Elen nods her thanks to Muri, then growls at the elemental. ”Your appointed time has come,” she reminds it.
for
Hits: 117/125 (+150 Stone Skin, -10, Resist Fire)
Current AC: 34
For Stavian I: AC: 39
Current Saves: Fort: +17; Ref +19; Will: +12, +12 if Enchant (Elf) (+5 Wingz, )Luck Stone, Ioun Stone)
For Stavian I: Current Saves: Fort: +22; Ref +24; Will: +17, +19 if Enchant (Elf)
AC: 25; 26 (Bare naked save for Mask and Dodge, +1 Dodge (Sacred))
flat: 18 (ring +3, nat armor +2, mage armor +4) (+1 See above^)
touch: 28 (ring +3, Dex +6, Cha +7, Dodge +1) (Ditto)
Crits on 19-20
CMD = 35
WandofMageArmorCharges = 58/50
Wand of CLW: 31/50
Resolve = 8/8
Challenge = 6/6
Hero Pts: 3/3
Round 2, Init 13
AC = 24
HP = 118/118
Weapon Equipped = Chaldira's Hand
Condition(s) = Stoneskin 121/150, Prayer
AC = 32
HP = 137/137
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = Stoneskin, Prayer
Muri studies Stavian for the briefest of moments. He sees the fire elemental as the last thing burning of Carrius, and the halfling experiences doubt for the first time in six Legends. This battle will end in defeat, but at what cost? The last soul shard won't go willingly, and when it does, will they return to a will-o'-wisp Prince?
It causes the halfling to reconsider asking Chaldira Zuzaristan for help. Instead, Muri barks at Stavian, trying to pull the elemental's eyes upwards to answer the challenge.
"You're the last one, Stavian. You should know that all the others understood, or failed to understand and fell. You fight for nothing more than a little extra time here, where you are no longer needed."
Then the arrows.
Round 2
Kort flies up and casts Divine Favor.
hp: 157/157
AC: 27/18t/22ff +5 NA with barkskin
Saves: F11/R17/W16 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison, evasion
Lowlight. PBS.
Movement: 60' typically flying 5' up off the ground in dungeons.
Aroden's Verve: 0/10 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/4 used
Extend Rods: 1/6 used (magiccirc)
Lsr Extend Rods: 3/3 used (seeinv,heroism*2)
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
Boots of Speed: 0/10
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 2/11 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*2)
2: 1/11 used (Inv*0,RE*3,*CE*0,SInv*0,LesRest*0)
3: 4/11 used (H*2,DM*0,DayBreakArrow*1, MCaE10'*1)
4: 0/8 used (GrInv*0,CCW*0,FoM*0,StoneSkin*0)
5: 0/8 used (CLWM*0,FlStr*0,TruSee*0,MassStoneskin*0)
6: 1/4 used (Heal, LegendLore,1*GrDispel)
[ spoiler=Daybreak Bolts]Creatures that take penalties in bright light take these penalties for 1 round after being struck by such ammunition. Undead and creatures harmed by sunlight take an additional 1d6 points of damage from such projectiles. This extra damage and half of any other damage you deal with an affected projectile results directly from radiant energy and is not subject to damage resistance. Such a projectile sheds light as if it were a sunrod for 1 round after it is fired or thrown.[ /spoiler]
[ dice]1d20+8[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+19+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+19+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+14+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+7+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
touch to hit; (heroism,PBP)
fire damage
The Night Swan steps forward and gets to hacking.
HP: 161/188
AC: 40/16/39
Saves: F20/R19/W20 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled diseases)
Hero Points: 3
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness, heroism, stoneskin, prayer, resist fire 30
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+29[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+13[/dice] damage.
Kamari fails to tumble, but does successfully hit, though DR 5 applies - first blood! Major Kort flies up and makes a divine preparation. Elen does in fact feint him, which means she hits - and hard (though DR 5 also applies). Edelmira hits three times, and even manages to demoralize her foe! Muri hits thrice, but does not fell this foe (also DR).
(d8 fire)
Stavian I continues to recite prayers to Aroden, and litanies against the Dawnflower. He calls out to Aroden by name, to come and save him from these heathens - and He, or something, responds! Two magnificent creatures appear slowly from a white mist. These tall, human-like creature have long, feathery wings and a gentle inner radiance that makes them difficult to look at directly.
Astral devas are messengers of the gods of good. They watch over planar travelers and sponsor powerful mortals, pushing them to take on good causes. A typical astral deva looks human except for its wings, though some look like other humanoid races and a rare few have even more unusual forms. An astral deva is 7-1/2 feet tall and weighs 250 pounds.
- - -
The two creatures look lovingly upon Emperor Stavian I. Almost in unison, they cast spells upon him…
One casts Heal, and Stavian I is healed of 130hp of his damage. The other casts Aid, granting him and a small boost to his attacks.
Smiling, Stavian I presses his attacks on Edelmira for now, swiftly targeting her humanity (greater bane).
Attacks on the Night Swan (I removed the fire damage as you resist it).
After four hits, Edelmira, the Night Swan, falls. She lies in a pool of her own blood, I believe at -33 and dead though not a crit (though hero points apply)...
He switches targets to Kamari, though no bane applies to this attack!
Round 3, AC 38 with shield, flying
Kamari's jaw drops as the Night Swan drops.
Unsure what else to do, Kamari continues her attack on the flaming f'er. She uses her magus arcana to give her rapier frost. She casts frostbite safely thanks to her armband of the golden serpent. She then pokes and pokes and pokes at the flames.
She then takes a 5' float back.
-
-
The Night Swan refuses to succumb to the pull of death. She has a better world to make and the heroic will to see her path through.
Oh Shelyn, please help the Swan!
”Swiftly swiftly
Soul fragment summons
Feathers aid the fragment King!” Elen recites.
Not to be out feathered, Elen spring attacks again.
for
for
Hits: 117/125 (+150 Stone Skin, -10, Resist Fire)
Current AC: 34
For Stavian I: AC: 39
Current Saves: Fort: +17; Ref +19; Will: +12, +12 if Enchant (Elf) (+5 Wingz, )Luck Stone, Ioun Stone)
For Stavian I: Current Saves: Fort: +22; Ref +24; Will: +17, +19 if Enchant (Elf)
AC: 25; 26 (Bare naked save for Mask and Dodge, +1 Dodge (Sacred))
flat: 18 (ring +3, nat armor +2, mage armor +4) (+1 See above^)
touch: 28 (ring +3, Dex +6, Cha +7, Dodge +1) (Ditto)
Crits on 19-20
CMD = 35
WandofMageArmorCharges = 58/50
Wand of CLW: 31/50
Resolve = 8/8
Challenge = 6/6
Hero Pts: 3/3
Round 3, Init 13
AC = 24
HP = 118/118
Weapon Equipped = Chaldira's Hand
Condition(s) = Stoneskin 121/150, Prayer
AC = 32
HP = 137/137
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = Stoneskin, Prayer
Muri watches as Stavian is rinsed of most of his injuries. He doesn't know the word 'attrition', but he understands the dynamic between Betony and Sixth Legend has now become a war of it.
The halfling senses the direness of the situation, so calls on Chaldira as well to help in the battle.
Almost in answer to his prayers to Chaldira, Muri hears Elen's clarion call, and finds each of his pulls swifter and more powerful.
When he's finished firing, he strains to see Edelmira lying on the floor, possibly witnessing the Night Swan drawing breath, though he won't trust that fully until she actually stands.
Round 3
Kort unloads at the fundelementally jerky emperor.
to hit; (+DF,+heroism,+elen)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
to hit; (+DF,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
to hit; (+DF,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
to hit; (+DF,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
to hit; (+DF,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
to hit; (+DF,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
to hit; (+DF,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
hp: 157/157
AC: 27/18t/22ff +5 NA with barkskin
Saves: F11/R17/W16 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison, evasion
Lowlight. PBS.
Movement: 60' typically flying 5' up off the ground in dungeons.
Aroden's Verve: 0/10 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/4 used
Extend Rods: 1/6 used (magiccirc)
Lsr Extend Rods: 3/3 used (seeinv,heroism*2)
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
Boots of Speed: 0/10
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 2/11 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*2)
2: 1/11 used (Inv*0,RE*3,*CE*0,SInv*0,LesRest*0)
3: 4/11 used (H*2,DM*0,DayBreakArrow*1, MCaE10'*1)
4: 0/8 used (GrInv*0,CCW*0,FoM*0,StoneSkin*0)
5: 0/8 used (CLWM*0,FlStr*0,TruSee*0,MassStoneskin*0)
6: 1/4 used (Heal, LegendLore,1*GrDispel)
[ spoiler=Daybreak Bolts]Creatures that take penalties in bright light take these penalties for 1 round after being struck by such ammunition. Undead and creatures harmed by sunlight take an additional 1d6 points of damage from such projectiles. This extra damage and half of any other damage you deal with an affected projectile results directly from radiant energy and is not subject to damage resistance. Such a projectile sheds light as if it were a sunrod for 1 round after it is fired or thrown.[ /spoiler]
[ dice]1d20+8[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+19+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+19+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+14+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+7+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
touch to hit; (heroism,PBP)
fire damage
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Kamari opens up on the elemental with cold damage - to which he’s vulnerable! Thanks to being flat footed, she hits twice. Major Kort hits every time, and is frustrated the creature cannot be crit… Still, the most damage he’s ever done I suspect! Elen smacks the emperor and his sidekick, though the angel has high DR (10). Edelmira groans on the ground, her chest heaving trying to catch her breath and not let it slip away… But at least she’s stable. Muri also hits every time in part thanks to the booster from Elen - though DR applies to each shot.
Still, it’s enough. The angels cast their healings, but they’re healing a corpse - not even a 130hp heal brings Stavian I back to health…
They both spin into the light and fade from sight!
A peal of thunder rolls throughout the cavernous chamber, and though you’re inside, rain begins to pelt you, putting out the many fires within, including the remains of Stavian I.
The rain turns to a fine mist, and then a gray cloud, and finally a white one before you find yourself again in the great cathedral of Taldor’s throne room. You are dry and Edelmira is conscious with 1 hit point.
Prince Carrius is there, and looks almost human - no longer a rag doll - though also largely translucent at the same time. The boy looks at you with clear eyes. While his frame is fragile and his face lined with fatigue, Carrius’s expression is peaceful.
“They are gone,” he says with wonder, almost a whisper. “The only one inside is me now. I remember everything - my death, my passage on, and how the circle drew me back here. Thank you. All I ever wanted was the peace that was robbed from me. You have granted me that. A debt I cannot repay.”
As Carrius speaks, the mindscape begins to shudder and warp. Cracks appear in the floor and walls as motes of light crumble from the ceiling above. Obvious pain crosses his face. “You are free to leave now. Return to my sister. Tell her... tell her I’m sorry I have to go, and that I know she can be... the ruler Taldor needs. But I can’t be there for her. What’s left of me... it’s not enough.”
He sighs, ”My soul isn’t whole - that’s why the circle invited the spirits in. To control me. Now it’s time for me to return. It was nice to visit. I’m so sorry for the trouble I’ve caused.” He breaks off, growing wispy. Er, wispy-er.
"We're glad to have met You, Prince Carrius. The true You. And we will speak your words to the Princess when we see her next." The halfling speaks quickly, sensing that there is very little time before they witness the dissolution of the noble.
Muri looks to his companions to see if any of them will speak to the Prince before it's no longer possible, then he readies for what might be a fight out of the Palace, given what's just occurred.
"There is indeed enough of you left to have been able to speak your will, and we will convey your message to the Princess. Also, it was not your fault having been murdered. Unexpected as it was under these impossible circumstances, I too am honored to have met the real you."
Kort moves to help The Night Swan recover, healing her as fast as he can and grateful that she seems to have survived.
Kort nods a stiff goodbye the soulwoven child Emperor. He has no words, but will document the event later if he takes to writing a history.
Kamari breathes a sigh of relief to see the Night Swan also breathing.
She is happy to see the Prince's soul at rest, and selfishly glad that he is moving on and won't be competing with the Princess for the throne. "You did not cause the trouble so do not let that disturb you. Best of luck in your journey."
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The Night Swan takes off her helmet and mask and takes a knee before the young prince. ”I want tell you a secret. I do not believe that office or station of royalty should exist. After how easily these past emperors were turned to see you as a mere tool, I hope you can understand why I feel this way. I tell you this so you know that I kneel not because of deference to your position, respect for your title, or any nonsense like that. I do it because I respect and trust in you. Because I see echoes of the suffering I endured in your own, so I know better than anyone how you must feel. You deserved none of this. You should have never been subjected to any of it. None of these villains ever cared for you as anything but an empty vessel for their own desires and dreams. I wish you did not have to go now, right when there is a chance of freedom. I wish you could have the opportunity for a life without all of that weighing on you. I hope that at least you can have it in death. You no longer have to be anything or anyone save yourself.” She stands and begins to put her mask and helmet back on. As she turns away, she looks back over her shoulder. ”That is my dream, my desire. So do not feel constrained by it either. Go forth and remain Carrius, whoever you think that should be.”
Prince Carrius seems calmed by all your kind words and he nods to Edelmira. With considerable effort, he bows before you all with great respect - his final act. Then he sort of folds in on himself in a burst of white light and the whole room is lost to the brightness.
As your vision clears, you find yourselves back in the courtyard, where you entered the doorway created by Edelmira’s ring - which is now inert. Prince Carrius is dead - you’re certain of it - though the alarm is not yet raised. You see no more door, and you’re not sure how much time has passed, but the courtyard is still empty. The secret door, and your escape, lies on the other side.
You move swiftly and relatively quietly to the secret panel and open it to find Princess Eutropia waiting for you there. ”You’re back, already? It hasn’t been but a few minutes. You said not to wait, but…” She drifts off and re-examines you, ”Where’s Our brother? Where is Carrius?! Did you not succeed?” She demands to know what happened and refuses to budge until you do - though she does close the secret door to the courtyard behind you just as a very old man with a brush-broom moves in and begins peacefully sweeping.
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Muri speaks up from the back. "We freed him, but he couldn't be saved."
Muri speaks up from the back. "We freed him, but he couldn't be saved."
The shock of the blunt truth is more than Princess Eutropia can handle. She had such high hopes! She collapses on the dusty floor, sobbing at the renewed loss of her brother, so recently returned to her.
”Carrius...”
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”You’re back, already? It hasn’t been but a few minutes. You said not to wait, but…” She drifts off and re-examines you, ”Where’s Our brother? Where is Carrius?! Did you not succeed?”
Kort will cry and support the Empress-to-be, letting her have space to grieve.
When there is time and it is appropriate, Kort will try to explain as best he can, and how saving him might not have been possible by any means.
"We did what we could, and gave him peace...his own peace, his own mind, no more figments of emperors past to haunt him. It was a mercy."
Elen nods and says softly, "Just before he faded completely, he said he had faith in you as the true leader of Taldor. He said he was very sorry that he couldn't stay."
"You will honor his memory while you lead Taldor to being a better nation for everyone." Kamari tries for encouraging words but finds herself internally conflicted and exhausted by the montage of Taldor's "great" leaders.
You console the Princess, and eventually she pulls herself together. As she does however, you hear an alarm beyond the door. ”They’ve found Prince Ca…” she hesitates a moment before finding the strength to continue, ”Carrius’s body. We must make haste - they’ll call up the guard, and we might not make it out!”
You reverse your path, one which Major Kort did his best to memorize. Still, the Princess bypasses all traps, whispers safe words to all golems, and guides you through the mazes with speed. You reach the outermost secret door - the one in an otherwise nondescript wall. However, with the alarm, the wall is now guarded by well spaced Imperial Palace Sentries (image). Their backs are to you, but they won't help but be able to see you as you exit.
”Blast” the Princess closes the door again before you’re noticed. ”We can’t be seen here. We wouldn’t be the first in Taldor to commit regicide to get the throne. That thought can’t enter the public mind or Our rule will be over before it begins.”
She turns to the party for suggestions. Your disguises might suffice for a casual glance on the streets, but they won’t survive a substantial and extended inquiry. Further, you know from living here, the Imperial Palace Sentries re very good at what they do. As palace guards go, many agree they’re the best in the world.
"We should have enough invisibility spells amongst us. I have five available using my pearls."
Kamari digs through her haversatchel and comes out with a scroll of teleport. "We also have this."
"Ah, piddlespot," Kort says, looking at the guards. "I can make each of us invisible for a time, and may or may not be enough."
The Princess shakes her head, ”We saw an Imperial Magus out there with them. They can see invisibility when so ordered, and with the death of a monarch-to-be, I expect it. He might not be looking our way - so it might work. But it’s risky.”
Still, if that’s the only option, the Princess will agree to it. If that’s the plan, you’ll need to make stealth checks - but you may have other options.
I'm pretty sure you did not use the second teleport scroll. I don't see it on the group sheet though - at what level was it crafted? Probably high enough to get the party so 4 people plus the caster. If standard, you can teleport 3 people, plus the caster. You can go all the way to the Palace of Birdsong if you wish - the Princess can be seen there so as to help allay suspicion. That would get most of you out safely. There would still be one, or two, left behind.
You also have scrolls of air walk, unused. It would take two to cover everyone, but you have four. Less risky to depart as gas, and a bit better (faster) than gaseous form.
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Muri listens to the limitations and liabilities of their predicament, and speaks up, while looking down on his Ring.
"I Wish we were all back at Birdsong, safe and sound, and now."
"How about..."
"...that."
Kort tries to get everyone in line for his invisibility magics. He doesn’t love the plan, and it’s worrisome with the magics of the guards, but it *might* work. ”Alright everyone, the magics won’t last too long. Get ready…this is the pl—“
"I Wish we were all back at Birdsong, safe and sound, and now."
He never finishes his sentence.
The party appears in the Palace of Birdsong, rather startling a maid cleaning the Princesses bedroom in her absence.
The Princess is keen to return to Oppara, but at the head of a full retinue of courtiers and a strong military presence (for the show of it). It will take a few days to prepare the needed pomp and circumstance, in coordination with Martella already in Oppara of course.
You find yourselves with little to do for those days, though the Princess keeps you close - both for her own protection and to lavish praise upon you - though tempered by your failure to save her brother. Well, ‘failure’ is a strong term considering the state he was in, and you’ve done so much. She is grateful, and makes it plain.
While you’re waiting, Baron Nicolaus Okerra, your neighbor in Meratt County, comes to visit. You know he helped get Martella out of the region when things when bad with the Prince, so he could be wanting to talk to you about that. You’ve had good relations, though he’s remained relatively aloof and out of politics for the most part. Not his cup of tea.
He arrives timely, after formally requesting an audience, with a new Baroness on his arm. You spend a few moments with small talk, though there’s clearly something on his mind - something that nearly has him giggling with excitement. His wife more than once calms him and keep him from jumping in with both feet before the niceties are complete.
Eventually, he just can’t contain himself anymore, ”My friends, I have been given permission to bring you great news! I am stepping away from the Barony. All the latest politics has made me realize I have no will to be a lord over others. It’s just not my thing, you understand.”
”When I brought this up with the Princess, we became sidetracked with issues of state, this being just before Her assassination you understand. Anyway, we finally had our conversation, and She agreed to my terms.” He grins somewhat maniacally.
”I am stepping down, and the soon-to-be Queen is going to grant you my lands for your services.”
”…and a new title.” his wife quietly reminds him, grinning herself.
”Yes, and a new title! You are all to be Viscounts here-forth! Congratulations!” He leaps to his feet and comes around to shake you each by the hand. ”Princess Eutropia will make it official of course once coronated.”
"Thank you, Baron. You have been kind, when we have experienced many unkind things. I can't speak for my friends, but I think you're right, about stepping away. The life of a noble is kind of a burden. And it can shorten one's life. If you're stepping down, where are you stepping to?"
Kort bows at the mention of the new title as if the weight of it might take him down.
"If you're stepping down, where are you stepping to?"
”We’ve bought a place near Cassomir. We’ll be close enough to the city to visit, but there’s said to be excellent hunting on the grounds.” his eyes sparkle at the thought. ”I think I’m going to breed horses there too. See if I can improve my stock and expand beyond my borders, as it were.”
Viscount Kamari does have a nice ring to it. I wonder if it comes with a ring.
"Thank you, Baron. I hope you enjoy your retirement and that we can do even more to assist the Princess from these positions."
”My friends, I have been given permission to bring you great news! I am stepping away from the Barony. All the latest politics has made me realize I have no will to be a lord over others. It’s just not my thing, you understand.”
”When I brought this up with the Princess, we became sidetracked with issues of state, this being just before Her assassination you understand. Anyway, we finally had our conversation, and She agreed to my terms.” He grins somewhat maniacally.
”I am stepping down, and the soon-to-be Queen is going to grant you my lands for your services.”
”…and a new title.” his wife quietly reminds him, grinning herself.
”Yes, and a new title! You are all to be Viscounts here-forth! Congratulations!”
Kort looks from husband to wife and back to husband, and then back at the wife. He tries to discern if they are truly happy about this...and what they might truly be feeling.
Sense Motive - husband
Sense Motive - wife
"Nice to meet you Baroness. Oh, Baron Okerra, it's too much! How can we ever thank you enough?"
"Thank you, Baron. I hope you enjoy your retirement and that we can do even more to assist the Princess from these positions."
”Oh, the Princess owes you. I wouldn’t be surprised if she gave you the Palace of Birdsong!” he chortles, though there’s some seriousness behind it.
Major Kort is sure the Okarra’s are sincere.
"Nice to meet you Baroness. Oh, Baron Okerra, it's too much! How can we ever thank you enough?"
He stops and thinks a moment, ”Rule wisely… but from what I’ve seen of Stachys, you will do just fine.”
He bows to you deeply, as does his wife, for you are now, or will be soon, higher ranked than he. He doesn’t lose his title, just his lands as he leaves the service.
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Shortly thereafter, you ride to Oppara in your carriage, taking a few more days to actually arrive - and increasing the train of people following as you go. Nobles currying favor with the new to-be Queen ride along with a small force of troops to show their support. By the time you reach Oppara though, you’re at the head of an army! You can’t help but wonder if that was the point - and suspect Martella’s hand in this.
The Princess rides through town bedecked in a very fancy open carriage, waiving to the people on her way to the Senate. It’s been arranged that the coronation will go forward as planned, though with Princess Eutropia instead of Prince Carrius. It didn’t take much to push the Senate in the end as there are no further reasonable options. And of course you have the Mantle of Kings which will prove Eutropia’s right to rule. No Senator will rule against that.
The Princess is swept up by the palace guard, the very same you so skillfully avoided just a few days ago. Of course the Ulfen guard also puts their support behind the Princess and they too close ranks to protect her. You are, for the first time in a while, not required.
You have three days until the coronation, and in Oppara as guests of the Princess to boot! Gifts are being lavished on you by nobles currying favor with the Princess, and of course by the Princess herself - in thanks for all you’ve done. In the end, these gifts total some quarter of a million gold - each. Much of it is in rare art and magics, but some is just cold hard cash.
As things seem to be pretty well wrapped up for Her, you start to wonder what is next for each of you. Will you take up positions in the Queen’s new government? She’ll be glad to have you. Will you go back to Stachys as Viscounts and rule your country estate? Someone needs to. Or will you do something completely different? Perhaps become Senators yourselves.
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It feels like they've entered a new Door, one leading to the expanding scope of the New Legend, Queen Eutropia.
As they soar above the expanding army, halfling and hound observe what feels like a rightful growing movement for change in Taldor. Their aerial pattern continues to bow-tie over the Carriage of Betony, but it does take larger and larger arcs to bear witness to the factions arriving to merge with the march.
Muri feels the familiarity of their return to the Palace Grounds, and commits as much detail to memory as he can, so he can flavor his stories with as much truth as possible. His visage darkens when he sees the Ulfens, judging them unkindly for their ancestors. He can only trust that the Queen will never incur their disloyalty.
The halfling will come to remember the three days leading to the Coronation as Chaldira's Kindness, for the boons that befall Betony are surely divine in origin. It becomes his sole mission to liquidate all of the art, save for a very well-thought-out marble statuette of Chaldira Zuzaristan Herself. The rest becomes the foundational assets he will shepherd for his remaining days. Stories will reach Oppara about the little lord of the northern lands, who welcomes fellow citizens of Taldor to strengthen the Northern border, develop the farm lands and grazing pastures, and personally patrols the airs on winged dog to harry raiders and hunt monster dangers.
...
The Coronation witnessed, Muri and Underfoot pay their respects to their companions. To Kort, they wish him success in finding and marrying Madella. To Edelmira, they wish her the success of effecting true change in the government she rightfully challenges. To Kamari, they wish her much pampering for her position above the fray, so many times beaten and battered on the frontline. To Elen, they wish her the world stage, either to procure talent or perform herself, powerful orator and dancer that she has become.
When all is said and done, Muri remembers himself.
"I Wish I was home."
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Oppara is home. Having seen much of Taldor and beyond, Kamari knows it to be true more than ever. She looks upon the canals, the buildings, the parks, the people with fresh eyes though. The graduate degree in real life and the real Taldor did not diminish her love for the place and its people. In simple garments she strides the streets with hope and visits the cafes to see how the people are adjusting.
She will miss the constant company of her companions but knows their paths now diverge. Their parting was tear filled for her; the tears being a mixture of joy and sorrow. They had survived, and they had succeeded. There had been so much pain and suffering but now was a time to build and grow. Someday she would catch up with her friends but for now there was still work to do.
Senator Kamari has a nice ring to it.
Don’t be so sure. Knowledge is a powerful weapon, and you possess more than your fair share of that.
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Kort closes his book, leaning back in his leather recliner and thinks about what he's done during his retirement. The past few months were not what he expected when he retired, but, and again, he regrets little of it.
He now has a library to call his own as a result of the recent adventures. He has his own history to write up, to explain what the party had accomplished in the name of the Queen.
Kort stiffly stands up, his knees popping louder than the twang of Muri's bow back in the day. He stretches is back too. It was a good sit and read, and things tend to get tense.
He looks around the books still to be categorized and added to the Library at the Palace of Birdsong and smiles. He has a lot of work to do. He just hopes his body doesn't fail him completely before it's done. And he hopes he can carry the weight of his new title too.
This is a new and unexpected retirement, and he will die happily here.
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After several weeks, each member of the Betony nobles receives a hand-delivered letter with no signature or address. Each letter is delivered casually and wordlessly by a common worker such as a gardener, a teamster, a driver, or a maid. The handwriting is familiar, though.
I want to congratulate each of you on our great success in preventing the reactionary forces of empire from capturing the government and sending us tumbling backwards into an era of fear and war, as well as for removing a deep-seated source of corruption from the shadows of Taldan society. We have struggled and we have won, and a much deserved rest is in order.
I, however, am not much of one for resting. While we have succeeded in preventing a catastrophe, there is still endless work remaining to bring us to a state of liberty and equality for all. This will be the work of many more lifetimes, work that will not see its culmination until we have all passed from this world. Unlike our late foe, I have no intention of artificially prolonging my life and have already accepted I will not see the world that I wish for.
This brings me to the issue at hand. I would like to offer each of you a chance to assist in this work. Do not worry; the violence remains over. This work I speak of is increasing access to education for the lower classes, removing barriers of privilege and tradition that prevent people from raising their stations, shifting from a rule of hereditary privilege to one of law and justice, guaranteeing access to fundamental necessities like good food and clean water, and ensuring the fundamental rights and freedoms of each person in our country. I would ask each of you to join me in making sure these changes all come to pass. This work will require time, will, and money, but you can participate while still taking the time to rest upon your laurels. If we succeed, then the next time the reactionary forces make their move, the people themselves will have the tools to fight back so they will not need a collection of nobles to fight on their behalf. If the civil conflict we just fought in required us to consolidate our power, consider my request as denouement, a chance to take that consolidated power and spread it around once more to those who need it most.
If the scope of this work does not entice you, or you simply find yourself too weary to begin, you are welcome to join if and when that changes. Further, if you find yourself in such disagreement you would prefer to end our association, I will respect your wishes. All I ask is that you keep this offer between us, in recognition of our shared struggles during this War for the Crown. Do as such, and I shall call upon you no more.
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"Oh, well," Elen starts before realizing no one is in the mood for a sappy good bye. "What are we going to do now?"
Elen spends the bulk of her time between gardening in Betony and Pensaris Villiage, and doing what she can for truth, justice and democracy. It's probably way trickier than it sounds, but she does her best.
In her spare time she writes several ballets depicting her and her companions’ stories (with the ever mysterious Night Swan). She works in memorials out of respect for their more formidable foes. After each completion, she takes the maunscript/score to the Désiré Ballet Company .
She finds the proprietor and says, ”I can think of no better place to want to perform these ballets than here – “ she throws her arms up and looks about to gesture to the theatre as a whole. ”If you would be so kind to do me the honors, please look over the manuscript and score before deciding.”
The older man, whose name she learns is 'Désiré' agrees, of course, and the story of 'War for the Crown' -- a total of 6 separate ballets -- go down in history.