Illthir puts on her best behavior and does not smirk when Igor nearly introduces one of the guests as 'mouthbreather'. She'd save that one for later. Instead she gracefully shakes whichever offered hands and returns other forms of greetings as best as she could. "Illthir Winlowe, skald, a pleasure."
Durgan will go around and shake hands. "Greetings, all. May your ventures prosper.
I am Durgan Far-Walker, priest of Abadar. I hope this conclave proves profitable for all involved."
"Indeed" seconds the old rascal, Longtooth.
Make a second Knowledge (nobility or religion) DC 20:
For his part Ser Daye has a spotless war record.
Illthir puts on her best behavior and does not smirk when Igor nearly introduces one of the guests as 'mouthbreather'. She'd save that one for later. Instead she gracefully shakes whichever offered hands and returns other forms of greetings as best as she could. "Illthir Winlowe, skald, a pleasure."
"Ser Ernest Daye, at your service." he does a formal bow.
Durgan will go around and shake hands. "Greetings, all. May your ventures prosper.
I am Durgan Far-Walker, priest of Abadar. I hope this conclave proves profitable for all involved."
Mistbreather nods.
Oh I've heard a bit or two about these. She wouldn't mind cornering either of them and squeeze them for some good stories. But *probably* not right now. Hmm. Do I know any Longtooth songs?
Oh I've heard a bit or two about these. She wouldn't mind cornering either of them and squeeze them for some good stories. But *probably* not right now. Hmm. Do I know any Longtooth songs?
Durgan knows nothing about the older man.
Ernest Daye he does know.
Durgan makes a point of greeting Ser Daye.
"Ser Daye, it is an honor. I am sure that your Inheritor looks on you with favor for your service. I am also sure that Edrin Lodovka would wish me to convey his best regards; he too has returned from the Crusades while still sound in body and spirit."
Durgan bows his head in memory of those who did not return, or who returned corrupted in some way.
"Ah, that Sir Daye?", she asks of any of her companions nearby and out of earshot from the others, "Durgan spoke quite highly of him. Despite the rumors."
When Zokon breaks from his thoughts he will gladly clasp hands as he meets each in turn
"Longtooth, the tales of your exploits precede you, may I and my companions develop a similar reputation in times to come. Here is my Lovely Lady Alia, she who stands beside me in all things."
"Ser Ernest As Durgan has explained a Crusader, well thankyou for your efforts to halt the demons. Here is my Lovely Lady Alia, she who stands beside me in all things."
"Master Mistbreather, a prestigious sounding name, forgive me if I know precious little of you and your Clan, feel free to enlighten me. May I present the Lady Alia she who stands beside me in all things."
Fergus notices Longtooth Immediately, the man had even got his fingers into some Pies in Fergus's home of Glimmerhold, which was no easy feat considering.
Good evening my fine Lords and Fellows. Longtooth, Ser Dayne, and Sir Balthur. It is good to see a fellow dwarf from home. He gives a nod to each, but focuses on Balthur for now.
I hope your business is going well.
In the midst of the greetings, a man strides purposefully up into the room from the gardens bringing the pungent flower scent in his wake. It is Ser Richard your host.
"Good evening, friends!" he begins on a high note, and all of your fellow guests quiet. "Please forgive your host's late greeting as well, I am afraid, his premature exit, but as you can see, preparations are ongoing." he says gesturing through the arches at the laborers' white-covered carts.
"There is much for me to accomplish these next couple of days, and much more in the days after when our work here truly begins." the lord of all Aldori Swordlords says meeting everyone in attendance's eyes with his own penetrating, hawk's gaze.
"Please enjoy the amenities of my estate, until your toil begins. Get to know you fellows, greet the newcomers as they arrive, and any questions...." Igor quickly steps up beside him. "Igor here can answer. And with that I must away. The building of empires is toilsome work." He says with a charming smile. "Please relax, enjoy your meals, and your stay."
And with that he exits as food is brought in by a train of house servants with steaming silver platters.
Serena greets each noble in turn, showing deference where required.
Illthir knew about the sword lords! Of course, she wasn't born from underneath a rock. Probably. She hadn't pressed her parents on that topic. Regardless! The skald was more then determined to enjoy all the amenities she could get her paws on. "Better enjoy this for sure, the frontier's cold and damp."
Durgan knows of a few Crusaders, Caydenites mostly, who after the end of the Fourth Crusade came to Brevoy to train with the Swordlords. Some stayed too long in the Worldwound, I think, and cannot live without the din of battle. Glad that Edrin and I got out when we did, and even so there are things that neither of us will ever forget.
Durgan bows to Ser Richard as he arrives, and again when the Swordlord leaves. With hardly a moment to get a word in, he does try to offer "Thank you for your hospitality," before helping himself to some food.
Yes the swordlords, they can be haughty and overly self-confidant, but in this endeavour they are also righteously independent and will be valuable aid in helping others show their independence.
Zokon gives a sweeping bow, waving his hat "Thankyou for your hospitality Lord."
Durgan makes a point of greeting Ser Daye.
"Ser Daye, it is an honor. I am sure that your Inheritor looks on you with favor for your service. I am also sure that Edrin Lodovka would wish me to convey his best regards; he too has returned from the Crusades while still sound in body and spirit."
"Good to hear. But the Inheritor is not just mine, but all good peoples. Just as I carry the gold and copper tokens of Master of the First Vault in my pockets, so too do the goodly carry the courage of the Lady of Valor in their breasts!" says Daye. "Come brother let us discuss the turnings of things in fell Sarkoris."
"Ah, that Sir Daye?", she asks of any of her companions nearby and out of earshot from the others, "Durgan spoke quite highly of him. Despite the rumors."
"And you my sweet should join us as well." he says wrapping his big arms around the shoulders of both Alia and Durgan, leading them to some seats.
And with that he exits as food is brought in by a train of house servants with steaming silver platters.
"Typical...." sneers Dool.
Good evening my fine Lords and Fellows. Longtooth, Ser Dayne, and Sir Balthur. It is good to see a fellow dwarf from home. He gives a nod to each, but focuses on Balthur for now.
I hope your business is going well.
"Yes brother. I am Balthur Mistbreather." says Mistbreather with a voice as deep and sonorous as an forgotten well draped in predawn mists. "It is strange to find one of our kinsmen so far south. What brings you hither?"
Durgan bows to Ser Richard as he arrives, and again when the Swordlord leaves. With hardly a moment to get a word in, he does try to offer "Thank you for your hospitality," before helping himself to some food.
Zokon gives a sweeping bow, waving his hat "Thankyou for your hospitality Lord."
The lord passes with a smile.
"Eeep", Alia voices trying to cling to Zokon as Ser Daye spirits her away with Durgan.
Durgan nods to Ser Daye and brings his plate of food to the seats the man indicates. "My Elven comrade, Alia. Skilled with blade and magic, and a master at the forge. It was she who enchanted my axe and armor.
Come, Alia, Zokon can manage on his own for a bit. Ser Daye may be interested in your tales."
Durgan will try to get Alia to chime in with tales of Kyonin, or descriptions of her smithing techniques, but if he senses that she is seeking him to interject and steer the conversation away from a particular topic he will do so.
Durgan nods to Ser Daye and brings his plate of food to the seats the man indicates. "My Elven comrade, Alia. Skilled with blade and magic, and a master at the forge. It was she who enchanted my axe and armor."
"You don't say!? Well that could come in useful. You see I am here to find a place to retire too. After years in the crusade and traveling about I have decided to retire to a more restful life. You can't keep adventuring for ever."
Serena greets each noble in turn, showing deference where required.
"AH! My northern sister! It is good to see you again. You are like the sun itself in these cloudy lands!" says Sandralane as she rushes over to give the (other) pale half-elf a hug. "Mother Hellana Vorst, this is my sister Sarenite, Serena. We briefly met in Restov several weeks back. Serena this is Mother Vorst an adherent of the Lady of Mysteries, Pharasma."
"A pleasure."
As talk commences it becomes clear that some of the guests (Daye, Dool, and Sandralane) are each well-known and successful adventurers of a a sort. Each is looking for a bit of land to call their own, a small dominion to develop for their own purposes . They (and others) have been invited here by the powers in Brevoy to look over the expedition maps , find a spot to set up a domain, and pay a great deal in the way of taxes to settle it. The taxes will in turn support Brevoy's project of building out its southern frontier.
"The pleasure is all mine," Serena answers. Returning Sandralane's hug, she smiles broadly. "Please sister, I must be filthy with road dirt. I am sorely in need of a bath!"
Well we could plop down Dool somewhere at a safe distance and just watch the fireworks as he "interacts" with whatever neighbors he gets at night... Illthir snickers.
"Oh, an interesting arrangement. Say, what are you looking for? The Stolen Lands are beautiful, but I'd never describe it as quite 'restful'!" The skald focuses on the two she doesn't dislike, leaving Dool out of her probing (unless he grows curious. Wouldn't want to annoy the man further. Not right now at least ...). But all three could be helpful in developing the land - or at least serve as contingencies - and if they were flush with cash perhaps some could be direct to worthy causes ...
Durgan likes Ser Ernest Daye. The man has a good reputation and seems decent enough.
"Ser Daye, may I suggest that you consider Avalon as a potential location for the next stage of your life. It would be more restful than Mendev and the Worldwound, but you would not be entirely idle. Your wisdom and experience could be of value to my comrades and I as we establish our new realm.
Zokon will be the foremost leader, with Alia here by his side as his wife. Zokon seeks the title of Duke, I believe, or possibly Earl. I will be Thane and Treasurer, with some autonomy in my own realm. We could certainly offer you a parcel of land in which you would have jurisdiction over internal matters. We might ask your counsel from time to time."
"The pleasure is all mine," Serena answers. Returning Sandralane's hug, she smiles broadly. "Please sister, I must be filthy with road dirt. I am sorely in need of a bath!"
Fergus gives a nod to his fellow dwarf.
Well, Business would be the easiest answer to give. As it stands, I am part of Zokon's group at this moment. I admit, I haven't been with them overly long, yet quite a many strange events have happened. I do hold excitement for the future in their company and, should I continue to prove skilled, some say in the magical development of their rightful lands. I believe having some business dealings from home would be beneficial for them. Giving the right circumstances. Fergus gives a nod to Balthur.
Alia does her best to partake in the small talk on her table. She personally felt rushed into the situation - proper training for an elven envoy took decades to cover all the nuances of culture and values - but it was unlikely she would always have Zokon or others to rely on in these social challenges.
She followed the conversation along well enough, adding comments or tidbits were approbiate, but leaving the choice of topics to the 2 veterans.
"Ser Daye, may I suggest that you consider Avalon as a potential location for the next stage of your life. It would be more restful than Mendev and the Worldwound, but you would not be entirely idle. Your wisdom and experience could be of value to my comrades and I as we establish our new realm.
Zokon will be the foremost leader, with Alia here by his side as his wife. Zokon seeks the title of Duke, I believe, or possibly Earl. I will be Thane and Treasurer, with some autonomy in my own realm. We could certainly offer you a parcel of land in which you would have jurisdiction over internal matters. We might ask your counsel from time to time."
"I will certainly consider it but I feel that to give an answer now would be unfair to the Brevic explorers who have surveyed the other portions of the Stolen Land." replies the Ernest Daye. His penchant for fairness in all things on full display.
Fergus gives a nod to his fellow dwarf.
Well, Business would be the easiest answer to give. As it stands, I am part of Zokon's group at this moment. I admit, I haven't been with them overly long, yet quite a many strange events have happened. I do hold excitement for the future in their company and, should I continue to prove skilled, some say in the magical development of their rightful lands. I believe having some business dealings from home would be beneficial for them. Giving the right circumstances. Fergus gives a nod to Balthur.
Balthur glances suspiciously about and then replies in a conspiratorial whisper of the Dwarvish tongue spoken with the distinctive lilt of Glimmerhold.
Yes the swordlords, they can be haughty and overly self-confidant, but in this endeavour they are also righteously independent and will be valuable aid in helping others show their independence.
Zokon gives a sweeping bow, waving his hat "Thankyou for your hospitality Lord."
"The man plays his cards close to his chest. No doubt he is watching us as much as we are watching him." says Longtooth of Iannuchi, to no one in particular. His eyes glance between the many servants in and around the hall.
"Sorry." the older man says as if just realizing he had spoken aloud. He smiles a toothy grin. "I am Longtooth from Varisia in the west. And you are Zokon last of your party that departed Restov earlier this year for the Greenbelt. A pleasure to meet such a dedicated explorer. I'm sure you could spin some tales of your travels."
"Of course, Ser Daye. Fairness in all things."
Durgan does hear Balthur Mistbreather speak, but lets Fergus handle that matter.
Fergus Rubs his beard, thinking for a few moments. It was a dangerous thing to form ties and dealings. Yet... the potential was there, and if things went well... even greater plans could be enacted. After several long moments of thought Fergus answers.
Hmmm. At both, it is less, yet much more than a trade group. It is my understanding that they are to be the rulers of a new barony starting in the Stolen Lands. One, I believe, has true potential. One that will likely need resources, one that is bound to have access to plentiful natural resources for trading, and, one, that is sure to be generous to those who aid it. Were you so inclined... Though, I will say they would be interested only in material resources. It would be best to speak only on those should your interest be further peeked. Fergus gives a look to further drive the silent notion that "labor resources" would likely not be a discussion topic to even be considered.
Zokon sidles up to Durgan, smiling all the while and putting on a show while observing the mannerisms like a hawk
"Keep going, I'm not sure who we should deal with here, If you trust Daye, keep working to get him on side, allies are a fine thing."
hears but does not know
he adopts a smile at Longtooths words "Well the tales of our adventures arenone to match yours Lord Longtooth, we have had a few, we had to earn our piece of the lands we are to govern. Each of my companions has toiled long and hard at this endeavour, none have lagged and so we will probably be very deserving of a good tale or two at the end of it all."
Fergus Rubs his beard, thinking for a few moments. It was a dangerous thing to form ties and dealings. Yet... the potential was there, and if things went well... even greater plans could be enacted. After several long moments of thought Fergus answers.
he adopts a smile at Longtooths words "Well the tales of our adventures arenone to match yours Lord Longtooth, we have had a few, we had to earn our piece of the lands we are to govern. Each of my companions has toiled long and hard at this endeavour, none have lagged and so we will probably be very deserving of a good tale or two at the end of it all."
"You are too modest my friend it is not everyone who can escape the wrath of Raston Selline, the finest swordsman and (thereby by default) the Lord Mayor of Mivon. We have the time and are not at the business of parley yet. You can indulge an old man. I must know, how was it done?"
Some of the other attendees notice the enthusiasm in the old man's voice, and turn to look. Longtooth looks abashed but still eager.
"Hurried escapes are par for the course among the faithful of Rahadoum, I am sorry to say." says Sandralane to Serena in response to Longtooth.
Alak Dool finishes his meal and rises to leave, a sour expression upon his already sour face.
"There's a fellow who could use some friends." says Daye in an aside. It's the worst thing Durgan has ever heard him say of anyone while in his presence.
Mother Hellana Vorst merely watches as events transpire from Sandralane's side.
Suddenly a woman yelps, drops a platter of Rostland stuffed eggs and races from the room. Other servants hop to help clear the sudden mess. Baron Delev steps from the commotion goblet in one hand, smiling and completely unperturbed.
His man, standing in his shadow, seconds this by raising his glass.
Fergus slightly raises his hand.
He is interrupted by the commotion
Illthir raises a glass by reflex. Darn it, she missed the action. But ... With a gulp she ponders if she's about to make some more. She had noticed that most guests had someone working them over but one - and she *kinda* knew the man. Kinda. From their previous encounter, she figured they were already close friends by his standards! But she took delight in not being a newt for a quick moment before intercepting Alak Dool.
"Ah My Lord Baron. Chaos seems to bring us together. Curiosity compels me to ask; how did your Rust Monster do?" She hoped he'd be a little interested in monologuing and that it'd make him leave the party feeling a little less cold towards their fledgling nation.
Durgan will of course raise a toast to their host. "To Ser Richard!"
Illthir, Serena, Alia - they all can handle themselves around this buffoon. But then, maybe he is not as buffoonish as he appears.
Durgan does make a point of glancing around the room. The Baron would be a great distraction for pickpockets, or in a situation like this, more likely those seeking to plant embarrassing evidence.
"Ah My Lord Baron. Chaos seems to bring us together. Curiosity compels me to ask; how did your Rust Monster do?" She hoped he'd be a little interested in monologuing and that it'd make him leave the party feeling a little less cold towards their fledgling nation.
"Well enough." Alak Dool says. He moves to get by Illthir and outside to pathway through the gardens.