"West of Arkham the hills rise wild, and there are valleys with deep woods that no axe has ever cut. There are dark narrow glens where the trees slope fantastically, and where thin brooklets trickle without ever having caught the glint of sunlight. On the gentle slopes there are farms, ancient and rocky, with squat, moss-coated cottages brooding eternally over old New England secrets in the lee of great ledges; but these are all vacant now, the wide chimneys crumbling and the shingled sides bulging perilously beneath low gambrel roofs. The old folk have gone away, and foreigners do not like to live there. French-Canadians have tried it, Italians have tried it, and the Poles have come and departed. It is not because of anything that can be seen or heard or handled, but because of something that is imagined. The place is not good for imagination, and does not bring restful dreams at night."
- H. P. Lovecraft, The Colour Out of Space (1927)
Restov is restive. Swordlord Jamandi and her fellow civic leaders can only barely contain the latest waves of anti-Surtovan sentiment in the city. Between these internal threats to stability and the growing influence of Pitax, bandits and barbarians in the river kingdoms - none of whom are friendly with Brevoy - the southern leaders of Brevoy have decided to act. Each of you received a formally worded invitation from Jamandi herself, inviting you to meet her in Restov's city hall this afternoon.
The invitations read as follows:
It has come to my attention that you are recently arrived from Cheliax. You may not be aware of the current political situation in these parts, but at present Brevoy is plagued by bandits to the south. As such, we, the Swordlords of Restov, have taken a new initiative to explore these lands, to permanently disrupt bandit activity, and eventually to settle the region. While normally we do not deal directly with your order here in Restov, the assistance of an Asmodean priestess in this venture could be of great benefit to both Restov and to your own order. If you would like to learn more of this undertaking, please join me and several others for afternoon tea at two o'clock this afternoon. I look forward to meeting you in person.
- Swordlord Jamandi, Governor of Restov
It has come to my attention that you are both experienced travelers and are skilled at surviving in the face of adversity. You may or may not be aware of the current political climate of southern Brevoy, but we are plagued by bandits from the riverlands to the south. As such, we, the Swordlords of Restov, have taken a new initiative to explore these lands, to permanently disrupt bandit activity, and eventually to settle the region. While normally we would not deal with individuals of your repute, you might be uniquely well-suited to performing these tasks, and as such your involvement could be of great benefit to both Restov and to your personal fortunes. If you are interested, please join me and several others for afternoon tea at two o'clock this afternoon. I look forward to meeting you in person.
- Swordlord Jamandi, Governor of Restov
Assuming you accept your invitation, you are shown into a small circular dining room at the appointed time by a guard. The walls are stone, with a single window on the side opposite the door that looks out onto Restov's central plaza, including the city gallows. In the center of the room stands a small rectangular wooden table with five chairs set about it - one at the head of the table and two on each long side. The table is set for afternoon tea. Seated at the table are two women. One of them is unmistakably Swordlord Jamandi - she is in her late 30s, has black hair and dark brown skin, wears a magnificently ornamented chain shirt, and most importantly carries a rapier with a glowing blue stone set in its hilt. The other woman is young, blonde, petite and obviously Issian. She dresses simply - white shirt, tan trousers, and riding boots. At her side is a worn revolver.
Seeing you enter, Swordlord Jamandi rises and motions for you to be seated, saying "Welcome. Please sit, and join us for tea. I am Swordlord Jamandi, governor of Restov."
After Jamandi introduces herself, the blonde woman smiles and says "And I am Arastine. Please do join us for tea."
Upon receiving the invitation, Karina skims through it then hands it to her brother.
"You see this, Klinn? She even called us esteemed. Jamandi must really want our help. Read it."
After Klinn finishes reading, she asks, "Well? What's your take on all this?"
You're used to Karina asking for your input in manners like this. She often likes to hear the opinions of others before she reveals her own.
"Now, see, that was my first thought too. But I'm not so sure that it's as much of a trap as it is a desperation play with all the unrest here. I think we're the ones with the diplomatic advantage.
If you're that worried about this being a trap, I could speak on our behalf and you could go out and find some leverage. You know, like Jamandi's family. Or you could work to turn more of the public against Restov. If something happens to me, do your worst." She laughs.
"And risk losing you again?! No, I'll try to think of something. Anyway, that guard who delivered the invitation could have arrested us, or they could have sent more. You're probably right sis, you usually are."
As the pair walks into the room, Klinn and his eidolon follow Karina into the room (see profile for descriptions). He introduces himself and sits in an unoccupied chair, nest to his sister (unless she stands? he still sits). The bizarre creature sits next to him, scanning the room.
A young, attractive woman struts into the room, dressed in tight leather armor, with a whip attached to her left hip and a sword sheathed on her right hip. She walks straight towards Jamandi, with her hand extended gracefully.
"A pleasure to meet you, Swordlord Jamandi."
As she shakes Jamandi's hand, she gives a tight, aggressive grip, but her facial expression remains very friendly and innocent.
She takes a seat next to Klinn, brushes her bangs to the side and introduces herself, "My name is Karina and Klinn here is my brother."
Noting the empty chair, she adds, "I see that we're expecting one more?"
At this, another woman walks into the room. She wears the habit and veil of a nun, though over top it is tight-fitting studded leather armor. Despite the veil, you can tell that she is beautiful, and yet despite this the guardsman keeps clear distance. A carbine is strapped to her right thigh, and she wears a dagger at her belt.
As she walks to the table, she speaks to the Swordlord, though her eyes are already sweeping the others assembled, resting longest on Klinn's creepy-ass pet. Her voice is oddly lazy, and cold as ice.
Swordlord. An honor to meet you. Let us hope this venture may be of mutual benefit.
Without further word for any of the others, and without waiting for a response, she sits in the chair, suddenly fixing Jamandi with a laserlike stare.
Klinn is wearing his adventuring boots, studded leather armor leggings and top, his gloves tucked into his belt, and a brown cloak. He looks young, in his late teens perhaps. Dark brown eyes and hair decorate his unremarkable face. He has not taken off his pack as he sat, but, for convenience, has removed the cumbersome 8ft longspear from his pack and lay it on the ground next to the monster at his side. Another 5ft spear he leaves on his pack (which he does not remove), yet he manages to appear graceful in spite of it. You gimps a sling also hanging from his belt. He sits on the edge of his seat and appears cool and confidant.
"Now that we're all here, let us begin," Jamandi announces. "As you know, to the south of Restov lie the so-called 'Stolen Lands.' These lands have been claimed by many groups and governments in recent times, but none have managed to settle them for long. At present, the lands are overrun by bandits and wandering monsters. We cannot make a formal excursion into these lands without risking further unrest here and provoking our neighbors. As such, we would like to offer to you the following task: to explore and pacify the Stolen Lands. If your performance in this task proves satisfactory, we may grant you additional responsibilities. Do you have any questions?"
Karina steps in, "Yes, I have a question. As you may or may not be aware of, my brother and I do not typically carry out contracts for third parties. And you said in our invitation that you don't typically deal with our type. So why is it so pressing for you to organize this... random group to explore these long-overrun lands right now, with all the unrest on your doorstep?
She takes a sip of her tea. "Delicious tea, by the way."
Nitina interrupts. You say pacify. Are there any bounds on what measures we can take to do so?
"Point the first: you were chosen for this expedition because you are all ruthless, have combat experience, and have either familiarity with bandits and their tactics, training in the art of intrigue, or diplomatic experience. As such, you are hardly a random group. Point the second: by pacifying banditry to the south and by scouting the area for other potential threats and dealing with said threats, we can focus our attentions elsewhere."
After Nitina asks her question, Jamandi replies, "The punishment for unrepentant banditry is execution by sword or rope. Beyond that, you may employ whatever measures you deem necessary for the successful completion of your task."
Jamandi continues, "And to forestall your next question about what's in it for you, allow me to say that if you can explore and pacify the designated territories, making them safe for unmolested trade and travel, we may allow you to take the lead in settling and governing these lands." Jamandi then turns to Arastine and asks her, "Would you please present the charters?"
"Certainly," Arastine says, reaching into her scroll case and removing a scroll sealed in wax with the emblem of House Surtova upon it. Breaking the seal, she unfurls the scroll and stands up to read it out. "Ahem. The charter reads as follows:
Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the
Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this 24th day of Talistril, under the watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne."
Arastine sits back down, pausing momentarily to allow you to digest the meaning and implications of these charters, and in a moment continues, "The swordlord and I have been authorized to offer to each of you one of these charters upon receiving your pledge to carry out these instructions to the best of your personal ability, should you deign to accept the duties and responsibilities described herein. Possession of one of these charters will empower you to serve as an agent of the Dragonscale Throne, and as such all law-abiding citizens within the Stolen Lands will be honor-bound to acknowledge you as such, as well as to provide assistance to you in the process of performing your duties." She pauses again, grinning slightly. "Well, I say 'you,' but really I suppose I meant 'we.' I will be going into the Stolen Lands with you as well, you see."
Nitina frowns at the inclusion of this insider. To put this bluntly, how much interference can we expect from the Swordlords?
Arastine is a representative from House Surtova. She is not one of the swordlords," Jamandi says disdainfully.
Thanks for establishing my credentials... Arastine thinks, endeavoring to maintain a happy face.
Arastine grudgingly says, "What the swordlord says is true. My name is Arastine Surtova, and I am here because my family wanted one of their own to participate in this excursion. As for the swordlords, their role in this endeavor was to assemble a suitable team, nothing more. Besides," she smiles sweetly at Jamandi, "the swordlords have enough on their hands already, what with all of this unrest."
Arastine is visibly distraught at the revelation that she is a Surtova, and now appears more than slightly miffed at Jamandi.
Sense Motive
KnowledgeNobility to read the House Surtova section in the players guide.
You misunderstand me. I'm not referring to Lady Surtova here. I mean, what are the chances that the Brevoy will try to swoop in and wrest away control once we've done your dirty work.
Sense Motive on Jamandi's reply
Bristling slightly at Arastine's pointed remark, Jamandi responds, "As Lady Surtova said, we have enough on our hands here. We won't get involved unless things go badly wrong on your end of things. By the same token, don't expect much help from us. You are responsible for what happens down there, and we expect you to deal with problems on your own."
Sense Motive on Arastine:
Karina switches the focus of the negotiations briefly.
She sits forward in her chair and addresses Jamandi, "Suppose that we do get involved and accept this charter. It appears that our success is important for both the swordlords and the Dragonscale Throne. Given that, would it be too much to ask for your smiths to provide some finer masterwork weaponry or armor to help us accomplish your goals? I know that Klinn and I are only using basic equipment; consider it an advance to ensure that we'll do some good work."
Diplomacy:
"You are responsible for providing your own equipment," Jamandi curtly responds. "By carrying out the assigned work, you may be able to better equip yourselves."
"I see."
Karina takes a sip of tea, then dabs her face with a napkin.
Bluff:
It appears that Karina is doing more than merely dabbing her face, but her lips are mouthing some words.
Klinn gets a little grin on his face. "So, let me get this straight. You are asking us to explore and pacify the Stolen lands. As the charter is written, we have more than 4,000 square miles to cover, and that is just the portion south of Oleg’s Trading Post. What is it, exactly that you want us to do? Are you asking us to be a police force? As an expedition? A long trip to the south get us out of your hair? Are you just sending us with this charter and nothing else? And what is in it for me?"
Klinn leans back in his seat.
"All that aside, I'm very interested. We would, of course, need a copy of your best map of the area before we began, or we will simply wander uselessly through the wilderness."
Oh sorry, I was attempting to use the spell message, but I guess I wasn't able to do that covertly given the components. I didn't read message carefully enough I suppose - I thought that you cast it to send a message, but apparently you cast it beforehand.
I agree with your revisions to make this a pass secret message. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
** spoiler omitted **
After a smug pause, Jamandi continues cheerfully, "But of course things won't come to that, will they? Once you have completed this assignment, I will wipe the slate clean and you and your sister can have a fresh start. Does that seem acceptable? In any event, I do have a map for you. Be warned - it is somewhat rough." She says, retrieving another document from her scroll case, but she does not give it to you. "I will only provide the map to you once you agree to undertake this assignment."
Karina's grin widens and her eyes narrow. "Oh, I don't think there will be any need for those warrants. Klinn and I are in. But let the record show that we're helping here because we're intrigued with this proposition and not because you're blackmailing us. And we'll need that agreement in writing that you'll clear our names when this is over, Swordlord."
"Well, I guess that doesn't leave us much of a choice. Wha'd'ya think, sis? I'm game if you are."
"That will be acceptable," Jamandi says curtly, before turning to Nitina. "And you, Sister Nitina? What say you?"
I must admit, the prospect of free reign and royal charter is... thrilling. But given that I don't have a criminal record to wipe clean, well, it seems like you don't have any such leverage on me. She pauses.
And I intend to keep it that way. I'm in, but I owe you nothing for this, no allegiance, no fealty. We're doing you a favor, not the other way around. This isn't Brevoy's project, nor House Surtova's. This is ours. The four of us.
"Very well. Please excuse me while I draft a statement regarding your legal status," Jamandi says, looking at Karina and Klinn. "I suggest you take this opportunity to get to know each other. I shall return shortly." With that, she gathers up her papers and leaves you alone in the room.
Sense Motive:
Karina waits to make sure that Jamandi has left the room and is out of earshot. She then turns to Klinn and in a soft, stern tone, says, "Damn it all Klinn, this is why I told you to get us some leverage before the meeting. I could have taken care of myself just fine."
She sighs then looks up at Nitina, then states suggestively, "I don't think you ever gave us your name."
Sense Motive
Nitina Jediana, of the Sisters of Iron in Cheliax. From your record, I'm guessing the two of you are simple criminals, whereas this one, she nods at Aristane, as though ignoring the fact that she's in the room, is some nobleman's brat, seeking a little fame and fortune to compensate for being far out of the line of succession. Honestly, as a group you don't inspire much confidence.
To his sister, "Karina, look at the deal we've got! That charter is invaluable! We'll get rich off it alone! We're doing fine." He turns to the other two at the table. "What is it that you do with your lives, exactly? Or I suppose, did up to now?" It is clear that Klinn is in high spirits.
Karina's the brains of the pair - she looks for leverage, whereas her brother is an opportunistic thug. Nitina's just another Asmodean b@&%+. Hmph, Jamandi sure can pick them.
Laughing, Arastine says, "Don't be so quick to judge me, Sister. After all, aren't you here to promulgate your order's ideals? That seems similar your view of me, doesn't it?"
Arastine may have unwittingly revealed that she is here for more important reasons than personal glory.
Hearing Klinn's question, Arastine responds, "Well, the consensus seems to be that I'm a 'nobleman's brat.' Whether or not that's true I leave up to you to find out. Don't worry about me, though. I'm a pretty good shot."
Sense Motive Arastine:
Those two are so transparent. Brought over by their organizations to carry out their agendas. The only person I think I can really trust here is Klinn.
Karina interjects, "Of course Miss Jediana is here to spread her order's ideals. Just like you Arastine. Why wouldn't the Surtovas have a vested interest in this little project? I don't know what kind of agendas you two have, but if we're going to work together you need to come clean right now. This is our assignment after all, not the Surtova's or... whatever Order you said you belonged to."
With a smirk, she glances across the table towards Arastine and Nitina. "Who wants to go first?"
I could do for a good turkey sandwich...
Just kidding, my character doesn't project his thoughts! :P
Klinn interjects, "Ladies, please! There is no reason to be feisty! No of us can do this alone, and none of us needs to. Simple introductions are fine for now, we can slit each-other's throats later."
"As for me, I'm Klinn Sharasik. I grew up north-east of here and Karina and I have been traveling around a bit, sight-seeing, shopping, and the like, if you know what I mean." He grins, and you get the picture that "and the like" is probably highway robbery, murder, and thievery.
"I apologize for being quick tempered. I'm just a little on edge with being threatened and blackmailed."
She pauses, then leans forward in her chair.
"You know what? I think I'm gonna like you guys. There's something you both have. Conviction. Determination. I think that's why Jamandi picked all of us. So let's wipe this slate clean. No hard feelings. My name is Karina. They may call me and my brother criminals, but you'll note that we have never been arrested for any kind of crime. They also call me a people person, but that can be for you to judge."
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're right. But I think Karina would have been a little bit on edge with the way this turned out. I'm still ironing out some of Karina's heuristics so I may have overreacted.
Having made her introduction, Nitina says nothing more unless directly questioned until Jamandi returns to the room.
Given Nitina's cold stare, Karina avoids engaging her in conversation and instead turns to Arastine. "So, Arastine, I must say, I've never had the opportunity to work with a Surtova before. What is it your family always says? 'Ours is the right'? I like that motto. I think it'll translate well to the stolen lands.
Anyways, you mentioned you were a good shot... I take it then that you are a gunslinger?"
Ignoring Karina's vicious mood swings with practiced ease, Arastine replies "Well, I had one as a tutor for a time. Some skills do rub off. Personally, I think I may need to develop a more diverse skill set as we travel, but all in good time."
After taking a moment to sip her tea, Arastine continues. "Anyway, to ease any fear you may have regarding the possibility of ulterior motivations on my part, allow me to point out that knowledge is power, and that there is considerable value in knowing what lies beyond one's own borders."
"So then, given your... well, let's call it a pet, I can deduce that you are a summoner of some sort." Arastine says to Klinn, before turning to Karina. "Whereas you appear to be some sort of rake - I intend no disrespect by the term, but that is certainly the appearance you make," Arastine says, her eyes resting momentarily on the whip Karina carries.
The monster glares at Arastine. I would prefer the title Companion to , thank you. If you find it necessary to call me some name, Nysro will do." it says in a voice that strikes you as human, but also distinctly reptilian. It almost spits as it says the word "pet."
Klinn smiles to himself. "You may want to watch that around him. He is his own sentient being, you know. And yes, I am a summoner of sorts. I've dabbled a bit in bringing creatures from this and other planes. Oh, I suppose I'm decent with a spear when I need to be, but who isn't?"
Karina laughs, "He's not kidding about his Companion. Mister Stalky here has a better sense of his surroundings than Klinn ever did. And on the contrary, Arastine, I take no disrespect from your words about my appearance. In fact, I relish being underestimated. At one point I was an actor in a troupe, so it's only natural that I've picked up on some of their rakish traits.
Say what you want about my weaponry, but I am very practiced in using the whip to great effect. I also consider myself talented in the arts of illusion and charm. I'd offer you a demonstration, but now does not seem to be the proper time."
Nitina continues to say nothing, but her eyes flick from person to person, drinking it all in.
An interesting band, but when you want to be underestimated it's better to not go around explaining your skill-sets.
Jamandi returns with two freshly-written scrolls in hand fifteen minutes later. "Here is our agreement," she says, laying both scrolls out on the table. "Each of you must read and sign both copies, but know that its terms are not negotiable. One copy is for the two of you, while the other is for our records here."
"Under this agreement, the lawful governors of Restov hereby agree to waive all outstanding charges levied against the Sharasik siblings, provided they adhere to the following stipulations:
1) The Sharasik siblings agree to participate in the expedition into the Narlmarches, colloquially know as the "Stolen Lands." While on this expedition, the Sharasik siblings will explore and chart the region outlined in the expedition charter.
2) For the duration of this expedition, the Sharasik siblings may not plan, attempt, or execute any hostile activity against Brevoy or her peoples. Doing so will void this agreement, and all charges held in abeyance will be brought to bear against the two. Hostile activity is defined as any activity contrary to the laws of Brevoy."
"So authorized on this 29th day of Talistril, by Swordlord Jamandi Aldori, Governor of Restov, acting under authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne."
There are signature lines below Jamandi's for both Karina and Klinn.
Turning to the group as a whole, she asks "Now then, have you any remaining questions or concerns for me regarding any aspects of the task before you?"
Karina reads the document carefully twice then responds, "I can agree to these terms. We have a deal."
She signs both scrolls and passes them to Klinn.
"Look, now I know you said these terms are non-negotiable, but don't pardons usually include something about future charges about alleged past actions? Not that I'm saying you've missed anything, but can add something about that?
"And when and where can we pick up our charter and map?"