Did Talvyra just glare at me? Well that's new, normally only humanoid women do that!
As she walks past the hunting cat, Alis recites an old sailor's rhyme:
"Water, water, everywhere, and not a drop to drink...
Water, water, everywhere, and all the cats did shrink!"
Grak flies over to the docks, and lands next to Lureene. He looks up questioningly at his mistress, speaking quietly in his typical hissing voice, Mistresss....why does no one ask me how I feel about getting wet?
Priyya watches the battle of wills between Talvyra and Alis. She pulls out the stiff bristled curry comb she's carried since Goddess, before Valehaven! She walks up the large cat, makes a low throaty growl, and runs the comb down her back saying conspiratorially, "Don't pay her any mind, Tal. You can eat her later. I hear Princess is tasty."
She's not sure how the big cat will take her preening but she decides to risk it.
"Because, Grak, you do not eat other people when they upset you." Lureene replies with a grin.
"I hear Princess is tasty."
Alis looks at Lureene with a look of indignation on her face. "LUREEEEENE!" she whines, "You promised that was going to be our little secret!"
Sense Motive Checks:
Lureene looks over at 'Lis, a wide-eyed expression on her face, and she exclaims, "Why, 'Lis, I have NO idea what you are talking about!"
She then looks down at her pet Grak, who gazes up at her with a look of adoration. She turns slowly to Alis, and comments thoughtfully, "Hmmm, I wonder if Grak has been sneaking into our bedroom at night."
spy
Talvyra watches Darkmane approach with her brush. You can't tell if she's happy or not about it, but she does allow herself to be groomed.
Mal mutters, "Hmmm…. now that's a first."
Alis gasps, a delicate hand held to her chest. "Oh sure, blame the one you share a telepathic bond with. Familiar indeed!"
Sense Motive Checks:
The two continue to glare at each other for a bit before they burst out laughing. "Oh wow, if you guys could have seen the looks on your faces!" She wipes a tear from her eye, "Ah, that was great..."
"Alright," she claps her hand, "everyone aboard. You're going to be seeing a lot of water travel for the next few weeks, so it would behoove you to get over it. Complain too much and you'll make the trip in a launch tied 10 yards off the aft."
For over four days, you float down-river on the Viamaré, pilots guiding the keelboat even at night when the rowers are at rest. On the second day, you pass thru Cortiva — once the ancient capital of Malatesta, now home to many of its oldest and wealthiest families. Unlike Anzio, which prides itself on artistry and a more progressive outlook, Cortiva is the exact opposite. The very feel of the place is ponderous as if the weight of centuries of tradition repress any innovation or outside influence. It's one saving grace (in Alis' opinion) is that its ancient vineyards produce some of the finest wines ever crafted by human hands.
Early on the fifth morning, the river broadens as it spills into the sea. Here, a large port city, named Viamaré after the river, guards water travel up thru the heart of Malatesta. Inside its great harbor are shipworks and extensive deep-water docks. At all times, at least two warships remain on standby within the harbor while others can be seen patrolling along the coast outside. Built atop the lengthy breakwaters extending from each shore is a tall, thick wall with squat towers on which are mounted siege engines. Flanking the sea channel are twin lighthouses, guiding traffic between parallel jetties.
Gazing at them thru Alis' spyglass, Felmor notes the presence of great gearworks. The entire harbor can be barred to ships by raising an immense black chain from the harbor floor.
You do not rest in Viamaré for even an hour. Instead, you immediately disembark from the keelboat that has carried you this far and board a much larger galley designed for coastal travel. Unlike the relatively slow yet steady pace of the keelboat, the galley practically surges thru the water, propelled by the efforts of dozens of rowers seated on hard benches below the polished deck on which you stand. On your first night at sea, a driving spring storm pounds the coast with rough seas and driving rains.
While Alis and Felmor hardly seem to notice, practically reveling in the terrible majesty of the sea, and the spray of salt on the wind, for the most part, the rest of you are anything but amused. Lureene's normally creamy complexion taken on a greenish palor, while Mal's normally voracious appetite is anything but. Priyya fares even worse, much of her time spent hugging the railing. Thru the worst of it, Alis and Felmor make use of magical sounds to help mitigate your sea sickness, yet even so, most of you can hardly wait to set foot on dry, solid, unmoving land...
Fort Checks DC 15
At some point in the night, the gale harrassing your ship finally subsided. With morning's light, you can see that it has moved further to the northeast with smaller, less ominous clouds trailing behind.
"Feh," The ship's captain spits into the sea. "Glad to have Daegsday behind us. If you ask me, any day named after the Demon of the Deep is unfit for sailing."
After a survey of the ship for storm damage comes back clear, your progress towards Malatesta resumes. By noontime, the coast has become more rocky rising up in peaks and cliffs until finally it plateaus about 200 feet above sea level. Only another hour or so later, Captain Roshen's voice booms out calling everyone to deck.
Up ahead, you see the cliffwalls turn away to the north. When your galley passes that point, your eyes fall upon a truly impressive sight. Carved into the rock face about two miles ahead is a tremendous archway through which the sea passes. On outlying spurs of rock stand both fortresses and colossal statues, monuments to great leaders from Malatesta's past. As your ship draws closer to the great stone arch, you can make out an expansive body of water on the far side. Huge manses, overlook the bay across which you glide, and several lighthouses stand vigil regardless of light or darkness.
From the crow's nest, a man with two flags sends signals to a watchtower built in advance of the cliff wall relaying messages back and forth with some unseen sentinel. "We are cleared to enter, captain. Departing vessels have been ordered to yield right-of-way!"
The captain nods, directing the crew to lower the sails and proceed under half-oar to navigate the city's waterways.
Passing beneath it, the stone arch completely blots out the sun. The only illumination the glowing archways to your north and south. It takes a full minute to pass thru and you see now why the captain had the sails taken down. A perpetual wind issues from the city beyond with surprising force, whipping your cloaks and hair about, and demanding that any hats be held onto or be lost.
When you finally clear the gap, you are greeted by the sight of a vast fortress to your northwest. Rising up from what appears to be an expansive lake or inlet, its walls look big enough to be manned by both men and giants. The entirety of it is constructed from dark granite blocks so large that only teams of giants or perhaps huge iron cranes could have moved them into position. It is a truly imposing sight and you suspect that only Mennen Fedleth and Kelrinthi Keep, the capital cities of Ilmarond and Aramol respectively, might be able to claim greater defenses against sea-borne assault... maybe.
Once you have passed the great fortress, the layout of the city becomes more apparent. From the north and east, multiple small rivers converge to form what appears to be a sprawling ria. Roshen explains, "Several rivers were redirected and mighty dams built inland to flood this location. The damworks not only shield our capital against ground assault from inland, but provide water for irrigation, reservoirs against drought, or if necessary, a powerful torrent that could sweep away an army. The waterways allow us great ease in moving goods or troops about the city. Extensive bridgeworks allow for travel by foot or horse and also allow for the configuration of the city to be redirected if need be."
For several minutes, the rowers labor, the captain taking the helm personally as he guides the large craft thru Malatesta's waterways and beneath tall arched bridges. Even Felmor, who grew up in the mighty city of Kelrinthi Keep has to admit (to himself at least) that this metropolis, bounded by cliffs and rising up into hills beyond, is the single most expansive city he has ever seen.
As your ship moves amongst the islets and peninsulas of Malatesta, Alis joins Felmor at the prow to admire the waterways.
She points up ahead to an alabaster manse with a long, private wharf sculpted from white stone and pale timbers.
Perception Checks
Felmor is silent for a while. Then he turns to Alis and she is surprised to see a couple of tears in his eyes. He responds quietly to her in Elvish,
Alis meets Felmor's gaze and nods knowingly. Without a word, she reaches out and gives him hug heedless of what anyone else thinks or the tears that rain upon her hair. When at last the tension in Felmor has been exhausted, she lets him go and he finds she has pressed a small white handkerchief into his hands.
"Hell, a sharp dresser with your dance moves should have no problem landing a great wife! Just make sure she at least knows port from starboard next time, alright?"
She smiles and dabs at his eyes with the hankie before patting him lightly on the chest, just left of center twice.
"Just remember, be sure to let Alexis down easy when you see her, and I want invitations to the wedding whenever you finally find the right lady."
Alis reaches up to put her hand on the sailor's shoulder in encouragement. She looks about to say more, but at this point, your galley draws close to the private wharf. There, you spy a tall elven woman with silvery-white hair waiting. The crystal-topped hilt of a longsword with eagle wings for quillions rests by her right shoulder in its baldric, and she wears armor and a circlet made from mithril over a short, forest-green gown, tailored for mobility, that shimmers like leaves. Hose, the same silvery-grey as the bark of a beech tree cover her long legs, and a seemingly ethereal bluish-silver cloaks trails from her shoulders as if on an unfelt breeze.
Alis gives a sharp intake of breath and stands bolt upright. Her voice is a mixture of surprise, shock, admiration, and apprehension, all bound up in a single word:
"Larathiel!"
Felmor returns the hug, and he cannot help but let some tears splash on his coat. He can only nod at her words. Once she has released him from her hug., he returns her gesture with a smart salute.
"Thankee, Capn'. Consider yer words set in stone."
On seeing the Princess' Larathiel arrival, he offers her a courtly bow, and awaits her acknowledgement.
"Oh this can't be good, Fel," Alis says nervously. "Not that I'm not happy to see her, but..."
Her eyes suddenly go wide and she hustles back to the main deck of the ship with Felmor in tow. "Mal, Mal!"
When the big man turns to look at Alis, he spies exactly who she saw just a moment. "Did Larathiel say anything about coming to Malatesta personally when she sent you to find me?"
When he shakes his head 'no', Alis bites her lip and takes a deep breath. "Alright everyone, while I love my older sister dearly, I need to ask all of you a favor. Please refrain from calling me by any nicknames or acting too casually for the time being. Proper titles only for now, so that means Priyya Surya-ka-Vahaak, Lady Ourson, Corporal Tylalaes, and Sir Traker. Since Larathiel outranks me and Princess Kirmoon would be... well, confusing Princess Larathiel and Princess Alissariel will suffice."
She thinks for a moment and then adds, "On second thought, if you can't pronounce Alissariel with confidence then Princess Alis should be fine too. Just not Captain, 'Lis, or anything like that."
Lureene wipes her face off from her last bout of nausea, and silently vows never to set foot on another ship as long as she lives...well once she is finished accompanying 'Lis on her trip to Darfar. When she notices the commotion caused by the Princess Larathiel's arrival, and how it seems to have knocked Alis completely off kilter, she sighs inwardly. Nobility...I hope Larathiel is not as formal minded as she sounds.
"Yes, Princess Alissariel."
"Thank you, Lady Ourson," Alis manages a faint smile. "Oh and remember, Larathiel is not a noble. She is royalty."
Within the next moment, the ship's captain gives the command to dock and the oarsmen on the port side take up their oars while those to starboard help to brake the ship's forward progress. Once you are within a few feet, deck hands leap down to the wharf to secure the mooring lines.
As other workers ready the gangplank, you look up to see lofty marble walls, with elegant parapets overlooking the deep canal. The edifice sits on a battered plinth of ivy-covered granite. While the walls contain no windows, they are molded with superficial arches inside of which scenes of forests and majestic mountains have been carven in bas relief. From the tops of the walls, flying buttresses sweep inward to adjoin the walls of a fluted tower that must rise over 100 feet into the sky. Unlike the outer wall, the walls of the tower are set with so many broad windows that Lureene is amazed such a structure can even stand with so little stone to support itself.
Still gazing upwards, the sun clears the cloud passing in front of it, and the whole structure seems to shine. It takes a moment for your eyes to register what you are seeing. All of the stonework has been inlaid with a lattice of gold in the pattern of ivy.
On the walls of the stone plinth that forms the foundation, is set a tall sculpture of the great seal of Ilmarond: a great wreath of flowering Laurel with a glowing sword with white and gold eagle wings pointed towards the heavens. Atop the wreath are a pair of curving horns from which rain droplets of sapphire. Hovering in front of the ivy beside it, you all see the same words, yet it appears for each of you to be in your native tongue:
When the gangplank is firmly in place, Alis has Count Ayers' honor knights make their way down first followed by Felmor escorting Lureene, then Lady d'Calla and Priyya. Roshen and his two guards make their way down a separate plank and stand back at a respectful distance.
Once you have all taken up position on the dock, Alis has Mal escort her down the ramp where she leaves him in order to approach her older sister. Once she is standing in front of Larathiel, Alis performs a deep curtsy. When she does so, the knights, Lady d'Calla, Roshen and his men bow their heads and kneel on one knee. The rest of you follow suit.
"Princess Kirmoon," Alis says, head bowed, "we are humbled and honored to be greeted by none other than her royal highness. To what do we owe this pleasure?"
Before speaking, the princess of Ilmarond looks out over those who have traveled with her adopted sister. When her green eyes fall upon you, you feel as though you are transfixed by the piercing gaze of a mighty eagle. Her breathing is measured and nearly imperceptible, her expression belying not a hint of emotion for you to read.
Where Alis is short and curvy, her beauty derived as much from her sexuality and charm as anything else, Larathiel stands in stark contrast. Unlike her half-elven sister, Larathiel's beauty is as hard and imposing as a mithril sword. If likened to celestials, Alis seems like a cherub in the presence of a ghaele.
At long last, just before your knees can go numb or Alis becomes stuck in her pose, Larathiel speaks, her voice clear as a clarion, yet with just a hint of softness. "Well met, Princess Kirmoon... Please, all of you, recover."
Upon hearing the word 'recover', Alis stands and the rest of you follow.
"It is a great relief to see your retinue has arrived safely, if later, than expected. Let us retire inside to discuss matters of state."
With that, she walks down the wharf without a word to anyone else until she reaches Roshen. "Your escort of Ilmarond's princess thru your nation has been appreciated, Captain. Now that she has arrived, your service as a liaison is completed. Please report back to your superiors, and inform them to expect our gratitude."
The giant nods his head in acknowledgement and stands aside as the elven woman walks past him and ascends the curving rampway up to the embassay passing a dozen servants and porters who have arrived to move your belongings inside. Alis swiftly follows after her older sister and motions for the rest of you to follow. Only Yvonne remains behind, her work at the waterfront not yet concluded.
Thru gardens and down high-ceilinged hallways you proceed. While Countess Corrina's estate was richly appointed and had a certain comfortable, homelike feel to it, the inside of the palatial tower seems designed to awe and intimidate visitors rather than to welcome them.
At every turn, there are larger-than-life statues of elvish heroes, living topiary sculptures, and priceless works of art and weaponry. In the center of the tower, sweeping steps curve up around the sides of a grand foyer tall enough even to make a giant such as Roshen feel small. It must be at least 60 or 70 steps before you reach the top and are led across a column-lined causeway, practically dripping with lush flowers into a circular arboretum with a crystalline dome and marble benches set about on grass so lush it might as well be a verdant carpet.
Dappled light filtering thru the pale green and golden leaves of numerous trees. The scent of exotic blooms wafting thru the air on a cool breeze. Songbirds warble softly in the background, and somewhere nearby you hear the gentle rushing of a brook. Were it not for the marble pillars and arches that form the place, you might forget you are indoors. As it is, you feel less like you are in the heart of a major metropolis and more like you are in Elysium.
Shortly after you enter the garden sanctuary, an unlikely sight appears. Following you in with great platters of food piled high along his arms is a grey-haired old dwarf. His beard has actually been shaved in favor of an enormous handle-bar mustache. He wears a monocle over his left eye. Coupled with his neatly knotted bow tie, starched collar, and tailed black waistcoat, he gives off a rather distinguised appearance. At first glace, the fellow seems somewhat hunched in appearance but then you realize that he simply has a very powerfully back and shoulders.
Without disturbing the tranquil silence of the man-made grove, he sets the silver platters down on portable wooden trays he carries under his other arm before bowing. He makes certain to close the windowed doors behind him as he exits, and draws gauzy green curtains over them from the outside.
Larathiel takes a seat on one of the marble benches and indicates a spot by her right side where Alis should sit.
"I find," she begins, "that the best way to know someone is not to have them introduced by another, but to hear how they present themselves. Before we share a repast together, I should like to get to know my younger sister's companions better."
She then extends a long, ivory-white hand towards the rest of you indicating that you may feel free to say what you will of yourselves.
Priyya regards the Princess and steps forward wishing, perversely, that her boots were cleaner. She bows after the manner of her own people saying, "Greetings, Highness. I am Priyya Surya-ka-Vahaak, Warrior-Priestess of Alita and archer of Xerech. I am pleased to meet you." She bows again and steps back, content she has said nothing to embarrass herself or Alis.
Felmor follows quickly after his ex-Desert Rose (although she will always be one in his heart), and offers his own greeting, repeating his bow from earlier. "I be Sir Felmor Traker, Knight of Silverwake and Captain of Estoria. Highness, it be an 'onor ta meet you." He marvels at the Evish Princesses' beauty, but also is struck how she wears her beauty like it was a mask, or a suit of armor. Not having much experience with royalty, he can only conclude it is a trait peculiar to royalty.
As you all greet the Princess, Mal gives a surprisingly smart salute - and you're caught realizing how strange and somehow fitting it is to see him fall into his military role. "Good to see you, sir, though it is a surprise. I thought you'd still be on the exercises in the Daemonshade."
Talvyra follows the group, and she seems happy to see the Princess as well, going so far as to rub against her leg, a soft rumbling pur rising from her throat.
Lureene is overwhelmed by the majesty of the tower, and feels a sense of relief when the group is escorted to the garden, she allows herself to relax. Notin g the other responses to the Princess, she remembers one of her Mothers teachings, that nobles and royalty, especially were tempting targets for demonic influence. She surmised that is why they wear their customs and formality like an extra suit of armor and shield.
”Your Highness, I am Lady Lureene Ourson. I am honored by your presense, and I am pleased to meet you. I can see where Princess Alissariel has learned her grace and manners.”
"Greetings, Highness. I am Priyya Surya-ka-Vahaak, Warrior-Priestess of Alita and archer of Xerech. I am pleased to meet you."
"I be Sir Felmor Traker, Knight of Silverwake and Captain of Estoria. Highness, it be an 'onor ta meet you."
"A son of Aramol knighted by Ilmarond, and yet sailing for Estoria. Truly you are a man of many commitments."
”Your Highness, I am Lady Lureene Ourson. I am honored by your presense, and I am pleased to meet you. I can see where Princess Alissariel has learned her grace and manners.”
"Has she now?" Larathiel asks. Her gaze shifts to Alis who does her best not to squirm at the implications of such a statement. In spite of the younger sister's uneasiness about such a remark, Larathiel does not seem to judge her sister for whether or not it is accurate. Instead she seems to consider what such attempted flattery says about the woman speaking it. It's nearly imperceptible, perhaps only a trick of light, but for just a moment you think you spy the faintest hint of a smile cross Larathiel's face.
"There are many matters in which I have sought to serve as a role-model for my adopted sisters. However, I assure you that all credit for Alissariel's bearing are rightfully hers. I do however sense that perhaps she has had some influence on you in such matters."
Sense Motive Checks:
Alis does her best to keep a straight face, but it is nigh impossible for her not to smile at least a little at her big sister's remark.
"Good to see you, sir, though it is a surprise. I thought you'd still be on the exercises in the Daemonshade."
"Indeed, Corporal," she remarks.
Alis looks at Mal imploringly even as he speaks as if that was the one topic she did not want to be raised. Upon hearing the princess' answer, you are certain that she just turned even paler. For her part, Larathiel leans forward and returns Talvyra's affections, stroke her silky black coat lovingly with her left hand.
While she continues to meet the hunting cat's green eyes with her own, she answers in greater detail. "When word reached me that Alissariel had not yet arrived, I thought some calamity had befallen your group. When multiple attempts failed to contact either of you, I left the field and flew here anticipating that I would need to resolve matters in Dafar personally."
"However, seeing that you have all arrived intact, I can only presume that some external agency was foiling such attempts. Please regale me on what has transpired while we take our repast together." She looks at Alis and lays a hand atop hers to steady her nerves, "It would not do for any of you to expire from the fatigue of your journey."
Mal nods, "Well, can't say as to your messages, but we had our fair share of snags along the way. You'll probably want to take that report from Alis, but if you want my perspective, I'm happy to give it."
*spoiler*
"I am honored you know my tongue, Highness. May Alita's light be a benefit to you and your House."
"Has she now?" Larathiel asks. Her gaze shifts to Alis who does her best not to squirm at the implications of such a statement. In spite of the younger sister's uneasiness about such a remark, Larathiel does not seem to judge her sister for whether or not it is accurate. Instead she seems to consider what such attempted flattery says about the woman speaking it. It's nearly imperceptible, perhaps only a trick of light, but for just a moment you think you spy the faintest hint of a smile cross Larathiel's face.
Lureene watches the interplay between Lathariel and Alis closely. Clearly there are some dynamics at work here which escaped her. Thinking about it, she senses Alis tries to emulate her adopted sister in many ways. It reminds her of how she tries to emulate Alis herself, at least when it comes to manners of court nobility and diplomacy . She resolved to ask Alis about this later.
"There are many matters in which I have sought to serve as a role-model for my adopted sisters. However, I assure you that all credit for Alissariel's bearing are rightfully hers. I do however sense that perhaps she has had some influence on you in such matters."
"Your Highness, I trust Princes' Alissariel's influence has been a positive one?"
"I am honored you know my tongue, Highness. May Alita's light be a benefit to you and your House."
"And may our House's goals prove worthy of such benefit," she answers.
"Your Highness, I trust Princes' Alissariel's influence has been a positive one?"
"Whether for good or ill, that question might be better answered by someone who has known you since before how you are presently. However..."
Green eagle-eyes lock onto Lureene's and you have the unnerving sense that the Princess of Ilmarond is boring a into her very soul.
The small hairs on your neck and arms stand on end as a powerful wave of spiritual pressure washes over you. In an instant, you recognize it as the same sort of sensation as felt back in Valehaven during the battle within Valeria's playhouse. Unlike before though, this is not a singular burst of power but more like a constant stream of such energy. The strength of it makes your chest tighten in fear and your vision is warped as if looking thru the top of a campfire at something beyond.
However, perhaps something in you has changed. Rather than being blown away or crushed to death by the aura, you are able to remain standing and are yet able to draw breath. After a moment, the intensity of Larathiel's gaze softens and the wave of pressure subsides leaving you with goosebumps on your arms, but otherwise physically unaffected. You have little doubt the same could not be said had this encounter taken place before that fateful day in the Cathedral of Alíta not three weeks prior.
Although the hesitation is only a few seconds at most, to Lureene it feels like minutes of uncomfortable silence have passed when Larathiel finally continues, "We should like to imagine that association with a member of our family has yielded a positive influence... and not just on your sense of style."
"Well, can't say as to your messages, but we had our fair share of snags along the way. You'll probably want to take that report from Alis, but if you want my perspective, I'm happy to give it."
"There is little doubt that an artful poet such as the Princess might weave a captivating tale in the retelling of your travails. We have much to discuss in confidence so that shall have to wait. At present, that none of you need fear interrupting such artistry, we should prefer to hear your report, Corporal."
Sense Motive Checks:
With a nod of his head, Mal begins recounting the events leading up to this point starting from the moment he met the twins and their companions...
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- The Silver Hart Inn and Tavern implodes due to a supposed mishap involving a bag of holding, a top hat, a badger, a brown-skinned elf, and a portable hole. A tall, powerfully built, red-haired Valahrim barbarian, and a shorter, wiry Malatestan clad all in grey were seen fleeing the scene. According to Alexis, the mage performing the show was sucked into an Astral rift.
- After the twins' going-away party, Mal and Alis engaged in some training exercises in the city to gauge each others' capabilities when they were interrupted and attacked by members of the Jack Hands gang. The pair had little trouble dispatching them, although it ended up in the news the following day.
- The Nereid set sail for Wildethar, but for some reason unknown even to Countess Corrina, an unexpected prisoner transfer was made at the last minute. Instead of the low-risk criminals that had been expected, some rather high-profile 'lifers' were sent along instead.
- After their departure, news arrived regarding increased activity by Trull raiders further north. Rather than risk an engagement at sea or the possibility that the ports at Mennen Fedleth or Silverwake were compromised, overland travel was deemed the safer and more sure-fire route. The aid of Lady Yvonne d'Calla and The Golden Drakes was enlisted for passage thru Elsmyr Dale to Malatesta.
- Before reaching Om'roton, a longship full of Trull raiders — minotaurs even — sacked the beach. While the Golden Drakes and your group held the beach, Alis charmed the Valahrim guarding on the ship who were guarding the slaves and tricked them into killing one another. The freed slaves helped to tip the battle in their favor and the minotaurs were annihilated.
- Escorting the freed slaves and other survivors to Om'roton caused a delay of approximately one day. There was little else that could be done save leaving them to their fate which Alis was not about to do.
- A gypsy woman by the name of Huriah was whisked away and killed by a giant owl on the outskirts of Rotbark Mere.
- At Skull's Gap, a fight with a mercenary company turned bandits occurred. The leader, Sarge, was slain, and his remaining lieutenants were driven off the bridge to the rapids below. At the time, they were presumed dead, although having studied the spellbook captured from the wizard Gilban there is a strong possibility they escaped into a temporary pocket dimension.
- The bandits were attempting to raise coin to cure one of their lieutenants, Anna, of a curse inflicted on her by a druidic lich known at The Ghostlord — the same being responsible for having destroyed Tarrencia many generations prior. The reason for their presence in the area was to hunt lions in the Dæmonshade, a challenge (we later learned) put to Lord Baltus Kale of Valehaven by a devil named Lucia. The devil had posed as his rival, Count Lucius Ayers of Dunwaar and put forth the challenge in the hopes of angering the Ghostlord and destabilizing the region so that a cabal of diabolist known as The Ruby Coil could strengthen their presence in the region.
- Travel to Valehaven was uneventful after that. Lureene befriended an old wizard named Sertieren, and Mal made the acquaintance of a druid by the name of Avarthel.
- Upon reaching Valehaven, prisoners taken in the battle at Skull's Gap were delivered to Duke Jarmaand where a meeting of the city council was called to discuss the implications Lord Baltus Kale's ill-advised hunting expedition in the Dæmonshade would have on his daughter, Lady Verona Kale. It would not be until the following night when the Ruby Coil's involvement was discovered.
- As a member of Valehaven's ruling council, Lady d'Calla needed to resolve matters and Alis decided that we should stay in Valehaven an extra day. Our first night there, we attended dinner and a play. We learned that because of our presence, Lady Kale's dinner reservations got bumped. Furthermore our arrival at Valeria's playhouse upstaged her own entrance seemingly earning her enmity.
- At the theater that night, Lureene received a mysterious gift that put her into a deep trance during which she received a potent vision after touching a locket that was given to her. She revived the next morning, unharmed.
- While Alis slept, having watched over Lureene in the night, the rest of us conducted business in Valehaven and received an unlikely dinner invitation by Lady Kale. After canvassing the local gossip, we learned that the Kale family had ties to Elsmyr Dale's organized crime and that they were also rivals of the Golden Drakes. Alis deemed it best that we decline the offer lest it show political favor and undermine possible charges against the Kale household for the actions of its late master.
- However, the letter Alis authored to decline it was intercepted by a man dominated by an old wizard named Lorenzo who was in the employ of the Ruby Coil. The letter was then replaced with a forgery designed to incite animosity in Lady Kale to frame her as an enemy of Princess Alis.
- This is where things begin to get complicated...
After taking a break to wet his throat, Mal continues with his report...
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- During the second night in Valehaven, during the second part of a play, Alis performed a vocal solo at the end of intermission. An attempt was made to assassinate the princess, but it was averted at the last second by Lureene. The would-be assassin was actually a landscaper from Lady Kale's estate working nights as a stage hand. He had been dominated the night before by the mage Lorenzo. Given the travel distances in Elsmyr Dale, Lorenzo would have needed to arrive only a few hours after we did. Therefore, we believe that he was already in Valehaven and that the attempt to assassinate Alis was opportunistic rather than premeditated. The intent seems to have been not to cause her death specifically, but to sew discord between the two primary merchant houses in Elsmyr Dale. Alis' death would have make House d'Calla look bad for allowing their charge to be slain; House Kale would have been held accountable for the murder had we not interfered.
- By trapping the dominated assassin and preventing him from poisoning himself, the true assassins, Lorenzo and Lucia, were forced to remain nearby in order to modify the man's memory. As such, the diversion they created by animating several musicians slain when the chandelier fell did not advantage them. Instead of being able to flee with the crowd, they got rounded up for questioning.
- The two made extensive use of spells designed to mask their alignments, identities, and appearances. Lucia appeared at first as a teenage girl posing as Lorenzo's grand-daughter when she was in fact an erinyes. It was only thru the timely arrival of Bishop Tredônia, the city's chief mage Immerstal, and the captain of the city guard that we were able to survive such a powerful foe.
- Before her seeming defeat, Lucia called upon a demon named Homeku whom we learned is in charge of some sort of 'social engineering' endeavor in our world. Although we thought Lucia had been defeated with the death of Lorenzo, it appears to have been a ruse. For some time now, perhaps several years, she had been impersonating Lucius Ayers, the Count of Dunwaar. She must have teleported back there to give us the slip, realizing only later the opportunity she had in having Princess Alis so close at hand.
- While it would be another three days before we reached Dunwaar, once there, we learned that civil unrest began within a day after the events in the playhouse. By the time we arrived, Monroe, Captain of the Dunwaar City Guard, informed us that we had essentially walked into a civil war. The Tar Dog gang in Dunwaar had cut ties with House Kale upon Baltus' death and decided they did not wish to serve his daughter, Verona. In their bid to seize power, they spread lies that Count Ayers was in cahoots with the rulers of Estoria to annex Elsmyr Dale. The fact that a powerful noblewoman of Estorian descent was riding up served to support this — it mattered not that Alis was actually a princess of Ilmarond.
- Before we could make it to the safety of the castle, we fell into a well-organized ambush wherein the five of us were separated from the Captains Monroe and Stallings, Stallings soldiers who had marched with us, and Yvonne and her Drakes. This was no opportunistic attack, they knew we were coming. A well-placed log across the road wrecked the Princess' carriage and we were trapped in a broad intersection with an organized mob coming at us from all four sides.
- The mob was merely a diversion meant to weaken us. They stated their goal as being the capture and ransom of Alis, aiming to kill the rest of us instead. The organizer of this attempt was a high ranking assassin named Chivane. It seems she was using the Tar Dogs to slow us down so that she could study our combat styles, and get us to expend our spells prior to engaging us directly. The enemy made heavy use of poisons designed to cause unconsciousness rather than injury which would seem to be consistent with attempts to capture Alis.
- One thing that is important to note: the individuals involved in this fight seemed surprised to see that Alis was the target they were attempting to capture. I believe that they were expecting someone else — perhaps you, Larathiel.
- In a stroke of good fortune, Priyya incapacitated Chivane with a holding spell. At the Princess' instruction, we captured her for justice and interrogation. We captured a great many more enemies as well, however shortly thereafter, Yvonne, Stallings, and Monroe reached us. They were badly injured with a mob following them. We took Chivane and one other leader prisoner while Monroe slew the other captured gang leader to dissuade pursuit and perhaps scare some of the others away from a life of crime. The armor that Lureene now wears along with the boots on Priyya's feet both belonged to Chivane.
- At the castle, Count Ayers seemed surprised to see us. Considering that 'he' was actually Lucia this is understandable. It was several hours before this would come to light. We spent a great deal of time in the castle's library with the Count's son, Alex Ayers studying to determine who Homeku was as well as a being called Charelle upon whom Chivane had called.
- After finding some leads, we were interrupted when Monroe burst in to inform us that Chivane had escaped and the Count had been knocked out. Since we suspected treachery by this point, we fortified our position in the chapel where all of us strove again Lucia, the final blow, fittingly enough, being struck by a spell cast by Alex Ayers, now Count Ayers after his father's presumed demise — Lucia said he fetched a good price.
- With Lucia slain, Chivane attempted to flee but not after mortally wounding Yvonne and Lureene. We revived the just-in-time, but due to the delay, the assassin was able to slay Captain Stallings of Valehaven before we were finally able to kill her. Unfortunately, no body was left behind. The woman dissolved into a red mist with the killing blow.
Already well aware of the Ruby Coil and its origins with Emperor Laeril, Larathiel requests a break for a few minutes while she confers with Priyya and Alis regarding what their research turned up about Homeku and Charelle. Once satisfied, she ask Mal to continue with his report.
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- The following day, Felmor decided to investigate the manor of a local lumber mogul, Baron Quailworthy, who had been killed at the outset of the fighting. Part of the supposed grievances aired against the man was that he was backing Count Ayers and selling out the working men of Dunwaar. Yet for people concerned about the man skipping town for Estoria with their wages, the fact that he was killed by being pinned under hundreds of pounds of gold coins and then set on fire seemed counter productive. It turns out that the Tar Dogs were working with agents of the Ruby Coil here in Malatesta to run a counterfeiting scheme. Rather than risk being discovered with large sums of foreign bullion, they took care of the problem by killing the man. Since Count Ayers was actually Lucia, the gold being hauled away to the castle after-the-fact was no problem — essentially it had simply changed pockets.
- One tip off was the the oil used in the fire was of the same type used in the street ambush the night before. It might have escaped the notice of most, but even a half-scainor's nose was sensitive enough to distinguish it as a type of lemon-grass oil that Yvonne informed us was refined only in Malatesta.
- In an effort to track down its source, and hopefully the Tar Dog's lair and any Golden Drakes or Valehaven soldiers who had been captured, Felmor went into the city undercover. He made contact with a man named Jarvis who seemed to be in charge of the remnants of the Tar Dogs. After talking openly about war-profiteering in a tavern, the two were set upon by local merchants who were disgusted by such plots. Felmor was knocked out by a brick hurled from the rooftops. Having already fought side-by-side, Jarvis trusted Felmor — who was in disguise and using an alias — and carried him back to his base of operations. Since Lureene had her familiar, Grak tail Felmor, we were able to follow them to the general area of the city where their base was located.
- What followed was a tough fight as we infiltrated their base suffering heavy and permanent injuries from poison as well as magical attacks. Were it not for quick thinking on Lureene's part to show Jarvis the same flying serpent he saw when he and Felmor fought side-by-side, I have no doubt we'd all be either dead or captured right now. Fortunately, the Dunwaar city guard knew the general location where we were headed so there's a chance it might have turned out alright regardless.
- Due to a... miscommunication on our part, we thought that Felmor had been captured. We didn't realize he had successfully infiltrated the enemy. Since we knew it would take the city guard some time to mobilize, we felt swift action was necessary to save the Captain. Furthermore, the Princess hoped to see the leader captured for interrogation rather than running the risk he might be slain.
- She concocted a fairly convincing cover for us that managed to deceive all but the true leader of the Tar Dogs, a boss by the name of Grissom Axchard.
- As part of our ruse, I had Jarvis convinced that we were members of The Family, the rumored crime syndicate who control Malatesta's underground. This bluff seemed to be consistent with what Jarvis had expected and he took us to be delegates from the group he was working with.
- Axchard immediately recognized us and in no uncertain terms made it clear that he intended to kill Jarvis, Jarvis' wife, Trisa (who it turned out was Captain Monroe's estranged daughter), kill the rest of us and take Alis captive. Judging by the way he spoke of Chivane and mentioned having left matters in Jarvis' hands for two days, it would seem that he did not know of her death and was probably not in Dunwaar when the ambush on us occurred. It would also seem that he did not particularly care for the involvement they had with the Ruby Coil — or at least not with Chivane anyway.
- Unfortunately, Axchard was so strong of an enemy that if we held back enough to merely incapacitate the man we would have surely been defeated. As such, we had to slay the man in combat and were unable to interrogate him. Likewise, Jarvis knew precious little of the Tar Dog's connections outside of Dunwaar having been kept in the dark as a junior lieutenant. We left him in the custody of Count Alex Ayers in Dunwaar.
- After all was said and done, we recovered over 200,000 worth of gold bullion from Malatesta and rescued several members of the Golden Drakes and the Valehaven guard. It appears that the purpose of the counterfeiting operation was to remint gold into the currencies of Valehaven and Estoria for the purpose of bribing officials and buying key business interests in an attempt to undermine the region both politically and economically. Instead, it looks like it will now go to rebuilding Dunwaar.
- With that matter concluded late on our second night in the city, we stayed until the next day before leaving. The new count lending us the use of his carriage and the protection of four of his personal guard for the journey here. Since leaving Dunwaar, we have seen no combat whatsoever save for some hunting and some rather spirited snowball fights on the pass thru the Drakedowns. Captain Roshen and two of his giant soldier escorted us thru Malatesta personally, and were only parted from us when your highness informed them they could report to their superiors of the completion of that task.
"I think that about sums it up, Sir." Mal then turns to the rest of you and asks, "Did I forget anything?"
After Mal has finished his report, Lureene walks over to him and whispers heatedly, "Corporal, it looked like Sir Felmor had been captured! I apologized for the miscommunication already!" Noting Larathiel and Alis both looking at her, she stops and looks embarrassed. "Forgive me, Highness. My familiar Grak sometimes has difficulty telling humans apart, but it was my fault for the miscommunication. I accept full responsibility for that mistake."
She sighs, and then adds, "The only thing I would add to Corporal Mal's report is the wizard Lorenzo definitely has, or had, ties to Malatesta, based on his clothing style. So, I think it is a safe assumption there are still agents of the Ruby Coil here, and looking for us."
"Battlefields care not if the blood spilt upon them is that of a sovereign or a servant. It is a sign of your good fortune that you are yet alive to call attention to what could have easily been a fatal mistake. It is honorable to take responsibility for one's errors, yet know this," Larathiel's gaze is hard as steel and twice as sharp. "The experienced warrior does not make the same mistake twice and live to tell of it. Otherwise, others might mistake ineptitude for intent."
"As for the Ruby Coil," she turns to look at Alis, "this is not the first time they have attempted to kidnap a member of the royal family. Given that one of their presumed goals is to see Emperor Laeril reborn, there are a number of rituals they could be contemplating that would require a royal heir. Luckily for Alechsularis and you, your mother's bloodline would exempt you as a viable candidate for such a rite. Laresian and I are not so fortunate."
The expression on Alis' face is unreadable and you can't be quite certain how she has taken the Princess' statement. She seems to reflect upon it for a moment.
"Bloodlines and station are certainly a mixed blessing," she comments. "Sist– Highness, do you suppose then that the Ruby Coil might really have no interest in me? That assassin did seem surprised to find that her target was me, do you think she expected to find you instead?"
Sense Motive Checks:
Larathiel's expression softens ever so slightly and she lays her hand on Alis' shoulder.
"Alis," she says, making a point to use the more casual form of her name, "you have no need to be so formal with your sister. It is as plain as the stars at your birth that these men and women are no mere followers of yours but friends."
The Princess then does something that Mal has never seen in all the years he has served under General Kirmoon, she reaches out and gives Alis a hug!
For two heartbeats, maybe three, Alis sits still as a panicked doe caught in the glare of a bright light. She then throws her arms around her big sister, head tucked beneath her chin as if holding on for dear life.
After a few moments, the two separate. While it escapes the notice of Felmor and Mal, Priyya and Lureene note that Alis is quick to dab away some mascara that had started to run, a clear sign that her eyes had started to tear up.
Once Alis smiles and nods in understanding, Larathiel continues with what she was saying, "While the Ruby Coil's primary goal may have been to lure me out, make no mistake that they would have considered it a great success to have captured you."
"When I was younger, I think it was before you were born, a friendly rival of my brother, a girl by the name of Eidolee, was kidnapped by 'pirate's' from Jehiril and her family yacht burned. It was some time before her house received demands for her ransom, longer than could be attributed to mere thieves. Little did we know then that her will had been compromised by The Cabal. It was several years before the truth came to light but by then, the scions of nearly two dozen prominent houses lay dead by her sword and sorcery."
She looks at Alis with grave seriousness in here eyes. "Eidolee hailed from a family who were ranked as Earls. Yet can you imagine what influence and potential for calamity the Coil would gain if they subverted the will of someone of your rank and authority?"
Sense Motive Checks:
Bluff Check
Perception Checks
Sense Motive Checks:
Felmor clears his throat, "Aye, yer Highness, from what ye told me of the goals of the Coil, I believe th' Princess Alechsularis"...he stumbles slightly over the pronunciation of the word, "may also be a target. If'n any one of the prisoners sailin' aboard the Nereid be co-opted by one of the Coil, she would definintely be in danger as well." He pauses and clears his throat again, nervously, "Although th'Princess be far away from Estoria, and not able to influence events here, th'Coil would potentially gain a foothold in Wildethar. Plus no telling what other plans they would be able to complete far from our eyes."
He looks directly at Larathiel with a serious look in his eyes, "Yer Highness, she needs ta be warned."
"My main question is this. Does any of this new information change anything about our current mission? Other than the need for continued vigilance, anyway."
Larathiel appears ready to address Felmor's concerns when Alis gets her attention and nods her head towards a pathway leading away from the glade in which you have been sitting. The elder sister acquiesces and replies, "A moment, Mal, Alis and I need to confer in private."
The two walk out of earshot to stand by an ornamental waterfall, backs to you so they can be neither heard nor their lips be read. After a minute or two of discussion, the two return and remain standing.
"Sir Traker," Alis says her voice unwavering, "You will not be joining our mission to Dafar. Instead, I am tasking you with a new assignment."
"You will journey north to Ilmarond and take command of the battleship Thalion. Under escort by the royal navy, you will break any blockades in the Strait of Trull and proceed to retrace the course followed by The Nereid. Your mission will be to provide military support under the auspices of Princess Alechsularis. I shall draft your new orders tonight and you will depart on a vessel chartered for Silverwake in the morning."
Before returning 'the floor' to Larathiel, she concludes, "Use the remaining time you have here in Malatesta to make what preparations or farewells you will, Captain."
The tall warrior turns to regard the sailor with a half-grin, his hand extended. "I see the life of a sailor is about as predictable as that of a soldier. Good luck on your journey. I hope the waves treat you well, and your trail leads you to your prey."
Felmor nods in response to the new orders, clearly they did not surprise him in the slightest. "Aye, Highness, Princess Alissariel. Yer will be done 'ere." As he turns to look at the rest of you, there is a calm resoluteness in his gaze. Once he has let the news sink in, he addresses the rest of you, "Before me departure, if ye have any messages you wish for me to pass on to the Princess Alechsularis, or any of her retainers, please compose them, 'n I be sure they be delivered to their recipients."
He takes Mals hand in a firm grip, and responds, "Aye, truer words 'ave never been spoken. May Silenya speed you on your way."
He turns to leave the group, "With yer leave, Highness? I 'ave a lot of work ta take care of before my departure." His gaze wanders over Alis, Corporal Mal, Lureene, and finally, Priyya. "I will be joinin'ye fer dinner later." He then walks away, escorted by one of Larathiel' retainers.
Theme: Destiny Awaits
Alis nods to Felmor to signify that he is free to tend to his preparations.
Once the Knight-Captain has departed with the dwarven butler who delivered your refreshments, Larathiel resumes where she left off. "To answer your question, Mal, unceasing vigilance goes without saying. However, additional preparedness is most certainly warranted. They have long coveted the throne of Ilmarond and given the information you have provided, there is a strong chance they could be the instigators behind the civil unrest in Dafar."
At this, she unsheathes her sword and a strong wind takes you by surprise, blowing your hair and sending flower petals cascading from a nearby cherry tree. She points it at the axe on Mal's hip. "Armed as you are now, all of you are ill-equipped to face such an enemy. Mal, I have our men instructed in defense and healing before all else to ensure their survival when encountering the unexpected. However, without the ability to deliver a strong attack, even a powerful defense only delays the inevitable."
"Before you set sail for Dafar, you are each to equip yourselves with stronger offensive capabilities. Those of you who have weapons suitable for enchantment — this embassy keeps its own smiths on retainer. Visit them and ensure that both your blades and bows receive enhancement. Alis can show you the way."
"Corporal Malandraenas Tylalaes," she rests the blade of her sword on her open palm, "in recognition of your prowess and the successful completion of your most recent assignment, I am hereby promoting you to the rank of Sergeant. You will continue to serve as Princess Alissariel's chief protector. In addition to those duties, you will have authority over the small-team tactics of any lower-ranked members of Ilmarond's military that are joining you."
"Congratulations, Sergeant."
Before turning to go, Larathiel raises her sword to the heavens before sheathing it. Over her shoulder, she calls out, "Mal, I have a new type of weapon that the Aravernim have been testing back in the 'Shade. See me when you have a moment, I think this will be a good match for your affinities..."
With that, Princess Larathiel leaves the rest of you to your privacy and exits the arboretum.
Mal snaps to attention, giving a smart salute, "YES SIR!" Thogh he ruins he effect by breaking into a grin. "Though based on the last few weeks, I'm likely to run out of the rest of my nine lives before I get to enjoy the new rank."
He turns to the rest of them as his commanding officer leaves, "A new rank calls for a few rounds. They're all on me tonight."
At Sergeant Mal's, offer Alis exclaims, "Oh, I almost forgot — buying things!"
"Ladies and gentleman," Alis' face is alight with enthusiasm, "you might like to know that one of the benefits of being in the biggest metropolis in the civilized world is that you can buy just about anything if you have the coin. Well, not only have I spent enough time in Malatesta to know where all the good boutiques are, [b]but[/i] the three of you along with Felmor earned yourselves some reward money back in In Dunwaar for taking down Boss Axchard."
She sits leans back on a bench, legs crossed, and kicks her foot energetically, "Count Alex also doubled the bonus due to the fact that we pretty much obliterated the rest of the Tar Dogs as well. So that's... 5,000 gold for each of you right there. Then there's your daily wages as royal retainers. Let's see now..."
Alis' head tips from side to side as she thinks and counts off some numbers on her fingers. "It's been six weeks since Auntie Corrina threw 'Sis and I that going away party... multiplied by the base per diem... times the pay grade appropriate to your qualifications... plus two weeks pay in advance since there's nothing worth buying in Dafar..."
She breaks down and starts drawing on the air with her finger using a prestidigitation spell:
10 per day
×6 days per week
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60 per week
×8 weeks
----
480
×4 pay grade level
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1920
Alis frowns a bit, scratches out the last number and changes it, smiles, and circles the result:
2000
"Right," she says, clearly pleased with her arithmetic, "So that's seven thousand gold you should all put to good use buying yourselves some better equipment, purchasing new spells, or... you know... what ever you think you are going to need to keep yourselves comfortable while we go a peacemaking down in the tropics. Along with the complimentary government-issue weapon enhancements, I'd say that's a pretty good haul!"
"Come on," she takes Mal and Lureene by the hand and makes a motion with her head for the pensive warrior-priestess to follow. "Felmor is going to be busy for a bit but we have just enough time to make it to the pantheon before dark. I'll requisition the diamonds necessary for your restoration rituals on our way out of the embassy."
With that the significantly more chipper Princess leads you out into the city and on to adventure!
'Pensive' is an apt description of Priyya. She finds herself on the horns of a particularly painful dilemma. She follows along debating how best to broach the subject and settles on 'head-on'...
"Alis, while I appreciate the Kirmoon generosity, I think your math is slightly in error. I am not a retainer, royal or otherwise, so paying me is not appropriate. Similarly, your sister's kindly offer to improve my weapons is over-generous... it would leave me with an honor-debt to your House. But I can see no objection to the 5000 gold reward and will happily put that towards some key purchases."