Elaina also watches the fire. Normally she liked a good bonfire, especially on a wedding, but not today. A wedding ruined, a dryad murdered, bees also murdered. It isn't a pleasant bonfire, the flames bringing no comfort. "We have eleven days until the next full moon." She tells the others. She's an expert on the cycles of the moon, for obvious reasons. "I guess... we should get back to the wedding and try to salvage what we can."
Diplomacy +13, Handle Animal +13, Knowledge (nobility) +11, Knowledge (planes) +14, Knowledge (religion) +11, Perception +10 (+14 see through disguise/find hidden or concealed)
"The Sun protects me from harm, the cloak I do not need. And in regards to the wedding, it is a sad thing for such an event to be dishevelled. But yes, let us return to the site and see what we can retrieve"
Lord Christian slips on his new fancy cloak, Nem takes the time to do what they can for the bushes here, carefully pruning the infested plants, and then the party makes its way back towards the town of Bellis...
After trekking back to a little ways past where you came out of the First World, you find a fairly recent trail that wasn't there when you entered the First World, headed back the direction of Bellis. It was clearly created by some-one, or something, following the same path several times over in very short order, and is oddly Mizuchi-sized. As you follow it, your draconic companion seems to be holding herself slightly stiffer. If you didn't know better, you'd think she was embarrassed about something, but dragons don't get embarrassed, right?...
Walking the trail for about an hour, you find yourselves in the woods near one of the small farms on the edge of Bellis. Torches can be seen around, and the sound of music and merriment are audible from, the village center. There is a large man walking around the edges of the village center, who seems to be trying to keep a small group of inexperienced guards at alert. However the 'guards' themselves are clearly beginning to slack in their assigned duties.
As you step out of the forest, the chickens in the nearby coop start squawking wildly, as though in a mix of fear and indignation. Mizuchi huffs out another gout of steam, gives Saito a quick glare, then raises her head even more proudly as you all travel past, towards the lights and merriment, as the sun is beginning to set in the hills.
By the time you arrive, at least one of the 'guards' was paying attention enough to spot you all; (Or perhaps he was alerted by the sound of distressed chickens,) and three of them are standing at attention, makeshift farm-tools-as-weapons held at the ready, with Hjorleaf in front. At first, they all look on edge at the sight of your group and dragon amongst you. But upon recognition of Lord Christian, the town guards relax, and Hjorleaf will welcome you all back from your mission.
He will explain that after you all left the party, he and Ohma worked to get the town calmed and organized. After attending to any injured, they took a head-count to make sure no-one was missing. Doing so, showed that a pair of young folks had not been spotted since the morning. He worked up a search party from the most capable volunteers, with a bit of help from the musician Parmis. Together they found the couple unharmed, if a bit disheveled from their chosen activities behind closed doors.
After that, Parmis and the gnome, one Mertis Cobblestocking, worked to restore cheer in the town, and finish up the wedding. While Hjorleaf and the previous volunteers, along with a couple others after a bit of burly convincing, have acted as a town watch against any potential neer-do-wells in your absence. Nothing seemed to visit the town from beyond the woods in the intervening hours since. However the local farm animals definitely showed repeat discontent towards the area you all just approached from. (Mizuchi snorts and looks away.)
Besides for that, the wedding is winding down, the couple have retired to their home together, and Ohma is leading the clean-up of the festivities as you speak. He will then give a surreptitious look at the 'guards' near you all, who are already beginning to wander back towards the center of town and the last vestiges of food and drink available, before continuing.
"I also asked around about Tenzekil or this 'Lady Rhoswen'. Fer the most part, nobody knows much. Tenzekil has apparently been fighting the Bleaching fer some time, and become ever more remote. Ignoring what few friends he had in the village, but still selling his honey. A few months ago he apparently seemed to git all his color back and was much happier, yet ever more a loner... As fer Lady Rhoswen, nobody knows much. The old woman, Mertis, said something about 'the drunken oak' occasionally mentioning the name. But I couldn't get more from the old woman before she went back to tending the wedding." He gives an 'that's all I've got' type shrug at the end.
"Glad to hear that spirits have been restored", Cenna hesitates to say anything further about looming danger allowing her companions to pick up that slack in a less blunt tone than she would have.
I guess the drunken oak doesn't register anything for us?
From what I remember...this Lady Rhoswen is a fey of sorts. The Fellnight Fey? She utilizes some mist that we will choke on and has thorns and some sort of army.
Christian shrugs.
At least that is what Tenzekil said.
He looks up at Hjorleaf.
You did well, and thanks for looking after these folks. Depending on who their liege lord is, I’d expect word has been sent and help should be on the way. Until then, you might need to stay here longer than I’d hoped. For now, until we learn more, we should talk to Lady Mertis and see what she knows.
Thinking to his invitation to Bellis. The village is not fully incorporated into any of the local kingdoms and stands on its own. However it borders the lands claimed by Maegar Varn, lord of your eastern 'neighbor' Varnhold, and one of the recent baronies recognized by the various major powers of Brevoy here in the Stolen Lands. Much as your own territory of Charis. If there is aid that will come, it would come from Varn. Another mercenary leader turned Baron for politics, he is at least well known for his endeavors to care for and protect the people, even if they do not swear loyalty to him. However, he is also pragmatic, and the aid will be limited depending on his current resources and how his past dealings with Bellis as a whole have been...
Considering you were invited, but there is no delegation from Varnhold, it is possible the relations between the two have recently soured. It is also possible Varn simply had prior engagements. Either way, lending too much aid that is not specifically requested by the locals may be seen politically as an attempt to annex more territory. But your knowledge of Varn as a fellow mercenary, you do not think he would see it as such without additional cause.
Nem:
Even your storied knowledge is stretched thin in this respect. The name has been turned around so many circles as a sort of 'bogeyman' (but not an actual Bogeyman, mind) that it is hard to tell truth from tall-tale. She was definitely a Queen at one time, and make quite the ruckus both in the Material plane and the First World. But the details are hidden amongst Fey tall-tales, and human bards' inability to focus on truth over pomp. You do know she is evil, and has been hiding, or locked away/jailed, depending on who tells the story, in her land of the Fellknight Realm... Whether that's a place on the Mortal Plane or First World, or somewhere else, you aren't sure... All the tales do agree she would be making an army of some sort there, to get revenge on those that forced her to retreat there, or be jailed there.
Mertis can be found handing out some servings to the retiring guards, made up of bits of the feast she had set aside for this specific purpose. The guards all share their thanks as you approach, some more gracefully and less mouth-filled than others. She will turn to face you all, smiling her crooked teeth, as various bright bangles hang from her gaudy clothing. "Hello again my lords and ladies! I trust we do not need worry about further bee attacks this evening? Or shall i work on weaving some netting for the draftier houses?"
I believe this area is near Lord Varn's domain, though I'm not sure if he actually claims it. Since the attack seemed intended to lure us toward that portal, I think it's reasonable to assume the village is safe for now. Still, I'll make sure we have guards stationed here until Lord Varn sends help. If he decides not to, at least there will be someone to protect the villagers.
Christian bows slightly at Mertis.
Lady Mertis, it’s a pleasure to meet you, though I wish it were under better circumstances. I don’t believe there’s any danger from more bees—the threat seems to be over, at least as far as we can tell. Diplomacy:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
He smiles at her and continues talking.
Hjorleaf mentioned something about a Drunken Oak. Do you know what that is? Does it have anything to do with Lady Rhoswen? Is it located where the Shrike and Sellen rivers meet?
Diplomacy +13, Handle Animal +13, Knowledge (nobility) +11, Knowledge (planes) +14, Knowledge (religion) +11, Perception +10 (+14 see through disguise/find hidden or concealed)
"As lord Christian stated, the problem has been pacified and the source health with. So no need for extra protection against the bees" he inclines his head in reassurance to what Christian said
The gnome chuckles under the warm words of Lord Christian. "I know of the Drunken Oak, and have heard it speak of Lady Rhoswen from time to time. Yes." She furrows her brow thinking for a moment, then shakes her head. "No, I don't think the rivers meet there... Let's see..."
She starts ruffling through her clothes until she pulls out a rather detailed map of the region, showing excellent cartography skills. She unrolls it fully, and then points out the location of the 'Drunken Oak' "The oak can be found over here, 'n the Narlmarches... The sellen and Shrike would meet..." She first points at a place North-West of Charis, then drags her finger down south-east, past the Tuskwater, to where a couple rivers are shown to meet. "Over 'ere, in the Kamelands... Used to be an ol' ferry there. But I don't think it's been in use since... Well, since I was younger than you are now!" She gives a joyous giggle at that, the sound almost seeming to draws away a few of her elderly years.
The Greenbelt and Barony map has been updated and marked... note; it a bit higher resolution map than you all used before, so it might take a minute or two to fully load. But it should make it easier to see what king of terrain etc' is found around
After waiting patiently for several minutes to see if there are any more questions. She will shrug and return to her duties cleaning up the post feast mess.
Christian looks at the map as she points out the locations.
The distance is great. I am not certain we have enough time to make it to the drunken Oak and then back south to the meeting place by the rivers.
After taking a night's rest to recover fully and have full bellies in the morning. Bellis provides the party with a week's worth of rations in thanks and then waves them a fond farewell. Mertis makes sure to mark a shallow ford across the Gudrin river on their map. Which, assuming nothing accosts you along the way, would save several days off your trip, and allow you to make your meeting on-time.
GM Roll:
Weather:1d20 ⇒ 13 Random Encounter:1d20 ⇒ 6
The days are cloudy, with light winds, but otherwise prove uneventful. Arriving at the a half-collapsed, rotting wooden building standing on the northern bank. You reach the place where the Shrike River and Little Sellen River meet. There is a stand of similarly dilapidated buildings on the southern bank as well.
The air hangs heavy and thick today, as the winds have finally died and the humidity rises. The buzz of insects and wash of water is the only obvious sounds, the sun hanging late in the evening sky and will set soon.
You've arrived at the meeting location, on the evening before the meeting time at night. What would you like to do?
"I don't wanna be out hereeeee, this is dumb." Elaina whines. What a terrible day to be in the middle of nowhere for a chipper, social bard. "These buildings are gross. None of them are even real hotels." She continues. "I could prepare spells to let a couple of us walk on water, since there's two rivers here. Two stupid rivers... And spells to protect us from evil, because obviously anyone that would attack a beautimous unicorn is evil. I could prepare a spell to disable evil fey, but I-I was never very good with that kind of magic." She looks at Saito. "I'll just fill you with the fires of Sarenrae an' you can smash 'em with your sword. Then Mizuchi can eat 'em!" She says and nods, satisfied. The cleric of the goddess of Forgiveness doesn't seem to think there's any reason to parley with the unicorn-attackers.
Since the cultists troops we've seen so far are fey, I could prepare Hold Fey. It's a strong spell, but Elaina doesn't have DC-Enhancing features.
Diplomacy +13, Handle Animal +13, Knowledge (nobility) +11, Knowledge (planes) +14, Knowledge (religion) +11, Perception +10 (+14 see through disguise/find hidden or concealed)
"The two of us would be whole heartedly into 'smashing them'" the samurai laughs, turning to his companion "Do you not agree Mizuchi-dono?" even with their deep bonded relationship, he tries to atleast show her the respect she deserved
"Walking on water will absolutely be tactically sound for sure.
I suppose we should camp out in one of those buildings to remain out of sight for now.
If the moment calls for it, I will Haste us all and summon an ally before I rain fire upon those who would harm our friends or any wilderness creatures who sought to harm no one". Cenna grits her teeth as she speaks.
Christian looks at the buildings around them and the terrain as well.
Perhaps we should pick a spot that allows us to see in all directions and check for magical traps and spells that would warn our Fey of our arrival. We prepare cold camp and get a feel for the terrain and how to utilize it to our benefit.
After taking a lay of the land, Lord Christian can confirm that most of the nearby terrain is gently rolling plains, with occasional trees and bushes growing naturally near the rivers. No specific areas provides a commanding vantage point of the area, but it would likely require magic, or someone greatly skilled at stealth, to be able to approach unnoticed. The rivers flow slowly, but steadily, through the area, making an approach by water also possible, from either up-stream or down.
The most defensible locations are the dilapidated buildings. However, a thorough search shows that while they are in disrepair. The buildings were built by skilled craftsmen and still impressively sturdy for their age and neglect. The stone building on the northern bank is most definitely the most structurally sound of them all.
People may declare any sort of precautions they wish to take, and set themselves how they wish on the Combat Map, which has been updated. Once done, please confirm in the Discussion thread that you are ready.
When the baddies appear to start arriving, Elaina casts a litany of protective spells (which she dispenses via some very warm kisses) designed specifically by the goddesses for slaying unicorn-attackers. She casts the longer duration spells first, and saves the spell that grants general protection against general evil for when she knows things are about to go down, as the number of people to be protected will stress its duration. Everyone feels super powerful and super safe.
Elaina offers a magical hug or handshake to those who don't want a magical kiss. If Mizuchi doesn't want a kiss she might actually die from depression.
Arrival comes not from land, but by the river. A relatively large river raft flows down-stream from the east. Pushed as much by the current as the long pole held by its sole passenger. A tall individual in black robes and a stark white porcelain mask. One eye socket with a painted black tear running down it's cheek being the only adornment. As it approaches one of the broken piers, they deftly toss a rope around the still-standing tie-pole, and draws it close. After smoothly tying off the raft, and carefully laying the ten-foot pole across the deck, then step off the raft onto the rotten remnants of the pier.
Their general demeanor may look like any practiced boatsman, but the quiet grace with which they step onto the rotting wood without a single groaning board, and the surety of their gait, screams of something more. Stepping fulling onto the shore, the individual turns their masked face towards the bright full moon above, seemingly unaware, or unconcerned, of your party's presence in the stone ruins.
I had them all, saw them in the preview, then in re-arranging this text for better formatting, lost 'em XD But the spoilers below are in order from lowest to highest.
Elaina:
You do not see any other forces on the boat, in the river, or on land... The bright light of the Full Moon and the open terrain makes it unlikely someone would go unnoticed. But you can't help but feel a tad bit of unease at such a brave, or foolhardy, cultist.
Cenna:
You do not notice any signs of other enemies present. Just the single individual, who also does not appear to be armed. Although their thick robes could easily hide something small. Not to mention, you are obviously plenty aware that if this cultist uses magic. They are more than capable of causing harm without a weapon at hand.
Yamato and Nem:
You are quite certain that this cultist has come alone, and while their robes may be thick, there is no sign of any weapons hidden amongst them. Seeing as they traveled the wilderness alone, and what you saw and heard from Tenzekil before you aided his passing, you are quite certain this cultist is capable of magic. So the lack of a weapon does not constitute being defenseless.
Lord Christian:
You are quite certain that this cultist has come alone, and while their robes may be thick, there is no sign of any weapons hidden amongst them. You also note that while there is a small amount of supplies carefully hidden on the boat. They appear to be mostly for traveling or fishing. Much what you would find on such a raft used by the average country fisherman.
That said, you know all too well that those capable of magic do not need weapons to be dangerous, and something about every step this Cultist takes. The way they move. Screams an individual more than capable of defending themselves in a conflict. That, plus what was seen at Tenzekil's place, leaves you certain they are a practiced, and dangerous, magical opponent. Further, their natural grace reminds you heavily as that found by practiced courtesans in a noble court, rather than a peasant in the country.
Christian casually walks out of the structure and into the opening.
Perform: Oratory:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 I’m hoping my performance will give me a bonus to my bluff, but if that doesn’t work, then this roll will count as my bluff roll.
His voice is pleasant and holds a certain level of cockiness to it. His stance is light as he is prepared for combat to erupt at any moment.
Good evening, lovely night. Before you think about getting all aggressive and causing a scene, know that the moment you try to use any magic, you’ll be finished. Now that I have your attention, we have a few questions. You’re free to refuse, as I can’t force you to answer, but I must admit, talking to the dead does get a bit tiresome. So, shall we talk or do we need to do this the boring way? Bluff:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
His hands are empty, but he’s confident he can step forward and draw his weapon quickly enough to interrupt the start of the spell.
I am always willing to allow creative skill uses. Sadly, the perform dice didn't like you. But it, plus your role playing, I'm happy to alot a +2 to your Bluff, for a 30.
They remain staring upwards at the moon, almost as though in silent prayer, and seem to overall ignore you. Although you can't help but notice a slight tensing of the shoulders, demonstrating they are not completely unmoved by Christian's statements.
After the silence has stretched on for a few more moments, they will then turn to face Christian, and then in a slightly muffled, but still audible male voice, states "Lord D'Elegante, your reputation for eloquence has proven to be no mere boast. And I would be most willing to entertain any question you may have. Although I do not promise you will like the answers."
Cenna holds to see what the figure will do, her Mage Armor and Protection From Fire already up and running all that's left to do is Haste the group, but with the stillness in the air, she doesn't want her casting to allow for detection...
Christian smiles at the complement.
If something is worth doing, it's worth doing well.
He nods slightly at his opponent.
Forgive me, for it’s clear you know who I am, yet I don’t know your name. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with on this fine night of secret meetings?
Other players can jump in here if they so choose. I do not need to hog all the attention. lol
"The myriad names and sobriquets by which I have been called are multidinous beyond measure. Yet, in the stretch of the cosmos, I am nothing but a wisp of obscurity in an ocean of indifference. I have traveled amongst the entourage of both courts of nobility, and their bondsman, serfs, thralls, and slaves. To the latter I am a Forge or Cyclone, depending on how I am entreated. To the former, an Inquisitor or Fool... As such, it is only appropriate that you, who are both yet neither, should know me as Harrow." He will take a slow, exaggerated, bow at this. Never quite turning Christian out of the limited sight of the mask, however.
Nem stays hidden, cursing silently that Christian decided to betray their presence the moment somebody showed up. Whoever this 'Harrow' was, he was likely a powerful spellcaster. Either he was so strong in the magickal arts that he had no fear traveling entirely alone, or his allies were en route.
She of course recognizes his names as being cards of the eponymous Harrow deck, but she tries to see if there's anything specific she might know about him.
After reconfirm8ng his chosen 'name' is merely a reference to the Harrow that he referenced. You focus on those references. Thinking it over, you remember that both The Inquisitor and The Fool are members of the Tomes suit. Tomes represent knowledge and intelligence above all else, and are most commonly associated with both Language and Arcane Magic... Which you have to begrudgingly admit is fitting, considering his flowery language, and the fact you are ever more certain he is a magic caster. Now you suspect he is an Arcane magic caster, with a flair for the dramatic.
Nem:
Thinking over your knowledge of local details. You remember that The Forge and The Cyclone are both members of the Hammers suit. Hammers represent Strength and power above all else, and are associated with both combat, and honor. Further, you remember that the Forge represents strength through diversity and unity or multiple, and its power against a single challenge or conflict. While the Cyclone represents an unstoppable, destructive force. Either created by, or against, intelligent foes. You cannot remember their associated alignments... You gather from this, that this Harrow has made a veiled threat via The Cyclone, should Christian try to attack him. However, you doubt it's a threat of physical violence from Harrow himself. Further, the representation of The Forge, and the reverence of which Harrow used the terms, suggests that Honor is important to him. You get the feeling he won't outright lie to you all. However his gift with language reminds you of fey tricksters, so he may be willing to lie through omission instead.
Thinking it over, you remember that both the Forge and Cyclone share a suit in the Harrow, but which one and it's meaning eludes you.
However you do know that the Inquisitor and the Fool also share a suit. The Tomes suit. Tomes represent knowledge and intelligence above all else, and are most commonly associated with both Language and Arcane Magic... Which you have to begrudgingly admit is fitting, considering his flowery language, and the fact you are ever more certain he is a magic caster. Now you suspect he is an Arcane magic caster, with a flair for the dramatic.
Further, you remember that the Inquisitor is the Lawful Neutral card, and represents something that cannot be changed, or deceived. While the Fool is the Neutral Evil card that represents folly, greed, blackmail, bribery, or hubris. Taken together, along with his wording, you are fairly certain that it suggests. As long as you remain peaceable, and nothing else changes in this engagement (Inquisitor). He will stay true (lawful) to his word (language), with no particular leanings towards good or ill in his intent (neutral). However, should things turn aggressive (evil), that he warns it will ultimately be your undoing (Fool), whether he takes an aggressive action or not (neutral).
Whether this is merely a boast, or something more, you cannot tell. Especially as the mask and thick clothes makes it hard to tell any sort of body language.
Elaina's eyeballs narrow in fury at the cultist. She leans over to Mizuchi and whispers "What's the largest thing you can eat? Could you eat a person if it was an emergency?"
Diplomacy +13, Handle Animal +13, Knowledge (nobility) +11, Knowledge (planes) +14, Knowledge (religion) +11, Perception +10 (+14 see through disguise/find hidden or concealed)
He would frown, but giving the circumstances, he didn't say anything. But he was still ready to take on this lone cultist, hopefully before reinforcements showed up
Mizuchi gives a soft sound of disgust. "I'd rather eat fermented tofu." shell growl back. "instead. I think this one deserves to be rlsteam-broiled and left in a shallow grave, instead."
This one reminds me of my grandfather when we played dragon chess. He never let his true intentions be revealed through his moves.
Christian steps closer to the man, fixing him with a quiet gaze that lingers just a moment too long.
Lord...
He pauses and gives a single slow nod.
Harrow,
The mercenary scans the area again as he continues to talk.
...Which one am I, both yet neither? Noble or slave, forge or cyclone, inquisitor or fool? Whether I like the answers or not is irrelevant, as it’s the knowledge that matters most to me. Who is Rhoswen? Why send Tenzekil to attack us at the wedding? What did we do to deserve such actions? Dragon Chess it is then. Three questions to probe his defenses. Let us see what he has to say and how he says it.
He chuckles softly, and shakes his head in much the way an adult would at the folly of a child. "You are asking the wrong questions... But still, I shall answer... Rhoswen, of whom you speak, is a fey queen. Who has been limited to her own little realm for some time. She has recently been able to reach out and touch the dreams of those who answer. I aided young Tenzekil when he came asking for help. Amongst those requests was to understand his dreams."
Harrow will turn to look up at the moon again, "Afterall, who better to explain the message in dreams, than a Faithful of the Moon?" He then turns to look at Lord Christian again.
"It was not I who set Tenzekil against you at the wedding... As for what you have done to deserve 'such actions'. You of all people should know better than to ask, Lord of Charis... Afterall, with power comes enemies. Every step up you take, puts others beneath you who might chafe at such. Still, it brings you closer to challenging yet more powerful individuals, who often do not cherish the thought of competition." He chuckles mirthlessly.
"Meanwhile, giving up and stepping down would make enemies of those who helped you rise to begin with, and refusing to take action would make enemies of others who expected more from you... No, Lord D'Elegante. By stepping foot on the stage initially. There is no course you may take that will not engender more such strife... At the least, not until there are simply no powers, local or otherwise, who could stand before you."
Christian keeps his composure and listens carefully at the responses.
He is good. He knows a lot about me, and that freaks me out. Lately, more and more of the Fey have been getting tangled up in my business, and I have no idea what we did to catch their attention. Their realm isn’t ours, and as far as I know, we’ve never really crossed paths. Then again, I know next to nothing about the Fey.
He stays alert but keeps his weapon sheathed as he walks up close to the man.
Gaining power and influence always comes with a price. I’m not sure why Her Majesty Queen Rhoswen would be affected by our actions, but I’m no expert on the Fey. As for a follower of the Moon, that’s outside my knowledge as well.
He maintains a stance that's as conversational as it is defensive. Walking and talking as he stands beside the man.
He holds power and isn’t intimidated by the situation. It’s a parley, not a fight. Still, I need the others to help gather more information about this person. When it comes to those fields, I leave the talking to those who know about them. A slightly subtle way of asking for help without revealing your location, I hope at least.
Elaina marches up to the exchange. She might be stomping, but her feet are small and not made for such aggressive, masculine actions. "You're supposed to be meeting someone here! Who are they and when are they gonna be here!?" She demands super tactfully. You can't even tell she's angry, really.
Diplomacy I guess if it applies. Probably not :p Elaina isn't very diplomatic when it comes to matters of unicorn murder:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
religionn: follower of the moon. He better not be talking about Desna or hes gonna get slapped:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
