Tristan finishes his morning patrol after breakfast. While on patrol he gets the flying letter from Sulvani.
Interesting.
He smiles as Larina meets him on his return.
"Oh help Cleo? The new lass. What does she need help with? Sulvani sent a letter saying she was interested in a magic shop. We plan on building and Academy next. Perhaps she can work out of there. Or run it. I suggested to Quince we have a sit-down lunch with her. I believe he was going to arrange that. So yes my sweet let us go and shop for the wedding until lunch."
He walks by and sees you. He stops and asks,"What do you think of this?" He has the message from Sulvanii between his fingers.
Quince smiled. "She is egger to get a start. I think its a good sign for the city. Its an expensive business to start because it can be profitable. I am sure a few of us will take the opportunity to get to know her better. Your caution is prudence in your position. I met her the other night. She is here for a new life. You worry we are to open and trusting?" He thinks a moment. "As our city grows and the land beyond we are going to have those of magic power within our borders. Its bound to come up. As things progress we can find out more about her and about what she intends and how safety is accounted for . . . you know alchemy." He holds his hands up pantomiming an explosion. "Boom. If something occurs that pushes our cautions to suspicions we will talk more."
"That would be nice." Cleonora said at his offer. "I wouldn't mind picking your brain over the settlement if you don't mind. I've only been here a few days and haven't had time to learn everything. Like why is there a fighting area? That seems a bit out of place here." Cleonora said as they walked. "Well I guess it really just seems out of place as the main faith is Erastil."
Quince moves on from Stalker knowing that he has had several conversations with officials about Cleo and a need to interview her. Yeah I don't want to leave that interview to Sota.
He makes his way back to Sulvanii, "I love that trick with the messages. I need to learn how to do that. Can you sent a note to Tristan and Cleonora Petalouda I wanted to talk with both. Lunch sounds good. Send them an invitation to lunch at the portico of the cathedral."
Quince heads out and makes lunch prep and to ensure a table and some chairs in the picturesque grounds of the cathedral. With the impromptu notice he happily agrees to a potato stew with game he hopes is venison, served in stone bread loafs and cool sparkling cider.
When the time comes he welcomes them to the small gathering. "Welcome friends. Have a seat. I hope wedding plans are moving along well Tristan. Its a narrow balancing act of being fully supportive but having to also communicate an opinion that proves you are engaged."
He sits and motions to the food. "Cleo. I have heard your name come up few times in my business of late. You as I know are hoping to do some work as an enchanter and the business that invites. Well we have some unique opportunities. Well we have hoped one to encourage education, as well as commerce. I don't know if you have had the opportunity to meet our Warden of Scoll, the Magister Sota." He smiles, "Many stories of wizards involve eccentric types. We didn't intend to try and top them but well. We have a sprite who is making efforts in that role. Because your business will be so likely tied to affairs of magic its likely that the two of you would move in something of the same circles."
Quince looks a bit more serious, "He is harmless but has tried the patience of some of those who have been working along side him. He needs someone adaptable to work with him. Also it is our hope that opportunity here in what was the stolen land is not just subsistence and new commerce we want to see our children and citizens have the opportunity of education. Even before your arrival we have considered incentivizing higher learning."
Cleonora was rather surprised when she got a letter summoning her to have lunch with the King. "Well it seems like you knew what you where talking about." Cleonora said as she showed Doam the letter that had been sent to her. "I wonder what he wants to talk about." She muttered.
She spent time speaking with Doam before she had to leave and head off to the lunch.
When Cleonora walked in she obviously wasn't too comfortable within the walls of the cathedral, though the garden did seem to put her at ease and she couldn't help but remember the conversation she first had with Quince at the tavern. She had taken time to stop by her inn room a change into a simple green gown. Likely because she had been requested to have lunch with the ruling cast of the settlement she was wanting to become a part of.
"Oh hello." Cleonora said to Tristan when she noticed him. "Ah, thank you." She added when offered to sit and eat. Her manners when eating, while not perfect, at least showed she was trying to make an attempt with those seen as higher class.
"I'm surprised my name got around so fast." Cleonora said after she swallowed a bite of stew. "I haven't yet met with Sota, I had just got done speaking with a Sulvanii. We spoke about the likely hood of getting everything together for a magic shop to be build. I was told it would be some time to get the workers for it here as they are greatly busy, so I offered to spend my own coin on the labor force." She explained.
"I will have to take time to speak with him after I return with the workers." Cleonora stated before she took a moment to eat some more of her lunch. "Higher learning is a great thing to aspire to, though without the basic learning there isn't much that can be done. One cannot learn the next level of magic without knowing the basics." Cleonora said before she held out her hand and with a flick of her wrist her form changed into a haunting beautiful yet unsettling form, it had to of been some form of magic yet Cleonora hadn't said a word. A moment later she dropped the illusion. "That was a basic spell, though I augmented it so that I didn't have to speak the magic for it. But even that can be hard to learn without a basic understanding of magic." She explained.
Quince smiled. He panicked momentarily at illusion he reached across the table keeping Tristan's blade in its sheath. "Well you'll give Sota a run if you care to. You are of course right about education prior to apprenticeship we've a theater, a cathedral," he motions to the surroundings. "Education starts at home in continues in the community."
"I don't pull pranks, I've better things to do. That was simply a demonstration." Cleonora stated with a slight smile.
"As to your statement about education starting at home and continuing within the community is a bit troubling." She said as she stirred the stew within the bread bowl. "I've met few who know the basics of magic. It isn't something most think of as a course of education. Though I will say I know a great deal of the Arcane arts, and the Planes outside of our own. My own education saw to that. I didn't have much to build from, which made it very difficult when I went to the magic academy. I had to learn fast and it was very stressful." Cleonora explained before she took a bite of stew and washed it down with a drink. "I learned reading, writing, and basic math from my mother and little of it from my father, but that hardly prepares one for higher education. Mostly only nobles get the proper kind that would help them go further. Common folk learn different things. How to make cheese from milk, how to weave your cloth from wool, stitch your clothes together, and things like that. Higher learning isn't thought of. Maybe if you're lucky you can get a merchant to teach you greater skills, but that is also rare as they'd rather teach their own children."
Tristan stands.
"Thank you for asking your excellency. Wedding plans are coming along nicely. Now with the cathedral done we have a grand place where most of the town can attend."
He sits back down. Ne looks and nods to Cleo as she arrives.
"Nice to see you again Cleo. I have been informed as well you have been looking to hire labor. I talked with the engineers this morning and the foundations for the Academy are going up as we speak. When we spoke a few days ago you had interest in crafting magical items. We the Green Watch could use a Magister. Our current Magister Sota is not best suited to the confines of teaching and learning. The Academy will need a headmaster. If the Baron has no objections the job is yours. If we feel your not up to it we will remove you and ask our fey friend to resume his way of things."
He pauses and takes a few sips of wine.
"Your excellency the big issue is we have no one in charge of Coin. While Sota has the knowledge to manage it, I'm not sure that would be the best fit." He looks over to Selena.
"You asked what we needed you for... Well you could administrate over the kingdom coffers. Like the rest of us you wuuld need to be here at least one week out of the month to oversee the workers are getting paid as well as the supliers and coin is flowing and coming in. Can you do this for us?"
"No you don't seem a prankster, but you understand illusion besides with Sota is more handing being around pranks where enduring it comes in. That is not a question of magic skill but of patience. He is skilled and capable but . . .well eccentric."
Quince frowns at Cleo's critique of education. But smiles firmly not wanting to loose track of things, "We are not other places. Education is a process not just in the home but here within churches, my own childhood tutor has come here and is teaching as well, and it is something we encourage. As time goes on we will make every effort in. I don't think we are anywhere near the level of having classes of spell casters for anyone to manage. However many artisans are known to take on apprentices and journey folk. Full fledged colleges and universities would be something quite amazing but that takes time."
He looks at Tristan listening he chuckles, looking rather surprised at how openly Tristan speaks, Wasn't he just tilling me not to be so trusting. He sighs, "Well I had a conversation with Sota. He is looking to buckle down. He might very likely one day move on because its against his nature to be anywhere for long, but I doubt book keeping is going to hold his interest. But yes Jhod who currently serves in the position needs to be and has asked to be reassigned."
He takes a minute. "You arrived with plans of your own. To a place with lots of opportunity. We have no desire to rob you of your own plans but seeing your intensions and learning of what you have already begun to organize we wondered what you might do with a larger position within our growing system. Whether that is a position of commerce or as magister."
Cleonora had simply been listening after her statement about how most approach education. When they brought up her being the headmaster, or well mistress in her case, of the academy Cleonora almost choked on the drink she had been sipping on. She set the cup down and turned her head to cough a bit, before settling herself.
"Pardon?" Cleonora asked with a surprised look. "You want... To make me the headmistress of the academy, and possibly even the Magister when your fae friend moves on, or even the treasurer now?" She asked her voice still a bit rough from there coughing. "I mean... That is..." She seemed to be finding the words for something.
The young woman settled back into her chair, her left hand over her lips. "I just... I mean... Are you sure about this? I've only been here four days, and while I've met each of you, it isn't like we're old friends being reunited." Cleonora pointed out. "I mean if it is needed I cannot turn it down." She looked at the food before her. "But I don't want people to look down on you all for this choice, skilled or not I am very new."
Quince smiles. "We do not mean to overwhelm you. Nor offer you blind trust." He slows down, "Each of the original Wardens oversee various aspects of our growing barony. Tristan holds a position very much in defense, welfare and law enforcement. Kevros who I don't know if you met works closely with our general and handles military matters. His wife Katrina is the High Priestess here likewise has guidance over some matters of culture, education, and so on. We have need of filling vacancies in our treasury and potentially working along side our current magister. Either position would be one that has a great deal of oversite in the beginning and would invite a great deal of scrutiny. We are here to understand how your desire to build a business here, being a person of arcane learning and one how quickly was taking personal economic risk to start that business who we might work together."
He pauses a moment and eats a piece of stew soaked bread. "Many folk who come to these lands seek freedom and to be left well enough alone. Perhaps that is you in which case we hope the best for your business and hope we have created a land where you can prosper." He pauses a moment. "But its clear you are proactive, a builder and we are long on our need for those who would build. We want to get to know you, and consider how you might not just prosper here but do something together. Perhaps your powers are innate one whose talent for sorcery was natural. As such you may not wish or be able to teach others who wish to toil and grow into the life of a wizard. Perhaps that level of work and education was part of your own history if so do you have do you seek an apprentice someday. In your business will you need and train others to increase your productivity. This is what we wish to know. Perhaps magic is simply a means or tool for you and your passion is business. If so you are either fool hearty, which I don't suspect, or your willingness to risk capital is targeted and know that you can make a profit."
"As for our people and trusting you and what power you would wield how freely and quickly. Those are questions we will wisely consider. Both positions are currently filled, and both have differing transition needs. We have brought in folks before and they know that some aspects of building our kingdom are unique and require certain skill sets. It doesn't hurt that we have magic creatures on the council."
"Yes. To be frank and honest. We have grown to a large town with around twenty-five hundred people. Over the past year, any with talent beyond the farmer, builder, and other labor force has been brought into our council. Bearik and Sulvani have vast knowledge but Bearik does his own thing and Sulvani is a ginn and would probably intimidate most as a headmaster. Though I'm sure he would like teaching. Most of the council have known each other less than a year or just a few months. We are a growing city and kingdom. You wish to be part of it? If so say so now. Or just open your shop if that is the life you choose."
"I was wondering if he was a straight up genie or one the geniekin." Cleonora said with a nod. "Wait wouldn't he be a Efeeti? They're the ones with fire. How did you get an Efeeti on your council? They are very difficult to reason with. Even more so to get them to remain on this plane. They often only take slaves in bargains, also he is rather short if he's an Efeeti... Wait could he be a Janni?! He may be... He was only human size and his eyes... they shown so brightly. I wasn't really studying him while we spoke... I thought that would be rude." Cleonora said, shrugging slightly.
"But, I'm getting off topic..." She muttered slightly. She was quiet for a few minutes as she ate some of her meal before speaking again. "You have asked me to choose one of two paths... neither of which is easy, though nothing that must be done ever truly is. I am good with coin, before becoming a mage I was a barmaid. So I can balance books. Also, I am not a sorceress, I am an Arcanist. I had to work for my magic, like a wizard does, but unlike a wizard I am not so... strictly bound. My casting is more akin to that of the sorcerers." Cleonora explained slowly, she wanted to make sure they understood. "It is a rare blend I guess you could say. So I can work and teach what I know as a headmistress and even a Magister..."
She stopped for a moment, taking a long drink, before gently setting down the glass and looking from Tristan to Quince. "Why don't I purpose a compromise." Cleonora began. "In a month's time the Academy will be finished no? My job would begin there. I shall take my role as the Academy's first Headmistress, and work there for a few months. During which time you can decide from how I run the place if I am fit enough to be trusted with higher power. Not to mention it will give you a chance to see what is needed first. A treasure for the one who can no longer handle his burden, or a magister for the flighty."
Don't worry Quince there have been lots of posts. And we are backtracking over each other some. It will all work out. I will try and be more clear.
"I'm not sure what he is, the kind that can grant wishes is all I know. Very good. We will get things prepared for the month. I was thinking we can take care of a posted bounty or two this month. Cleo you can come and work with us in the field. It will give us a chance to get to know you better and see what skills you have. What say you?"
Quince nods and chuckles at the conversations about Sulvanii, he finally shrugs, "He has helped. Greatly." He listens to the offers and plans. "If you wish to take such a role we certainly have need." Quince nods, "Action. Doing something. You have the eyes of someone who can handle themselves in a pinch not just as a bookworm. Come with us hands on against a threat. That will square any questions about practical skill and you can know then if you have thrown in will with fools." He winks a bit with self deprecating humor.
"You do know that all genies grant wishes yes?" Cleonora asked Tristan with a raised eyebrow. "That is the main appeal to them. Did you know there is a magical deck that will bring one to this plane for them to marry the one who drew it. Odd things come about those of geniekin or genie kind." Cleonora said, though she soon realized she was getting off topic once more.
Clearing her throat she spoke again, "I did walk the whole way from Rostov to here on my own two legs by myself." Cleonora pointed out. "If I couldn't take care of myself, I'd be long dead." She added before she went about finishing her lunch. "But if you wish to see what I can do, in a fight that is, then maybe a bounty is best."
Quince smiled. "She is egger to get a start. I think its a good sign for the city. Its an expensive business to start because it can be profitable. I am sure a few of us will take the opportunity to get to know her better. Your caution is prudence in your position. I met her the other night. She is here for a new life. You worry we are to open and trusting?" He thinks a moment. "As our city grows and the land beyond we are going to have those of magic power within our borders. Its bound to come up. As things progress we can find out more about her and about what she intends and how safety is accounted for . . . you know alchemy." He holds his hands up pantomiming an explosion. "Boom. If something occurs that pushes our cautions to suspicions we will talk more."
"It is my job is to be cautious." He interjects quickly, listening on he nods. Finally saying, "True, true... time will tell. I will let the others act on the message then."
Later that day several things happen. The first is going over the effects and items found at the cult.
Cult - recovered items:
a glittering gem that looks like a glaring bloodshot eye
10 symbols of a bloodshot eye
mwk dagger
hag’s shabble [magic item], 36 gp, symbol of Gyronna
There was several papers with names on them [looking into these names you find they were in the slaughter room or have gone missing]
Also two identical maps leading to a barn outside of town.
Later that day having lunch with Cleo you hear about another 'speech' that Gregori is going to have...
'Speech?' Cleonora wondered to herself as she heard about it. 'I wondering what he's speaking about?' Cleonora decided she would check out this speaker out.
"That guy again. If you want a second opinion on us. Anyway thank you for joining us. We will speak further."
Quince nods at Tristan's suggestion and he heads to talk to Selena with Tristan. "We should listen to our critic perhaps he might speak of the cult or make more accusations than is prudent."
"Yes. Let us go and make the proposal to Selena. We should then go listen to the speech, but you need to be ready to engage him in debate. You need to refute any false claims against us. You didn't want to try and bring him into our circle so you have to publicly out speak him your excellency."
"We will see. I am eager to see what he speaks about this time. He might share knowledge that ties him other problems we have had of late. . . that might be wishful thinking." Quince frowns, "Maybe Sulvanii can just banish him somewhere or turn him into a newt. . ." He chuckles at his levity. "I plan on answering him."
Talking with guards about the castle you find out that Selena was last asking about finding Stalker. One of the guards said he escorted her. Getting to the Spymaster's work room you knock and the slit for viewing others opens and closes. Then the door unlocks and Stalker welcomes you into his study. With a mirthless laugh he says, "More visitors today than in a month, I should be happy." He gives each of you a shake then closes the door locking it again, with the deadbolt and a door bar system that would be hard to open the door without negating first. The ceiling is low in this room, about 7 feet, rather than the normal 10 foot ceilings.
Within Selena rises and curtsies. Once you dismiss her she would sit down again.
The room seems untidy and yet very prepared for someone that is paranoid. You can see papers here there and everywhere in the study with string connecting one paper to another. Another door opposite the room has another lock system too. Papers are on the three tables of the room, walls, and a few on the ceiling. Weapons, message scrolls, inks, and quills cover his desk. He has nails holding up most of the papers but some are held up by daggers. Some of the papers are replications of the bounty board on the wall separated from the rest.
"How can your spymaster help you today?" He asks with more warmth than his last statement.
Quince smiles at Stalker's welcome, "We grow. It is exciting times."
Quince bows politely at Selena's deference.
Quince looks to Stalker, "We were searching Selena out actually. Though I did here that Gregori will be making a speech later. Perhaps it is time for us to be familiar with those who are close associates of his. Tristan and I will be trying to keep lunch down when he speaks later. I am sure you knew."
Quince turns to Selena, "I hope you are well and settling in and perhaps growing bored."
Upon asking to take one of the positions she would slowly shake her head. Taking a few moments to collect her words, "I will be straight forward in the problems you pose as I take one of those positions. I am a were-jaguar, I don't think I have the skills to do either of those positions, I am a ninja summoner. As I came to Stalker, I would be best to be a spy and stay in the shadows. Though I do have a problem myself." She points to the platinum collar that resides around her neck, with several gems embedded on it that shine, then continues, "I am bound to servitude and a magical site. The monolith, which I do need to find. My freedoms are not my own. I am a vessel for the monolith. This bracelet here should go to my next master. My freedom is not my own and I need a master. It is just part of my magic as others have their rules these are mine. If you want the chance to be my master take the bracelet and brace yourself for a mental conversation with the bracelet's ego. So I would first need a master and if you are fine with my problems I suppose I could be the Magister."
Quince looks surprised. He responds almost silently, "Were-Jaguar?" He composes himself. "I am hardly one to have an ill opinion of fur."
"I have no wish to be a master. If followed I would want to be followed by choice. Could your next master free you?"
"Actually yes, I knew of his speech and was double checking some new... information. There are so many rumors about Gregori it is troubling. Luckily half of them flavor him as the troublemaker. Yes it would be good if you were there to discount him, well that's not the word but you know what I mean. I was going to send messengers but then Selena came to me and I have been laying out my plans using her. Gregori doesn't know her..." He stops there hoping to not have to go into the rest of the details.
Stalker just looks at Selena and licks his lips. After a few stupifying moments of just thinking about what we would like to do with her, he offers, "I would be your master..."
She points out rather flippant, "Several of my previous masters have set me free and I choose to find a new master. With a master I don't go feral with my lycanthrope and can control my urges, well my master can. Also having a master strengthens my bond to The Monolith."
Then she stands up and sensually begins to walk forward with the look of a huntress in her eyes she practically purrs out, "Well I am a very good body guard..." Then looks you down slowly and then back to your eyes.
Quince very uncharacteristically looks at Selena up and down. "Body guard." He mumbles something almost a whisper, [b]"would you hold it against me.
Quince watches her approach a mix of nerves and not terribly hidden desire. "Magister well we have a magister and we need a Treasury person. Warden of Coin." He looks up at her, "If you are open to other positions."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+11[/diplomacy]
He looks nervously about, "Who is your current master. I mean if you need a master that will keep you from harming folk. I would ah . . . do that."
Tristan's mind wonders a bit. Is she, I think she is. I wonder if Larina would be open to...
He watches Quince begin to flirt.
"Good, good. It is settled then. Perhaps, your excellency, we keep it between us you are taking on a slave women." He smiles and as he intended it to be a joke.
"Quince will be a fine and just master for you Selena. We would be honored if you choose to work with us though. We know you are gifted with magic, but we need your intelligence and fairness to administer over the coin. Even better you will now serve the baron. He will hold power over you so you can't bankrupt the kingdom. You did say in the ether "Whatever we need." We really could use you in this role."
+2 to Quince's diplomacy.
{dice=Diplomacy}1d20+11{/diplomacy}
Quince looks embarrassed. "Whoa slavery. Ah no. Is it hot in here? I feel eh-hem."
"Yes. We do need you to fill that position mentioned." He looks around. "Treasury." He looks toward Tristan. "Treasury right. My mind is ah elsewhere." He looks back toward Selena, "I see the contradiction in my desire for your freedom. You prefer to serve then left to violence. In such light I would seek to see you free from your master if you wish a new one."
She practically squeals, "Oh yes I will hold it against you," moving forward to hug you letting your arm between her boobs. In your ear Quince she whispers, "If you are my master I am open to all kinds of positions with you!"
She sweetly smiles at Tristan and bats her eyelashes at you when you talk about Quince taking a slave. Then a thought pops in her head and she quickly says, "A harem sounds fun!" Then she nods at your other words.
"I have a position for you to fill!" She says continuing to be sexy. "I know where your mind is you naughty boy."
"I have no master now." She pouts letting her lips perk up. "I need a master! But yes I can take the position as Treasurer, also bodyguard if you don't mind."
From the door way of the room, three bolts of force flew through the air and slammed into Selena. In the doorway stood Cleonora, eyes burning to anger as she looked at the were-creature before her.
As Cleonora stepped into the room proper it was easier to see that one of her hands was filled with an blade, a butterfly sword, that gleamed a silvery blue color. Mythril. Which would burn like silver.
"So distracted you didn't see me in the door way." Cleonora said with more of a hiss. "Stood there just long enough to understand the situation. Didn't want to make a scene from a misunderstanding." She explained, almost nonchalantly after just attacking someone. "You better remove your enchantment before I get extra pissed off." Cleonora demanded as she raised the blade to point directly at Selena's face. "You will let them choose of their own free will, uninhibited by trickery. Do you understand me?" She asked narrowing her eyes.
"Or do you need further encouragement?" Cleonora asked, making her pointed very clear, she would slice Selena apart right here, right now, if she kept this up.
Quince looks flustered and still enthralled. "Harem? No I mean, Erastil requires, this is really sudden, ahhhh" At this point the poor Baron is distracted by the surprise at the door.
Quince turns and stands placing himself between Cleo and Selena. His weapon drawn and his other hand reaching behind him protectively making sure Selena is close. His eyes narrow and he speaks in celestial. "What is the meaning of this?"
Tristan's posture changes as he takes the stance of the battle dragon. The baron already addressed the situation but Tristan's hand moves the hilt of his sword ready to draw if things don't calm.
Cleonora answers, surprisingly in Celestial. "You're under a charm spell!" She explained. "Though your friend isn't and he seems completely content to watch another manipulating you to their own ends." She added as she looked at Tristan, though this was in common. "Some friend you are." She off handedly added before looking back to Quince. "Do you have any idea how much damage this can do?!" She shouted at them both, repeating it in Celestial if needed. "The fact she can bat her eyelashes and run this place through him? Did you think of that?!" Cleonora asked, snapping more at Tristan than Quince this time. "Or did you just not care because she's a pretty girl and might get laid tonight?" She asked, this one more to Quince and in Celestial.
"Did you even think that she might be lying?" Cleonora asked. "Or, did you think to call someone to look at the bracelet? No! Because you're not thinking right!" She pointed out. She had lowered her weapons, as she wouldn't point them at Quince, but it was still easy to see that one wrong movement from Selena would send Cleonora against her in a heartbeat. "So, she's going to remove the spell. Then I'll be nice. But only then."
Quince's nose tightens into a snarl.
His arm that lingered behind him pulls Selena close behind him as if not seeing her he wanted her close. He looks to Tristan hoping to clear up his confusion and asks a quick one word question, however he still lingers in Celestial.
Quince with his weapon still bared looks back at Cleo and speaks with ire still in his tone.
A look of incredulity furrows his face and he continues to speak in the tongue of the heavens.
His weapon lowers slightly, he asks aloud in common, glancing toward Tristan trying to figure out what is going on "Did I just make a bunch of thinly veiled sexual innuendos to Selena." He realizes his protective hand is still about Selena's waist he moves it back out wide more in keeping with a readied stance but still keeps Selena behind him safely.
"Not that it is your business. This is the first I have learned of her collar and the bracelet or the monolith. But Selena has proven helpful to us." He looks puzzled, "It can't hurt to have the items studied. But as Selena has been loyal thus far I feel that freeing her is right."
"That doesn't f#%&ing matter Quince!" Cleonora snapped in common now that Quince was speaking it again. "She enchanted you! She charmed you!" She explained. "She used magic against you any where else that is high treason! I don't care why she did it! There is no excuse to take over the mind of another! To take their choice away! The fact that you're still defending her for such a heinous act is proof enough that you're still under her spell. All loyalty is irrelevant, this is betrayal of the highest degree! And if you where not in the way right now, I wouldn't be so talkative. I've of taken care of the problem." Cleonora said, though her tone was strong and each sentence heavy with what could only be seen as a mixture of hate and sorrow, she still had yet to raise her blade to meet Quince.
"You are the leader here. You are their Baron. To try and effect that mind is the most dangerous thing any can do. And magic is the most dangerous thing you should fear. It can so easily be hidden, so easily worm it's way into the very being of those around it. I should know." Cleonora went on to say. "Of she was loyal, truly loyal, and she really cared about what you wanted, she would have never cast this spell upon you. The very fact she did, tell me all I need to know. And once you fall out from this spell, assuming the bracelet doesn't make it permanent, you will regret everything you did. They always do." Cleonora told him as she gripped the blade I'm her hand tighter, her knuckles turning white.
She takes the damage in stride barely wincing at the pain. "As I have said, I need a master." That is the only thing she can get out before Quince pulls her closer to him. Cleo and Tristan can see the same enchanted look on her face as Stalker and Qujnce.
She has little to say. Though as the spell waivers upon Quince and Stalker she seems more herself as well. She slowly thinks through her thoughts out loud, she appears not threatened by Cleo in the least. "I dont... my actions have no ill intent but also they don't feel like my actions. I never cast a spell, it just seems to happen." Then coming to a realization she blurts out, "Perhaps it is the braclet. This has happened before..."
The DC of this check is equal to 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier.
Success: If successful, the opponent will:
…give you information you desire
…take actions that do not endanger it
…offer other limited assistance
After the intimidate expires, the target treats you as unfriendly and may report you to local authorities.
Fail: If you fail this check by 5 or more, the target attempts to deceive you or otherwise hinder your activities.
"You overstep Cleo. If that is your name? No magic was cast. Selena whatever her past is skilled at seduction. So much so she has seemed to enthrall the baron. I was tempted myself, but I have a healthy love and fear of Larina. You have attacked a trusted ally of the council. Explain now why I don't make you ponder this for some time in a cell? She explained the bracelet is magical and intelligent. Any who take it will have to win in a mental battle to wield it. Quince has yet to touch or take it. So I will say once more explain yourself."
With Cleo's attack his demeanor changes abruptly, his bow in his hand and aiming it at Cleo. Ready to release the arrow if she did any other attack.
The bow aimed down he looks at those in the room. Shaking his head, he gravely says "Tristan, who is this?" Indicating Cleo with a nod.
You can't read his face as you talk but he is not happy.
Later he calmly clarifies, "Quince when in combat you speak in Celestial, can you understand other languages then as well?"
"I am Cleonora Petalouda." Cleo told Stalker. Nice to meet you." She added with a small node to him. "Well... give the current circumstances." She added.
Putting her blades away, back into the side of her boot none the less. "If that's my name?" Cleonora asked with a raised eyebrow. "Are you kidding me?" She added as she crossed her arms. "Says the most trusting Warden I think I've ever met!" Cleonora half scoffed. "At lunch today you where pressing for me to take a position in your council when you didn't know a bloody thing about me! In fact, it had to be me to point that fact out!" She stated, very bluntly. "Then you see your ruler, acting weird after feeling something is off yourself, and you just keep going with it." Then she stopped and looked at Tristan with nothing but annoyance and disappointment. "I'm sorry, did you just say that there is a magically intelligent item in this room?!" Cleonora slapped her forehead with her now free hand and said. "Oh for the love... the incompetence of those two I get, magic and all, but as the only one of those in the room that still had your mind, you should have taken the item and secured it after ensuring your ruler was safe. Magical items are some of the most deadly items that magic can produce! I should know, I make magic items." Her voice had come down from anger at this point, though her tone was still firm. "That is why I acted before he could take it! Once you lock in combat with an Intelligent magical item there is nothing that can be done to stop the fight till a victor has come forth. What would you have done if the bracelet won?! Would you have even been able to know? The very fact you where okay with him doing so is troubling! How could a Warden allow that?!" She asked.
"Oh! And lets not look over the fact, that she just admitted that this has happened before!" Cleonora said, "F#~+! I hate intelligent magic items!" She ranted, though it was easy to tell this wasn't at anyone. "Though it does seem you where under the effect as well, so I do apologize for the magic I threw your way. I'll gladly pay for a potion for that. I'd give you the last one I had but I gave that to this fool days ago when he said he was off to find a little boy that had gone missing." Cleonora told Selena as she pointed with her thumb at Tristan. "If you set the bracelet down on the desk I'll give it a look over magically and tell you what it does if I'm able."
Quince answer's Stalker's Question. "Understand yes. I can speak Celestial or Sylvan in when things get tense."
"Hold on. If she didn't cast a spell, and I am not normally a perv, and felt the spell effect her as well. Who cast the spell?"
"Did I mention, I f&%&ing hate intelligent magical items?" Cleonora asked as she looked to Quince. "If an item of magical nature is powerful enough it comes with it's own spells. These spells often are for the intelligent magical item to defend itself or further it's own goals. If it is intelligent enough it can even speak with the one who uses it. This is often a mental link and only the user will hear it." She explained. "When I was at the academy there was a whole class about these and was required for anyone who went into the item enchanting field. Because... well sometimes you can make one by accident. Though that is greatly rare! Still they are a b+!&+ to deal with, and even more difficult to get rid of." Cleonora sighed as she remembered her schooling. "Their ego, as we call it, is how powerful they are. The higher their ego, the more dangerous... funny though, I can say the same for men who can't take no for an answer." She chuckled a bit at her own joke, though she seemed fully in teacher mode now. "If one fails against the ego of the item, they can be completely taken over by the item. Acting like a sort of puppet for said item. Few would know unless they know the person very well, or have a magical inclination. Like myself."