hand, understands that as a sovereign nation, Ber needs to be able to feed, cloth, armor, and arm it's troops. As a gift to your fine nation, we would be willing to offer you the ability to equip a company of your brave soldiers with breastplates, swords, shields, bows, a quiver of arrows each, and a pack that contains the standard kit a soldier might expect. Should you require it, we can even provide trainers to train such a company of brave fighters in the art of war. Alternately, and I mean no disprespect with this offer, but I've heard that your nation is divided on their use, but we could instead equip and train a equal size group of your finest with long rifles and pistols instead of longswords, shields, and bows."
She shakes her head and says, "My country has no compunctions about firearms Senor and your offer is almost insulting as to how little you care for us. The Danorans have offered heavy warships and you offer me swords for a company of men, not for a division a corps or an army group but just a company. "
She looks back at Femi and puts her hand on her forehead.