Nasir joins up with the tough, who introduces himself as Recker. "We're Doolun's Lads. Usually run the docks Shadow-side 'a Beacon's Point. Me and the boys are just making some extra out here."
As you all walk to the Gate, Recker starts asking lots of questions. "Where you from? What're ya doing here? You got any friends? Where ya gonna stay tonight? Me and the lads will spot you a drink down dockside. Come with me."
The three horsemen watch Nasir walk to the Gate and pass through into the City of Monuments, Magnimar.
The day passes and a strong current through waves high and rough around the Whim, but Captain Antefalle guides her well through the chop until Magnimar is in sight, its harbor looming larger and larger. The GIANT Thassilonian ruins of The Irespan rise up into view as you get closer and closer. The ancient shattered bridge of black basalt dwarfs the harbor even from this far out.
The Captain calls out, "Staight down the Mouth, then tack to starboard. We've got a berth in Ordellia tonight!"
The crew shouts and hops to it.
[ooc]Plans? Thoughts? Corla? Alden? Whatcha wanna do?
The day passes and a strong current through waves high and rough around the Whim, but Captain Antefalle guides her well through the chop until Magnimar is in sight, its harbor looming larger and larger. The GIANT Thassilonian ruins of The Irespan rise up into view as you get closer and closer. The ancient shattered bridge of black basalt dwarfs the harbor even from this far out.
The Captain calls out, "Staight down the Mouth, then tack to starboard. We've got a berth in Ordellia tonight!"
The crew shouts and hops to it.
Nasir joins up with the tough, who introduces himself as Recker. "We're Doolun's Lads. Usually run the docks Shadow-side 'a Beacon's Point. Me and the boys are just making some extra out here."
As you all walk to the Gate, Recker starts asking lots of questions. "Where you from? What're ya doing here? You got any friends? Where ya gonna stay tonight? Me and the lads will spot you a drink down dockside. Come with me."
The three horsemen watch Nasir walk to the Gate and pass through into the City of Monuments, Magnimar.
Picture of Recker, member of Doolun's Ladshere
Nasir joins up with the tough, who introduces himself as Recker. "We're Doolun's Lads. Usually run the docks Shadow-side 'a Beacon's Point. Me and the boys are just making some extra out here."
"You guys normally work the docks, eh? I have some additional work then for your crew. Probably not for you directly as it's a pretty simple ask, but I'm sure you know some boys who might be willing to take the job. I'm waiting for a ship named TYALEE'S WHIM to put into port, and I'd like to be notified when it comes into the harbor and for one of the passengers to receive a message from me. Once I find some lodgings in the Capital District, it would be good to have the message delivered to my inn. Is that something we can arrange? For a price of course..."
Roscoe is glad to arrive in Magnimar.
He talks to Corla one more time as they enter the harbor.
"So what are you gonna do now? If we let you off the hook--how do we know you won't use that against us later? What can you offer me? Help me help you."
Corla, over the course of the day, reveals in her conversation with Doc, much of what Frantino and others are curious about.
"After Viralane's curse (all that was true, by the way)," says Corla. "Viralane fell in with a strange group of cultists in Magnimar who worshiped something called the 'Peacock Spirit.' Always wearing some bit of viridian, I noticed."
[snip]
Corla knows that the cult supplied Viralane with the one-time power to escape via a teleportation ritual. She doesn’t know much else about this ritual or the cultists, other than that she’s disappointed that Viralane didn’t honor her promise to take Corla with her when she used it to flee.
Concerned for the fate of Nasir, and worried that Baraket could end up in dangerous hands, Frantino presses Corla for clarifications during the final hours of the journey.
"So Viralane was in Magnimar when she met up with these cultists, not the Cove? Do you know where in Magnimar they operate from? When she activated the teleportation ritual is that where it was supposed to take her? She didn't have control of the destination, by the sounds of it."
When Corla is safely locked up, Frantino will privately confer with his remaining compatriots. "If Nasir is in Magnimar in the clutches of these Peacock cultists, Corla could prove useful as our half of a prisoner exchange. We'll see if Viralane values Corla as much as we value Nasir. If he did manage to escape, with or without Baraket, there are a few places in Magnimar he might go. One is the Qadiran Embassy since he is known there, but that might be too obvious. Perhaps he might try to confound pursuers and head to my family's estate, knowing that we, or at least I, will head there immediately upon docking in order to rid Alden from my sight. Viralane might have caught the significance of my last name, though." Corla's answers to his questions will also drive Frantino's attempts to guess where Nasir might go. He'll also ask for a moment of Captain Antefalle's time to discuss her intentions regarding Corla's fate. As ship captain her authority is clear, but her possible value as a prisoner may not have occurred to her.
Once the ship has docked in Magnimar, Frantino will thank Captain Antefalle for a most interesting journey, except for the final events. He'll then hire a messenger to take a note to his family's estate to let them know he will be there shortly, as well as describing Alden's crimes and the circumstances around his capture (he's had plenty of time on the voyage to write and rewrite this) but leaving out any mention of Baraket. The note will then ask Aunt Zimandi if she can please arrange to have the group present some troubling and valuable information to the Sihedron Council at their earliest possible convenience.
Finally, he'll turn to his dear friend Audrahni. "Welcome back to Magnimar, Audrahni! May I request the pleasure of your company for a carriage ride up to my family's estate in the Alabaster District? The view down to the city from there is breathtaking, and I'd love for you to point out some of the differences from when you lived here. History is my favorite subject, after all!" Frantino also knows that the climb to the upper levels of the city can be grueling and he has no intention of giving Alden or Corla any opportunity to escape. Keeping Audrahni close also means she won't go alone to the scene of Ilsynor's death that she feels so much guilt about.
He'll extend the same invitation to the rest of the group. "I know that we're all concerned about Nasir, but it's a big city and we need to come up with a plan to find him. Perhaps the Sihedron Council will be able to help. We need to speak with them anyway, and my aunt will know how to contact them, if she isn't a member herself. I would also appreciate your help in keeping Alden (and Corla?) under guard until we can finally be rid of him (them?)."
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The Captain calls out, "Straight down the Mouth, then tack to starboard. We've got a berth in Ordellia tonight!"
The crew shouts and hops to it.
As he hears shouts, he heads above decks to see what the commotion is about. "Ah, land ho! Finally! One can only take so much of this sea. Ah, the sea - especially the smell of the sea, well you sailors can have her!"
He'll extend the same invitation to the rest of the group. "I know that we're all concerned about Nasir, but it's a big city and we need to come up with a plan to find him. Perhaps the Sihedron Council will be able to help. We need to speak with them anyway, and my aunt will know how to contact them, if she isn't a member herself. I would also appreciate your help in keeping Alden (and Corla?) under guard until we can finally be rid of him (them?)."
At the mention of Nasir, he looks around scanning the deck for him. "What exactly happened to him? Why and how would he be in Magnimar already?"
After listening to the tale of Nasir's disappearance, "I go below decks and you people lose one of your own. Seems like you get into a lot of trouble and have a target on your backs. Haunts, cultists, sinspawn, demons." He shakes his head.
Turning to Ayita, "Perhaps you can send Ter up ahead to do a fly over. Since Ter knows Nasir, she may be able to spot him if he is there."
He adds with a smirk, "If you trust she will not go straight to a pub looking for blackberry brandy. Huha!" He continues, "If she does not spot him then we can have her continue the following days as it is such a large city. Yazhi may also be able to help with that nose of theirs." He gives Yazhi a friendly pat on their back. "Perhaps there is a blanket or something of Nasir's to help tracking his scent."
"Whoever these Peacock Cultists Viralane is in league with will probably be waiting and watching at the docks for this ship when it arrives. Be on guard for an attack. We don't know what they were after do we? By the sounds of it, it was something Nasir had on his person and was more convenient to just take him." He looks around at the group.
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Ayita smooths Ter's feathers, checking for any damage due to all the activity. She gives Ter a bit of dried salmon too; flying takes lots of energy.
That's a great idea, Ezrandir. Ter, she starts saying...
Ter pipes up... I Ter heard! I help friends before drinking! Nasir is good friend. Nasir not insult Ter!
Though it is hard to tell with falcon eyes that are always on alert, Ezrandir might get the sense he's being glared at just a little. The feathers seem elevated along her back...
Ayita sighs. He didn't mean it, Ter, it was a JOKE! Joke, Ter. She keeps stroking Ter.
Ter, be careful, love.
After a bit, Ter will take off and go searching for Nasir.
"Whoever these Peacock Cultists Viralane is in league with will probably be waiting and watching at the docks for this ship when it arrives. Be on guard for an attack. We don't know what they were after do we? By the sounds of it, it was something Nasir had on his person and was more convenient to just take him." He looks around at the group.
Frantino addresses Ezranadir in a normal voice, in case any of the crew are listening. "Excellent point, we have to assume Viralane told them the name of our ship and they could be waiting." Frantino will step closer to Ezranadir and lower his voice. "However, they may not have a reason to come after us, if they have what they want with Nasir. Your instincts are correct, we do have a Thassilonian relic of exceptional rarity, which is why we traveled to Magnimar. There is a knowledgeable and influential organization hidden here that should be able to help us, perhaps even take custody of it to keep it safe, at least safer than we could. Nasir carries the item hidden in a bag of holding in his backpack, which somehow Viralane deduced and explains why Corla tried to cut the backpack off of him, and then Viralane teleported away with him."
"Internally, we discussed whether or not to ask for your help analyzing this relic, but given the unusual circumstances by which you came aboard we decided not to. The fewer people that know about it the better, for us and for everyone else. Unfortunately, two too many people aboard still knew about it. With Nasir missing I suspect we could use your help, both in finding him and in recovering the item, hopefully both at the same time. I cannot tell you more about it here in such a public place, but if you accompany us and the Sihedron Council agrees to let you stay, I assure you that you will be excited and impressed beyond belief. Or frightened and concerned more than you've ever been. Probably all of those at the same time." Frantino won't insult Ezranadir by occult-splaining what the sihedron was and its significance in Thassilon.
"... but if you accompany us and , I assure you that you will be excited and impressed beyond belief."
Ezranadir notes the language Frantino uses. "Sihedron Council." "take custody of [the relic] to 'keep it safe.'" "AGREES to let you stay."
All suspiciously like what Alden told Ezranadir while down below, away from the prying ears of Frantino and the others.
"You guys normally work the docks, eh? I have some additional work then for your crew. Probably not for you directly as it's a pretty simple ask, but I'm sure you know some boys who might be willing to take the job. I'm waiting for a ship named TYALEE'S WHIM to put into port, and I'd like to be notified when it comes into the harbor and for one of the passengers to receive a message from me. Once I find some lodgings in the Capital District, it would be good to have the message delivered to my inn. Is that something we can arrange? For a price of course..."
"Hehe, mate. I got just the boy. Me brother's mother's auntie's boy. For a few Pinch he'll run ya message anywhere ya wanna go, right enough. What sorta ship is this Whim?" Recker says. "So, you need a bunk in the Cap, eh? Gold Sail? Silver Shield? For a Pinch, I could find you a basement cot on the downlow. Real private like, if'n ye wanna avoid friends."
Recker's cousin is readily available to watch the docks in Beacon's Point for a Pinch.
He talks to Corla one more time as they enter the harbor. "So what are you gonna do now? If we let you off the hook--how do we know you won't use that against us later? What can you offer me? Help me help you."
"Well, given that the b*$@@ left me here with you, to be tortured or killed or worse... I say I'll find a different gentlelady to assist. Heh. They always need somebody who knows their way about the shadows," says Corla. "Now that Viralane's got what she wants, I'm not sure she'll care one bit about me. Damn her."
"So Viralane was in Magnimar when she met up with these cultists, not the Cove? Do you know where in Magnimar they operate from? When she activated the teleportation ritual is that where it was supposed to take her? She didn't have control of the destination, by the sounds of it."
Corla sighs. "I didn't see them do the ritual to her. I heard her talking outside to one of them when she got back to our inn in Lowcleft. The woman told her something about a 'safehouse.'"
After a bit, Ter will take off and go searching for Nasir.
Ter flies far and high, but the city is too large and the falcon cannot find Nasir. Just too much ground to cover. But she does come back smelling suspiciously like brandy.
City big. Too big, Ter says to Ayita. "Find drink place. Fat man. Fun. Music."
Tyalee’s Whim sails into the city in the late afternoon as the sun is low in the sky. She's somewhat worse for wear following her scrapes with storms and monsters. Captain Antefalle has chosen the district of Ordellia at the westernmost edge of Magnimar to dock, since it’s here her contacts have arranged for discounted docking fees.
The heroes look out and realize that the number of ships sailing into and out of the sprawling Varisian city of Magnimar must overwhelming during the day. The docks are full and some ships are anchored off the wharves, awaiting a place to unload.
As Tyalee’s Whim sails past the ancient pilings of the Irespan, the signs of rebuilding are everywhere. The sun sets just as the ship ties up at an open dock and her industrious crew focuses on their tasks. Captain Antefalle thanks the heroes for their aid during the voyage. "Sail with me again in the future when you have the chance!" she says heartily. "But now, join us in the pub for a drink, if you will."
A young boy, perhaps eight years old, sits on the dock and watches the Whim tie up. "Need a place to stay, old master?" he asks Doc, looking askance at Frantino and his restrained brother Alden. The Shoanti warrior and her growling wolf-dog frighten the boy a bit, too. "I can find you a carriage, too, if'n you need one, sir. Though most won't take the wolf, sorry."
He'll also find lodgings in the Capital District at one of the inns where the Empire's guards would congregate after duty. If he can't find lodging there, he will find lodging nearby and spend most of his time in the common room of other inn. The note that he leaves with Doolun's Lads will say that he is waiting for the group at the inn favored by the Empire's guards.
He will then take leave from Doolun's lads and head to the Capital District. He will also find a courier to deliver a separate message to the Kradden manor addressed to Frantino also stating where to find Nasir.
Finally, he will go shopping to find a new set of clothing. After making that purchase, he will find someone to wash his current clothes and have them delivered to the inn where he is staying when clean.
Please let me know the cost associated with these actions. I've already accounted for the cost of ink, 2 pieces of paper, and an inkpen.
Audrahni declines Frantino's offer, telling him she would like to be alone in her City, on this first night back in so many years. "I shall find you tomorrow, if you will," she says.
"So, I says to him, if yer the princess' messenger, I'm a genie's butler!"
The group of Great Kelesh soldiers laughs uproariously at the punchline of their friend.
"ANOTHER ROUND OF KOUMISS, FAROUK!" they shout, calling for more fermented goat's milk.
"We sure this isn't fermented goat piss, rather than milk? I wish we could get koumiss like I had back home," says another as the door to the street suddenly opens. "I swear, I might throw-- OH HO! Look at the salamander the cat brought in!"
The entire common room of the Emperor's Honor cheers, as Nasir al-Rafik Kamal, looking like a lost mortal returned from the City of Brass, enters.
** spoiler omitted **
He will also find a courier to deliver a separate message to the Kaddren manor addressed to Frantino also stating where to find Nasir.
Finally, he will go shopping to find a new set of clothing. After making that purchase, he will find someone to wash his current clothes and have them delivered to the inn where he is staying when clean.
Nasir asks Farouk, the innkeeper, to fetch a well-dressed Keleshite lad to run up to the Alabaster District with his message to Kaddren Manor.
Farouk's daughter will take Nasir's clothes for washing. "Do you want my boy to clean your armor, ainsan muhtaram?"
"Hehe, mate. I got just the boy. Me brother's mother's auntie's boy. For a few Pinch he'll run ya message anywhere ya wanna go, right enough. What sorta ship is this Whim?" Recker says. "So, you need a bunk in the Cap, eh? Gold Sail? Silver Shield? For a Pinch, I could find you a basement cot on the downlow. Real private like, if'n ye wanna avoid friends."
Recker's cousin is readily available to watch the docks in Beacon's Point for a Pinch.
"The boy sounds suitable. Let us stop briefly so I can obtain some materials for a note I would like for him to deliver."
After stopping at a shop, Nasir continues walking with Recker and the gang.
"I appreciate your offer to find me some lodgings, but this is not my first time in Magnimar. I have some establishments I prefer to frequent when in the city.
However, your company has been pleasant, Recker. I'm not sure how long I will be in the city, but having associates with your skills and connections can be helpful in a city of this size. Where is the best place to find you if I have more business for you? And let's find this boy so he can bring home some coin for his family."
"However, your company has been pleasant, Recker. I'm not sure how long I will be in the city, but having associates with your skills and connections can be helpful in a city of this size. Where is the best place to find you if I have more business for you? And let's find this boy so he can bring home some coin from his family."
"Righ' mate, I see, I see. Natch, ya wanna bed down wit friends. Gotcha."
He whistles quick, waving over a boy who has been watching the entire exchange. "Right, f+#&o. Wha can I do ya?" says the boy to Recker. "Ma says piss righ' off, f'sure she does. Bu' I'll still take yer biz. I'm m'own man, ya see, yeah."
He looks Nasir up and down. "Ain' you da desert prince. But a Pinch is a Pinch, righ' enough. Gimme that message and I'll go find yer boat."
When Nasir heads off to his preferred inn, the sun is starting to get low.
** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
Nasir looks around the room and thinks on his situation. He pulls 5 Sails from his pouch and hands them to Farouk.
"Let me know if anyone is asking about me when I am not here. I am waiting for friends, but there are others looking for me too. My friends look like..."
Nasir gives Farouk a description of Doc, Frantino, and Ayita and also mentions that they might have an elf with them.
"If others are asking about me, please let me know discreetly.
After speaking to the innkeeper, Nasir turns to the common room.
"Brothers! It is good to see you all. Let me get settled and cleaned up. Then I'll come back for a drink. On me!"
Nasir will retire to his room to clean up and when he is done, he will head back to the common room and buy a round of drinks for the Guards. He will keep his backpack with him at all times.
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Ezranadir notes the language Frantino uses. "Sihedron Council." "take custody of [the relic] to 'keep it safe.'" "AGREES to let you stay."
All suspiciously like what Alden told Ezranadir while down below, away from the prying ears of Frantino and the others.
Yes, Ezranadir does notice the wording and tone.
she says heartily. "But now, join us in the pub for a drink, if you will."
Responding to her suggestion, "That is very kind of you and sounds like a very good idea."
Ezranadir turns his back for a moment, takes out 3 copper pinch and casts Arcane Mark on them.
Ezrandir turns to the young boy and whispers to him, "Psst, heya kid. I have some coin for you if you can answer some questions." He hands over 3 Pinch. "Do you know if there has been anyone who doesn't usually hang around or has been asking around the docks about this ship? Perhaps you might have taken notice of a few people I am trying to locate, a Female Varisian Human who goes by the name of Viralane who is a known performer" (give description of her) "or perhaps a Male Qadiran Human" (gives description of Nasir). "If you have others you can enlist, such as "friends", who can assist in discreetly locating either one and reporting their location, I'll pay good silver shields for what you discover. Just send someone with the info to the pub with one of these coins I gave you." He listens to anything the lad has to say, claps him on the back and heads to the pub with the captain.
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A young boy, perhaps eight years old, sits on the dock and watches the Whim tie up. "Need a place to stay, old master?" he asks Doc, looking askance at Frantino and his restrained brother Alden. The Shoanti warrior and her growling wolf-dog frighten the boy a bit, too. "I can find you a carriage, too, if'n you need one, sir. Though most won't take the wolf, sorry."
Hatfield smiles and asks, "What's your name?"
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Ayita asks Yazhi to sit. Then Ter says, Yazhi, sit! in her slightly drunken voice.
She is only half wolf, and I raised her from a pup. She never hurts our friends, and loves salmon! It's good, try some - and give her a treat too if you want.
Ayita offers the boy a few pieces of the dried salmon to eat and/or offer to Yazhi if he wants to.
"A place to stay sounds nice after that long voyage," Roscoe says to Gregory. "Have this kid hail us a carriage," he suggests.
Pending issues:
1. Status of Corla - What does Captain Antefalle want to do with her? Is she still a restrained prisoner for attempting to kill us? Can we keep her in our custody in case we need to trade her for Nasir, since we don't know his status?
2. Kaddren Estate - Frantino wants to get Alden out of our hands and to his family immediately, since we can't keep him in the ship's hold forever. He wants to hire a carriage for the journey up to the Alabaster District and invited the rest of the team to join him, since the family may be able to help locate Nasir and they can likely contact the Sihedron Council for a meeting to tell them about Baraket. The entire team should be there for that, and if we scatter this evening then coordinating everyone's presence at a Council session will be difficult.
3. Audrahni - Frantino is concerned that she might go straight to the site of Ilsynor's death. Places like that can have lingering effects or spirits and he'd rather she not be alone. When Audrahni says that she'll wander alone in the city tonight, Frantino will shoot Doc a concerned look asking for his support, since he volunteered us to help her clear her conscience.
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Audrahni declines Frantino's offer, telling him she would like to be alone in her City, on this first night back in so many years. "I shall find you tomorrow, if you will," she says.
Hatfield pauses from addressing the kid. He turns to Audrahni and asks: "Tomorrow sounds good ta me. Let's plan ta git breakfast, OK? I'm lookin' forward ta tryin' local cuisine! Where do ye wanna meet up?"
With his expression and tone of voice, Hatfield tries to convey sympathy for the flood of emotions she must feel being back here after a while.
** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
[dice=Perception]1d20+1
After speaking to the innkeeper, Nasir turns to the common room.
"Brothers! It is good to see you all. Let me get settled and cleaned up. Then I'll come back for a drink. On me!"
Nasir will retire to his room to clean up and when he is done, he will head back to the common room and buy a round of drinks for the Guards. He will keep his backpack with him at all times.
The soldiers let out a "HUZZAH!" as he announces drinks.
Eventually the night wears on and his friends from the embassy depart for late night shifts and Nasir is left alone.
Did you intend to also send a runner with a note to Kaddren Manor? If so, perhaps I'm forgetting that post.
1. Status of Corla -
Captain Antefalle leaves her in your care. "Get her off my boat! That's all I ask."
2. Kaddren Estate
After drinks with the crew of the Whim you stumble out into the night. When you arrive at Kaddren Manor, Butler Loren lets you in. "Master Frantino, so wonderful to see you-- ah, and, uh... Master Alden, as well. What a surprise. Let me prepare rooms for you--- uh, and your... friends?" Yazhi yips happily at Loren, who starts backwards. "The kennel, Shaonti Mistress, is around the back. I shall awaken a boy to take you."
3. Audrahni
"Yes, tomorrow will be wonderful, no doubt, Frantino Kaddren. Offer my greetings to your Aunt Zimandi. I shall meet you tomorrow at the Arvensoar and we shall share a coffee and discuss Ilsynor and what to do."
Ezrandir turns to the young boy and whispers to him, "Psst, heya kid. I have some coin for you if you can answer some questions." He hands over 3 Pinch. "Do you know if there has been anyone who doesn't usually hang around or has been asking around the docks about this ship? Perhaps you might have taken notice of a few people I am trying to locate, a Female Varisian Human who goes by the name of Viralane who is a known performer" (give description of her) "or perhaps a Male Qadiran Human" (gives description of Nasir). "If you have others you can enlist, such as "friends", who can assist in discreetly locating either one and reporting their location, I'll pay good silver shields for what you discover. Just send someone with the info to the pub with one of these coins I gave you." He listens to anything the lad has to say, claps him on the back and heads to the pub with the captain.
The innkeeper promises to forward along any messages that may come his way after Ezranadir and others have left for Kaddren Manor. If Ezranadir doesn't share this destination, he can send a Kaddren houseboy to the pub tomorrow morning to investigate.
3. Audrahni"Yes, tomorrow will be wonderful, no doubt, Frantino Kaddren. Offer my greetings to your Aunt Zimandi. I shall meet you tomorrow at the Arvensoar and we shall share a coffee and discuss Ilsynor and what to do."
Frantino pauses for a moment with Audrahni.
”Much has changed in Magnimar since you were here last, so please be careful this evening. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. If my family business takes longer than expected I will send a messenger to let you know, but please wait so that we can accompany you to the site of the accident. A few hours delay is little after all this time.”
1. Status of Corla -Captain Antefalle leaves her in your care. "Get her off my boat! That's all I ask."
Frantino thanks the Captain for turning Corla over to our custody, at least for a time. He also knows he can't watch two prisoners on the trip. ”Ayita, can you and Yazhi help keep an eye on Corla during the ride, please?”
2. Kaddren EstateAfter drinks with the crew of the Whim you stumble out into the night. When you arrive at Kaddren Manor, Butler Loren lets you in. "Master Frantino, so wonderful to see you-- ah, and, uh... Master Alden, as well. What a surprise. Let me prepare rooms for you--- uh, and your... friends?" Yazhi yips happily at Loren, who starts backwards. "The kennel, Shaonti Mistress, is around the back. I shall awaken a boy to take you."
Frantino is anxious to get Alden up to his family’s home and will try to excuse himself as soon as protocol allows. He greets Loren upon arrival. ”Loren, so good to see you after all this time! Did you not receive the letter I sent by messenger when our ship docked this afternoon? Hopefully you already have a secure room prepared for Alden, until the family can decide what to do with him. Please keep armed guards on him at all times, he tried to kill me and my friends only a week or two ago and nearly succeeded, so threatening family is not beyond the possible with him. This halfling woman tried to do the same during our journey, is a second secure room available for her? I’m sorry for the inconvenience but I hope we can get this all straightened out within a day or two. By the way, has a Qadiran man come by looking for us?” Frantino will answer any questions Loren might have before continuing. ”Who of the family is up at this time? I’m sure they have questions and I’d like to get this unfortunate business settled as soon as possible.”
Frantino turns to the rest of you. ”Welcome to my family’s home. Loren and his staff will take us to guest quarters and then we’ll get ready to coordinate a search for Nasir. I’ll also ask my family about arranging a meeting with the council.” Some of you probably notice Frantino’s emphasis on this being his family’s home, not his home. After spending the last few years in Roderic’s Cove he seems ill at ease here when compared with his demeanor in the more rustic and relaxed Cove. He also avoids naming the Sihedron Council in front of any staff. You’re not really paranoid when people have actually tried to kill you recently!
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Ayita stays quiet a few moments, struggling with what to say, then speaks up,
Thank you, Frantino, but I will be staying with Yazhi and Ter, wherever might be best for the three of us to be. They are my bonded companions.
I have never been in a place that did not recognize companionship! How uncivilized! she thinks...
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While we're headed to the estate, Hatfield strikes up a conversation with Corla.
Trying his best to keep the conversation easy and light, the herbalist remarks: "I s'pose ye've been ta some unusual places with Viralane; have ye ever been ta Kaer Maga?... I once treated a patient who fainted when they thought they saw a famous celebrity; I bet ye've seen some o' that, too... (etc.)"
Ayita stays quiet a few moments, struggling with what to say, then speaks up,
Thank you, Frantino, but I will be staying with Yazhi and Ter, wherever might be best for the three of us to be. They are my bonded companions.
Frantino is tired and distracted as he prepares for his coming conversations with his family, and belatedly realizes that Loren's comment about a kennel is not appropriate for Yazhi. "Oh yes, right you are. Loren, my friend's name is Ayita, a proud member of the Hawk Clan. Her companion wolfdog, Yazhi, is well behaved and obedient and has been an invaluable asset to us in our trials of late. Yazhi, as well as the falcon Ter, will be staying with Ayita. If you remember, years ago the family dog Mr. Sharps was also allowed to stay with me in my room on many occasions until his unexpected death." Frantino shoots a menacing stare at Alden, then turns back to Loren. "I will vouch that Yazhi is at least as well behaved as Mr. Sharps, who had the occasional wild streak if you recall."
"How long has your family lived here, Frantino?" Roscoe asks. "That's pretty convenient to have a place we can stay here."
"How long has your family lived here, Frantino?" Roscoe asks. "That's pretty convenient to have a place we can stay here."
Frantino looks at Roscoe. "Since the founding of the city a little over 100 years ago! Two years after Aroden's death in 4606 and disgusted by the influence of Cheliax in Korvosa, the paladin Alcaydian Indros led thousands west to this site, where the remnants of the Irespan was still standing. My family, led by Antholus Kaddren back then, was among the first settlers. Let's see, it's currently 4722, so 114 years? We're one of eight families sometimes referred to as the great families of Magnimar. But hey, every family has a few black sheep!" he replies, thinking of himself, but then he glances at Alden and scowls, standing up straighter and lowering his voice so that Loren can't hear. He talks almost to himself. "I thought I'd be happy to be back and I look forward to seeing my parents, but I already miss life in the Cove. Let's find Nasir, recover... the thing, talk to the Council, and head home." His voice goes back to normal. "After doing some shopping, of course! Doc needs a new chain shirt, after all. And they don't call this the City of Monuments for nothing!"
"I will vouch that Yazhi is at least as well behaved as Mr. Sharps, who had the occasional wild streak if you recall."
"As you say, Master Frantino," Loren says with a bow. He barely contains his skepticism, but shows Ayita to a room, along with Yazhi and Ter.
A wolf and a FALCON, no less, he thinks to himself. Hmmph.
While we're headed to the estate, Hatfield strikes up a conversation with Corla.
Trying his best to keep the conversation easy and light, the herbalist remarks: "I s'pose ye've been ta some unusual places with Viralane; have ye ever been ta Kaer Maga?... I once treated a patient who fainted when they thought they saw a famous celebrity; I bet ye've seen some o' that, too... (etc.)"
[dice=Diplomacy to keep Corla engaged in conversation and (if possible) friendly to the group]1d20+12
Corla listens to the chatter of Doc. She pays polite attention. How could somebody NOT be polite when the old herbalist natters on about such things. But she has little to add.
In the morning, a staff of dozens set the table with a plethora of breakfast foods. Led by Loren, the staff do a perfect job laying out the food for Frantino and his friends.
Shortly after the heroes begin to eat, Loren opens the door to the dining room and in sweeps a regal woman, dressed smartly. Her presence can be felt immediately, a woman to be reckoned with, and a wizard at that, from some small items on her person that even a moderately perceptive person would notice.
This is Frantino's Aunt Zimandi, head of the family and a leader of Magnimar.
"So, Frantino, you return. With Alden in tow. Why bring the black sheep back from his exile? And who are your friends?"