Lady Adriana Barad |
"If you don't wish to marry that one, I am in need of a new handmaiden and might see fit to offer her the position." The Lady sighs at her entertainment being cut short. "I would not be surprised, I am currently having a similar issue when it comes to our neighbor to the north. What do you propose? We do not have an army large enough to assault the Spider where it lives, and I do not know of any scions strong enough to strike it in its lair."
Rogr Aglondier of Ilien |
Strange. When I submitted my last post, Lady Barad's post had not yet appeared. And yet, it was published before mine. Perhaps she submitted her post while I was writing mine... Long story short, apologies for not taking it into account!
"I may take you up on the offer," Aglondier chuckles, alluding to the big-boned girl's potential as a handmaiden. "And perhaps her mother could be of service to you as well?"
”Now, concerning the matter at hand,” he continues without waiting for an answer, ”I am not proposing to assault the Spider where it lives – not yet. But the giant spiders that are amassing in the Erebannien must be dealt with, and some tasks cannot be accomplished by armies. Soldiers trudging through the Erebannien could do more harm than good."
"I want you both to accompany me into the Erebannien," Aglondier states bluntly.
Rogr Aglondier of Ilien |
"It would take me some time and substantial means, but I believe that I could draw Ghoere's attention away from Roesone," Aglondier proposes cryptically. "There is great power in the Storm Valley of Rhumannen, which could be used to our advantage."
"However, before I could consider such an involving venture, I would need to get my own affairs in order and I believe that, to this end, you could help me more than I could help myself. To begin with, I am certain that you could broker a lasting peace and agreement between myself and the High Mage Aelies...?"
Lady Adriana Barad |
"You want me to stick my nose into the affairs of Mages,and you promise to unleash some kind of distracting devastation upon The land of Ghoere. I think I could see my way to helping you, what is it that seems to be the main contention between the two of you fine wizards?"
Rogr Aglondier of Ilien |
"My predecessor and the High Mage had long been at odds," the count explains. "But I have heard rumours that the High Mage tires of the contest and myself, I have no desire to pursue the conflict. In fact, I believe that the High Mage and I should be allies and likely, there is much that I could learn from one so wise and knowledgeable."
"To be clear, I have an ulterior motive: the opposition of the High Mage is the reason why Aerenwe has not signed the Pact of Ilien. Were you to assuage the High Mage, I would then ask you to convince Aerenwe to sign the Pact, and thus ensure peace in the region, once and for all."
"And of course, there is the substantial cost of casting such powerful spells, which I cannot afford," Aglondier admits, albeit reluctantly.
For the record: in addition to requiring three Domain Actions, creating the Holding, creating the Ley Line, and casting the spell would cost at least 6 GB and a fair amount of Regency.
Lady Adriana Barad |
"So, you wish three favors then. The Mage, the Queen, and the Coin. For this I gain the boon of a distracted enemy, an enemy who would gobble you up in an instant if I were not standing in his way. But, the first two are only time, and the last only money. Know that I would desire a little more, my coin may purchase your magic, but my service would require some of your own. That homely viper that interrupted us should see fit to join our house for a time, and your firstborn shall school under my tutelage once he or she reaches their thirteenth year." The Lady extends her hand to Rogr."Bargain fairly struck my good Count?"
Rogr Aglondier of Ilien |
"It seems only fair that if I ask you to cover the costs of my services, I should cover the cost of yours," Aglondier agrees, smiling. "But then, your coin could not be construed as a favour, could it?"
"Keep in mind that, while this agreement could, by your actions, grant me peace with the High Mage and improved relations with Aerenwe, I risk the wrath of both the Swordmage and Baron Gavin Tael. Some might say tit for tat – at best. It seems to me that in this particular venture, I risk much and you risk very little if anything at all."
He pauses, considering.
"Notwithstanding, the tradition of fosterage is a sure means to ensure lasting peace between nations and so, if you agree to send your own firstborn to Ilien to be tutored under my care, I will send my second child to be schooled under your tutelage – my firstborn is a grown woman, after all!"
"In any case, there is no pressing need to sign an agreement here and now. Perhaps we should enjoy the ball and later tend to the immediate danger of the infestation of spiders along the Spider river, which flows between our lands? I have found that facing darkness often brings us nearer the light, and that shared trials are the best way to forge alliances!"
"As for the homely viper, you are welcome to invite her into your home. Undoubtedly, you would teach her to know her place," he chuckles.
Finally, the count turns to Lord Talbehr. "My apologies. Surely, these discussions were of little interest to you!"
Rogr Aglondier of Ilien |
Agondier leads Lord Tahlber and Lady Barad into the main hall where all his guests are awaiting their arrival. They are announced and the spring ball begins! The event is a lavish affair and the courtesans have donned their best attire to impress the new count.
In due time, Agondier finds young Lady Prinpress and makes a point of speaking with her without her mother nearby.
Knowledge, nobility: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 The objective is simply to find an occasion to speak to her without drawing undue attention, which would only give the young lady's mother greater leverage.
"Your mother wants to marry you off, to be rid of you as mothers do," he begins empathically. "But I want to know what it is that you want. If you are to make your way in our society, you will need to make your own decisions and find your own place. After all, your mother is the past and you are the future. Lady Barad, who was impressed by your character, is in need of a new handmaiden. It would be a unique opportunity for you to discover the world. Assuredly, your mother would not approve, but... I am rambling. Tell me about yourself."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 Aglondier wants to create a rift between mother and daughter and to convince the young lady that leaving Ilien is the only way for her to both be free and get ahead.
EltonJ |
"I'm just a country noble from Ilien that is looking forward for something good in her life," the young lady answers. "I have to put up with my mother's intrigues to get me married above her station. I'd be happy with a knight bachelor, rather than you, sire."
Diplomacy attempt was barely a success.
Rogr Aglondier of Ilien |
"You will have no trouble finding a good and kind gentleman," he assures the young woman, "so long as you speak with your heart as you did just now. And you will always find in me a friend if you remain honest and true."
"Surely, there are many here this evening who would court you if you allowed it," the count continues. "You must choose your own path, as I did. You must make your own choices. And you mustn't let your mother stand in your way."
”Now go! Enjoy yourself! Dance!”
Having urged her to enjoy the ball, Aglondier finds Chamberlain Ja'teem and bids him introduce the young woman to fine, young men – proper knights with little means who would do well to marry such a noblewoman – while, in the meantime, keeping her mother busy.
For his part, the count returns his attention to Lord Tahlber and Lady Barad, and to the other dignitaries of note.
EltonJ |
Can we consider the Prinpress affair resolved, at least for now? Move on to remaining character/domain/court actions? Travel to the forest to fight some giant spiders?!
Unless Lady Barad wants to continue discussing a potential arrangement?
I think it's resolved for now. No problem. Traveling to the forest to fight giant spiders is an option.
EltonJ |
Okay . . .
The Eribannen juts in the tiny city state of Ilien. The control of the forest is supposedly under High Mage Alies, but a small part of it is under Aglondier's control.
It's a green forest, like any other, and El-Hadid's guilds slowly cut trees from the forest. Lately, giant spiders from the Spider River had been found in the forest, frightening foresters. This seems like something for a noble to check out and so the both of you enter the forest in search of these giant spiders.
I'll have you two do perception checks before continuing on.
Rogr Aglondier of Ilien |
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 That won't do!
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7 Shieldman
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14 Shieldman
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11 Shieldman
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 Shieldman
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11 Shieldman
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8 Spearman
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19 Spearman
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12 Spearman
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6 Spearman
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8 Spearman
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 Adept Healer
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 Expert Guide
EltonJ |
Meanwhile, in the forest, the group spots webs. Spun by giant spiders, the golden plume guide says that you are on the right trail. It seems that the spiders have been making their home here and have been harvesting the local wildlife to live. As there are foxes, birds, and rats all spun up in the webs.
Rogr Aglondier of Ilien |
Without needing to be told, the expert Golden Plume guide searches for tracks, which could indicate the path to the heart of the spiders' lair...
Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
In the meantime, Aglondier shares what he knows about these vermin, warning his companions about their poison and webs.
Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Before they continue on their way – moving in wide formation if possible – Aglondier pulls out a scroll and incants a spell. Cast Heightened Awareness
EltonJ |
Without needing to be told, the expert Golden Plume guide searches for tracks, which could indicate the path to the heart of the spiders' lair...
[dice=Survival]1d20+8In the meantime, Aglondier shares what he knows about these vermin, warning his companions about their poison and webs.
[dice=Nature]1d20+9Before they continue on their way – moving in wide formation if possible – Aglondier pulls out a scroll and incants a spell. Cast Heightened Awareness
Both checks are successfully made. The guide knows where the spiders are hiding by following their tracks. He leads you down the paths where one spider is waiting. But it's surprised to see you there.
Lady Adriana Barad |
Lady Adriana stares at the large beast while her men loose a rain of steel upon the creature.
Confirm crit: 1d20 ⇒ 13 14 to confirm
2d10 ⇒ (10, 3) = 1310 dmg, 13 if the 14 to hit confirms
1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
bite on the charge: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Rogr Aglondier of Ilien |
The Golden Plume Shieldmen keep their shields high and ready their swords while the spearmen and the guide fire their bows from behind cover...
longbow initiative;attack;damage: 1d20 ⇒ 71d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 101d8 ⇒ 7
longbow initiative;attack;damage: 1d20 ⇒ 121d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 191d8 ⇒ 7
longbow initiative;attack;damage: 1d20 ⇒ 171d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 81d8 ⇒ 3
longbow initiative;attack;damage: 1d20 ⇒ 81d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 181d8 ⇒ 6
longbow initiative;attack;damage: 1d20 ⇒ 101d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 51d8 ⇒ 1
longbow initiative;attack;damage: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 171d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d8 ⇒ 5
For his part, Aglondier keeps an eye out for other spiders...
perception: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 2 = 18
The shieldman have readied their attacks and will strike if an opponent comes into range.