"Well, if you can't trust him, then I suggest you make him an ally. Keep your enemies closer, if you catch my meaning... Anyhow, just keep in mind his star is rising. He's consolidated his empire and, if rumours are to be believed, is about to be wed. Soon he'll have heirs and his throne will be secured, if he foregoes Pitax's ways that is, for we rarely choose the heir as successor, but he might change that too..." and he prepares to leave.
Malaswyn's curiosity gets the better of him, "If you don't mind, how did you come across Irovetti in the first place?"
Lothaire Liacenza ponders Malaswyn's question, looking to the skies, then he say: "You know, now that I think of it, I'm not entirely sure. He emerged, in a way, at some point in Pitax's nobles as an apt... noble? I mean, he wasn't really a merchant, and he wasn't a soldier, and he wasn't with one of the families... No, he just... emerged. He had some funds, and he rapidly became quite famous and popular with the crowds, a patron of the arts! He collected fanciful pieces and became someone that mattered. He was already wealthy when I met him. If you ask me, he probably made his fortune trading Numerian artefacts."
"Yeah thanks for the heads up. We'll definitely be keeping an eye on him," he nods. Turning to the group, "Alright, I'm ready to move when you fellas are. The sooner the better. I'm anxious to meet this Irovetti character," he says through narrowed eyes.
"Numeria, with the silver mountain and the strange devices. Perhaps he has some strange devices of his own?"
Kriger notices dust in the distance. Riders, coming from the tournament grounds. Lothaire notices them as well. He says: "People coming. It's probably this damned Nunzio. The shiniest tongue in Pitax if you ask me. He's probably master of ceremony for this charade. Anyhow, I must go. Being seen with you, Duke Kalsgrim, would help neither of us. You've heard my warning. Contact me if you want to talk. I hear your companion hear has contacts with the Sczarni. That's one way to find me, albeit a longer way." and he jumps on his horse, and his companion does the same.
Oberlin mulls over the thoughts of mind magic. I believe that the Duke should be more resistant than most. But most nobles will not be weak willed. An artifact or some sort of item to charm those in Irovetti's presence? The possibilities are endless..."
"Are there any we can trust to not be working with Irovetti who are remaining in Pitax? Do the Sczarni work with him? And finally, is there a library or place of learning that one might gain access too? This Academy of the Grand Arts perhaps?" Oberlin asks, rattling off the questions that occur to him.
As he nudges his horse forward, Lothaire replies: "The Sczarni work with the Sczarni. So it depends on what's at stake. And you're not going to Pitax. The tournament is just over there, but the city is much farther. But yes, there's a library, but not a great one. Irovetti has only recently started to revamp it. It's not something my brother and I cared for... Godspeed! And I hope you keep your Duchy, Lord Kalsgrim. If not, we can be fugitive-friends!"
With that, he gallops off.
In the distance, you see a group of three riders. They do not seem in a hurry.
Malaswyn shrugs, "We could, perhaps, choose to rest at home? With my spells and Oberlin's, we have no need to spend our nights in Pitax. Simply attend the events and then leave?"
He watches the approaching riders, "Nobody even needs to know we have gone, unless they break into our chambers at night..."
"That, Malaswyn, is a thought that is simply beyond excellent. I am ashamed that I did not think of it first. The only things that need to be considered are who stays behind to distract attention? How do we communicate long distance if we need to return, and how do we deal with uninvited visitors? I think the benefits outweigh the risks however and we should think strongly about this Duke." Oberlin finished, with ringing endorsement.
Grinning mischievously at Oberlin's words, "I'll stay behind to distract attention. I'm good at that. But I got no help for you on the long distance communication bit. That's out of my league." He then looks over at the riders, "If I were a betting man I'd guess those three are our escorts? Only one way to find out, right?" he asks, looking to the others. Barring any objections or further discussion, Kriger will lead the way over to them.
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The trio of riders approaches in the distance, while Lothaire seems to disappear on the horizon. It takes a while for the riders to reach you, and you finally understand why. One of the two riders escorting the envoy is a mechanical construct it seems, and its horse seems unnerved and suffering under its weight. The other riders, lithe and muscular, seems completely at home on a horse, and pesters the construct. The envoy seems quite patient and used to these antiques, smiling at the skies at times.
Finally, they make it and the envoy steps off his horse and gives the lot of you a deep and ceremonious bow. He remains low and his eyes trained to the ground until the other two finally catch on and do the same in a robotic and reluctant manner.
"My Lords of Frieland! Welcome to the kingdom of Pitax and the Rushlight Tournament! I am Nunzio Arpaia, appointed by His Gloriness King Irovetti to look upon the affairs of the tournament. I am, at you service!"
And he remains there, his knees trembling from the strain.
Nunzio stands up and nods to the others to stand up as well. He replies: "How noble of you, Duke Kalsgrim. Pitaxians have heard so much about you and your group of companions. Your adventures, and how luck has been on your side in taking a forgotten piece of forest and turning it into a fledgling duchy! Wonderful tales that we all hope you will delight us with!"
"But today, we are to walk into the Tournament grounds. I will first lead you to your tent, where you can rest and prepare. Tonight there will be a feast, in your honour, where you will be officially introduced to His Highness the King. He looks forward to meeting you! After the feast, if we survive it!" he laughs heartily at the last part, his high pitched laughter ringing in your ears.
"Anyways, yes, after the feast, the next day, the Rushlight Tournament will be launched with the first contest, and so on and so forth over the coming days, with a feast every night! A wonderful thing!"
Kriger listens to the conversation somewhat as he can't help but stare at the strange contraption upon the horse. "I got a question. What in the Nine Hells is that thing?!" he motions toward the robot. "Because it looks like your horse is about to collapse under the weight of that thing."
At first, you think that thing is some sort of construct, but then you spy a few things that don't quite fit. For example, holes to breathe, or straps. Finally, you realize that it's nothing but a very fancy set of armour. Probably Numerian, given what you've heard about Irovetti.
Nuncio gives Kriger a broad smile and says: "This!? Do not be alarmed. This is but a man, really, but My Lord the King Irovetti has untapped new lore that have allowed the smithing of mighty weaponry, such as this fine set of armour, which, I will grant you, look exactly like a fierce construct!"
"You like weapons, yes?"
"A man? Really? Could've fooled me," he confesses, still not entirely sold on that but mentally shrugs it off for now. He then looks to the man curiously, "Yeah I like weapons. Why do you ask?"
"No reason. I just thought you would. Who has not heard of Kriger the Axe in these parts?! Perhaps my King can find a proper weapon for you in his armory? You know one of the contest is axe throwing? This shall be something to behold!"
Shrugging, "Maybe. Gonna be hard to replace my good ol' trusty axe though. It'll have to be something spectacular for sure. Outside of that, I am looking forward to this axe throwing competition! Let's get this party started! Axes, food, and more food! Doesn't get much better than that! I have a good feeling this is gonna be some tournament," he says, smiling confidently.
Malaswyn smiles, "A fascinating suit of armour. We have much to learn from good King Irovetti."
He takes a pen, ink and vellum from his bag, "What other events are planned for the tourney? I'm afraid our invitation was rather scant on details."
"I'm glad you asked! Scheduled are an archery contest, a chopping contest, and an oratory contest. Now, do keep in mind that King Irovetti might add a SURPRISE event, should he so choose. Each event takes place on a separate day. The first is the archery contest. That's tomorrow."
Clapping his hands together, "Well alright! Let's get this show on the road! We ain't winning anything standing around. And we surely ain't eating anything either," he says with a grin while patting his stomach. "So! Lead the way, ummm...," he pauses, having totally forgotten the guy's name. Kriger then simply smiles and says, "Well? What are we waiting for?!" He double checks his gear and prepares to follow.
Malaswyn looks to the Duke.
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You all ride out towards the tournament's grounds. Nunzio expresses his amazement at the sight of the flying carpet and the flying broom, then goes on about how King Irovetti has shown great curiosity over the last months at the rapid growth of the Duchy of Frieland and often said the Duke and him would make a great allies.
As you approach, you can see the grounds have three distinct areas, which Nunzio explains briefly.
The grounds are split by Cutler's creek, a small waterway running roughly east to west. North of the creek are two large tents and a coliseum of medium size. Nunzio explains the west tent is the staging tent, where competitioners meet, while the east tent is in fact the Royal Pavillion, where King Irovetti stays.
On the south side of the creek are large tents for servants and animals, but, some distance to the east, a beautiful crystal lake, aptly called 'The Royal Blue' around which the tents of the dignitaries are laid out.
He accompanies you all the way to your tent, which is a great pavilion with several silken partitions.
"I shall come and escort you to the banquet, where you will be introduced formally to the King, around sunset, so that leaves you a few hours to get settled. There's wine and food, plus I've attached a few servants to your needs. Order as you would your own servants."
Once Nunzio has left, Malaswyn speaks to each of the serveants, asking about their lives and families while including some self-deprecating humour.
Confident that a rapport has been established, he asks them to prepare food and move a few things around, then dimisses them so that the group can speak freely.
Then he begins carefully searching the tent for anything we which might be used to spy on the group, or that might threaten them.
Taking note of the search pattern, "Good one. I don't trust 'em either," Kriger says and takes to looking himself.
A thorough search of your pavilion finds nothing untowards. The servants are somewhat friendly, but insist that Nunzio has asked them to remain professional. As such, they are quite diligent and discreet, but do not seem to open up. At least for now, as you've barely met with them.
There are still a few hours left before Nunzio is planned to return and bring you to the banquet. Any plans?
Malaswyn looks to Marcel, "Shall we walk together? I will make pleasantries while you apply your particular skills to the situation?"
Malaswyn looks to Marcel, "Shall we walk together? I will make pleasantries while you apply your particular skills to the situation?"
Oberlin recalls what he knows of the "armored" servants that moved with Nunzio.
"I am going to focus for a bit and see if I can make sure that I know the magical energies here sufficiently to enable safe teleport from the duchy back to this tent."
Nunzio arrives at your tent just as the sun is starting to set, bathing the lake in front of your pavilion in a warm and pinkish hue. The lake stands still and delightful as the north wind decided to pause for this majestic moment.
"My dear Duke! Beautiful location, yes? This is so much better than Pitax proper. Feels like a vacation! Now, we must be on our way. This is but a 5 minutes walk, but perhaps you'd prefer to use your carpet to fly there?"
Kriger checks his armor, he makes sure he's got his axe, and his handy backpack along with his amazing bag that seems to be able to hold everything. "I'm ready! And I'll be taking my broom if that's okay."