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Actions 1
Damon congratulated the others on their marking by the legacy of Terendelev and the Wardstone. He shyly shared his own story if he was asked, though he would blush if Kokam is there to see his bare chest.
The next morning, he cleaned up as best he could to prepare for the queen's arrival, then left with them to attend her with his friends when he was summoned. Damon appeared willing to speak on their behalf, but asked first as they drew near, "I am no prominent noble to speak before royalty, and my own gift of words is limited. Yet if you wish me to speak for us, I will. What say you? Would you rather tell the tale, Hallvardr?"
"I am no prominent noble to speak before royalty, and my own gift of words is limited. Yet if you wish me to speak for us, I will. What say you? Would you rather tell the tale, Hallvardr?"
Nay, friend Damon, though I may interrupt if I think something has been missed. I am a stranger yet in this strange land, and will just speak for my people and Gorum as needs be... though if the Queen requests it, I have a song mostly prepared... just give our friends their due.
"Cayden was no god before he risked the Starstone. The honor you are shown is born of the glory of your actions. You deserve it Damon."
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”Very well, I will speak,” responded Damon, ”but please comment as you will during my tale,” he continued, blushing at Roscoe’s praise and Hallvardr’s deference.
Approaching the queen with his friends, Damon reached the edge of the royal presence and knelt, head bowed and waiting to be recognized. When Queen Galfrey asked him to speak, he stood up and addressed her directly, saying, ”Thank you, Your Majesty, for this opportunity to relate our tale. My companions and I have been through many trials since the day of Armasse, but I will attempt to be concise.”
”I suppose it started with us like it started with everyone else, when the peace and joy of Armasse was shattered by the Demonic assault. The Balor lord and Terendelev fought as we tried to muster against the smaller demons trying to overrun the city, and the ground opened up beneath us. She used her dying magic to slow our fall, and the legacy of her sacrifice lives on in her scales we carry,” Damon started, adding, ”though with the power of the Wardstone, her scales have recently merged with each of us in unique ways.”
Pausing for any questions or comments from the others, he then continued, “We found ourselves in the caverns below Kenabres with a few other survivors—Aravashnial, the elven wizard and riftwarden, Lord Horgus Gwerm, elder statesman and Kenabres noble, and Anevia, archer and beloved of Irabeth. We started the long process of returning to the surface and encountered many trials, but of particular import were two discoveries. The first was the discovery of the Mongrelmen, a forgotten people below ground, descendants of the first crusaders, a people of noble heart led by Chief Sull. He saw our plight and heard of the demon incursion above, pledging his help to our cause and guiding us toward the path up and out of the caverns.”
”The second discovery was that Baphomet cultists were disguising themselves as Iomedaen crusaders and infiltrating their ranks—we even encountered a cultist priestess named Hosilla who facilitated this deception and stole a priceless relic from the museum: Radiance, the sword formerly of Yaniel, and now it has chosen me. She carried a missive from someone with the initials ‘S. V.’”, he concluded, showing her the letter and unbuckling his sword (in its scabbard) for her to examine if she wished as well. Damon paused to let the others chime in if they so desired at this point in the tale.
Hallvardr stroked his beard... truly longer than expected, maybe blood had thickened it, like combat had thickened his frame. In truth, the Viking wondered if he had not grown a little more in stature... was he just a little taller?
*ooops* The young man caught himself woolgathering, lost in his own musings. He caught the mention of Hostilla, and nodded.
A queen huh, never thought I'd meet one of those. Stella thought to herself as she tried, fruitlessly, to comb the tangles out of her hair before quickly giving up. Unsure what one was supposed to wear when meeting a monarch, she decided that instead of changing her typical attire, she'd instead double down on the amount of trinkets and jewelry she usually wore, jinglingly incessantly as she left her room to join the others down below. As she headed down, she also druidcrafted a series of purple and blue flowers to bloom in her hair and match the colored clothes she wore below her leather armor. The end result was an odd one to be sure, but Stella seemed pleased with the finished product all the same.
Nay, friend Damon, though I may interrupt if I think something has been missed. I am a stranger yet in this strange land, and will just speak for my people and Gorum as needs be... though if the Queen requests it, I have a song mostly prepared... just give our friends their due.
"You wrote a song about us? I would love to hear it and I'm sure the queen would too! Do you require any help with it? I'm not much of a singer but I can keep a tune fairly well." Stella commented to the Viking as she jingled her way towards their rendezvous with the queen. She then began to "sing" a jaunty woodland tune about a mermaid and a frog to demonstrate her ability that was full of enthusiasm but lacked any notable skill (or discernable tune for that matter).
Stella stood in front of the Queen when allowed with the others, taking in weary the Crusader Queen as they approached. It looks like she's been through as much as we have she thought to herself before listening to Damon begin their tale.
Pausing for any questions or comments from the others, he then continued, “We found ourselves in the caverns below Kenabres with a few other survivors—Aravashnial, the elven wizard and riftwarden, Lord Horgus Gwerm, elder statesman and Kenabres noble, and Anevia, archer and beloved of Irabeth. We started the long process of returning to the surface and encountered many trials, but of particular import were two discoveries. The first was the discovery of the Mongrelmen, a forgotten people below ground, descendants of the first crusaders, a people of noble heart led by Chief Sull. He saw our plight and heard of the demon incursion above, pledging his help to our cause and guiding us toward the path up and out of the caverns.”
Before Damon continued, Stella quickly piped in and added, "You also forgot Gran... I mean Onyx Duskrunner of the... uh Duskrunners. He was also saved by the power of Terendelev and was crucial in helping us escape the caverns beneath the city as well the plot to destroy the Wardstone fragment."
At the pause in their story while Damon showed Radiance to the Queen, Stella picked up the story for a bit from there. "We eventually made it above ground to find the city in ruins and demons and fallen crusaders running amok. After a bit of exploration, we were able to find the last remaining defense within the city - Defender's Heart - where we met with the Paladin Irabeth and devised a few plans of action. First we cleared out a series of suspected cultist hideouts hidden throughout the city before learning of the wardstone fragment and focusing our efforts on destroying it before the witch Areelu could corrupt it." She then turned to her friends to see if she had missed anything before continuing or letting someone else speak.
Roscoe had already bathed. He did what he could to find fresh and stylish clothing to go accent his gear. He took some time to get his old gear cleaned and polished. He knew most of his tattoo would be hidden but he made a point to leave his tunic and collar loos enough that the silver dragon head would be easily seen on his neck.
When the time came to meet the queen he was on his best behavior though he had a hard time hiding a smirk but it is often said that a follower of Cayden could use a good smirk as a holy symbol in a pinch.
He bowed attempting to follow what he knew of courtly behaviors which was limited and enthusiastic. "Your Grace." He said with a bow at the introduction. "We are honored to find ourselves in you presence." He looked around and felt a little awkward and moved to a place giving deference to Damon.
Action 1
Upon hearing that the Queen wished to meet her and her friends, Kokam initially panicked. She had no fine frocks to wear to such and event, her close cut hair could not be made 'presentable' in any way...
To quiet her troubled mind, Kokam sat on the hard floor of her room and meditated...on her friends, what they'd accomplished. After a few moments, her mind cleared...she knew what to do. Nothing. She'd present herself to the Queen just as she'd presented herself to the Demon.
Throwing on the least dirty of her tunics, she donned her dusty sandals and worn belt and she slid on the dragon scale bracers, flexing her fists at the tingle she always felt when first donning them. She then fetched her trusty spear from where it leaned in the corner. The tough wood was stained here and there with demon's blood, no amount of scrubbing could remove those marks.
On the way, she stopped and ran some water through her hair and over her face. Thus refreshed she strode out to join her friends in meeting this Queen.
She tried to mimic the others in showing respect for Her Royal Highness, but whatever grace she showed in combat eluded her in this arena, causing her to stumble a bit and fumble with the words, "An...uh...honor, your Grace....um...Majesty?"
She merely nodded and smiled to Damon as he began their tale...
Action 2
Cowed by her failure to properly address the Queen, Kokam allowed her friend Stella and Damon to continue the tale...
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When the time came to meet the queen he was on his best behavior though he had a hard time hiding a smirk but it is often said that a follower of Cayden could use a good smirk as a holy symbol in a pinch.
She then began to "sing" a jaunty woodland tune about a mermaid and a frog to demonstrate her ability that was full of enthusiasm but lacked any notable skill (or discernable tune for that matter). [Perform]1d20 - 1 = 7
Happy to sing it to you later if the Queen isn't interested but... it's best sung solo I think.
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Thankful that the burden of the tale was not his alone, Damon agreed with Stella, saying, "Indeed, Onyx became our ambassador to the mongrelmen, and their scout, Lann, was instrumental in getting us close to the museum the cultists had made into their headquarters through his knowledge of the underground passages."
Turning to indicate the three, Damon said, "Irabeth, Lann, and Onyx heroically held off the enemy so we could enter the building, and we almost immediately ran into tiefling cultists, then demons, then more cultists. Eventually we came upon a war room where the cultists were planning their next steps against us using our own papers, and we hope that seeing their intelligence will aid you in your war strategy, Your Majesty." Looking to Hallvardr, Damon motioned for him to share the maps and papers they had recovered.
"Though we wished to rest, the urgency of our cause and the sacrifice of those who were holding off the enemy outside spurred us onward, and we pushed towards the stairs to the third floor and found...and found...we saw that...uh," faltered Damon as he recalled the gruesome scene and the horror of having to fight the body of a crusader from his own order.
OOC: busy yesterday but intend to move things along today...
"What we found was foul beyond imagining to behold. That everyday people could pledge themselves to such twisted powers chills the blood." He looked distant disturbed by the thought. He looked up as if drawn out of the idea by the excitement of the tale, "But we faced both cultist, demon and children of them both. Our goal was the Wardstone. Our efforts in the end brought us to the stone." He put out a hand to dismiss any praise that they themselves earned, "Though our true victory was one of providence. We defeated the last cultist a half-elf woman who had been twisted by demonic power. In the end she fell." He reached forward "The Wardstone was before us. What lay behind us we did not know. Alarm had been raised and the enemy knew our location. Then Stella was able . . ." He looks to the woman, "Perhaps you could speak more on this."
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Then Stella was able . . ." He looks to the woman, "Perhaps you could speak more on this."
"Oh! Uh sure if you'd like." She replied to Roscoe before turning back towards the Queen.
"It is hard to describe, but after we managed to connect the 'Wardstone Destroyer' gifted to us by Quednys Orlunis to the fragment, we all received some sort of vision." Turning to her friends before continuing, "While the entire experience remains hazy and I'm unsure if we all experienced the same vison, what I do know is we left it knowing that we had somehow inadvertently created some sort of 'pulse' that swept through the wardstone barrier and repelled the demon incursion before it could sweep through the country. We were then brought in front of the witch Areelu Vorlesh, who through some unknown magic, was able to communicate with us. Furious at her defeat, she attempted summon a horde of fiends to destory us, only to once again be defeated by the remaining embers of the wardstones."
Pausing again as she thought on what to say next, she thought of her parents preaching in front of small crowds throughout Avistan, inspiring hope with their words, and channeled their energy and spirit as she continued, "We're now called Terendelev's chosen for the strange markings that have since appeared on the five of us. While I don't know if that is true, what I do know is that somehow, through fate, luck, providence or something else entirely, we've survived. Not only that, but we fought back against incredible odds and won. But the five of us are not satisfied with one small victory. The survivors of Kenabres are not satisfied either..." She continued picking up a bit a steam. "As we speak Vorlesh, plots new moves against us and the rest of the world; determined to make her ambitions a reality. So if there is anyway that the five of us, no all of Kenabres can be of service, please let us know and we will do what we can to end the threat of the Worldwound once and for all!" As she finished, whether unconsciously or guided by some unseen force, she clutched her Star Map which had been slowly glowing brighter as she spoke, and activated her Starry form in a radiant pulse, shining a bit brighter than normal.
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Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
FYI, I want to congratulate all of you. We started this game in late May 2020 and already finished the 1st part of the AP. Not only that, it's clear that you are all very invested in the story and the RP is phenomenal!
Game on!
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"Indeed, we did try and find any way of saving the Wardstone and consulted several experts, but we were told there was no other way," reacted Damon to the Queen's words, though he was distracted by Stella's eloquent oratory, seeing her in a literally new light.
"As a Knight of the Sunrise Sword, my blade is yours, Your Majesty, if I can be of any use in eradicating the demons from our land," he added kneeling again before her.
My people ranged far from across the spine of the world for this fight. My foresires would rise from the ground and seas in disgust if I were to turn from this fight and Gorum Himself smiles on such an enterprise! To take the fight to the foe? Glory indeed!, said the Viking laughing in delight.
He bowed in respect. No wonder Queens are said to be wise - How can I refuse the desire of my heart?
"Sounds like the time is now. Strike while the iron is hot as you say."
As the others recited the group's accomplishments, Kokam's nervousness dissipated, each amazing feat recounted strengthened her resolve in the face of the Queen's regard.
Also, she recalled her proud Kellid heritage, and all uncertainty fled. She listened carefully as the Queen spoke, but also watched the woman. She could see the same bone-deep weariness in the Queen's face, and the woman's Faith. As she spoke of Iomedae's standard, the Sword of Valor....Kokam's heart felt like it was going to burst!
She stood before the Queen , rearing dragons gleaming on the sides of her head, her face fierce and determined , "Your Majesty, you are not my Queen, but you lead the Crusade against the Demon. I revere Iomedae in my own way, but my Faith, I think, is an equal to yours. Iomedae has put me , we, on this path ....and it is one I travel willingly. Drezen and the Sword of Valor shall be ours!" she shouts, raising her spear high above her head.
I'd say that's a "Yes" then Your Majesty... that said, any chance we can get some supplies and possibly some new armour and such? We'll charge the gates of hell again but it got a bit tight at the end the last time we did it.
Continuing to glow, Stella looked up to the Queen and added her voice to the others. "I am no commander, but as a follower of Desna, I will do all that I can to assist in this endeavor. Hopefully the Starsong watches over us favorably and will give us whatever aid she able."
"We're scrappers that's for sure. Though we are sustained in healing your grace. If you have the means to augment our healing capabilities that would go a long way in increasing our effectiveness.
Your army so you decide...
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So, it makes sense to me to put the horses in medium barding and the paladins in heavy armor, but not too expensive. Shields, lances, javelins, and short bows seem reasonable too.
Scale Mail barding for the horses is 200 gp, Splint mail armor for the paladins is the same. And maybe some extra scale mail barding for Damon's mount from the quartermaster? Then Damon and his horse will match the other paladins...
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Actions 2:
"Thank you, Your Majesty, if I could be given a horse with barding and raiment that matches your Paladin army, with proper mounted weaponry, then I could take my place with the hundredfold crusaders," offered Damon.
Speaking more quietly, so that only those nearby could hear, Damon said, "I do have a further concern, Your Majesty, that you or those in your command may be able help resolve. When we were under Kenabres, we saw evidence of the enemy masquerading as Iomedaen Crusaders, and apparently they have been playing a long game to pervert the Wardstone, as we saw in the visions Stella related. We have no idea how far this treachery has spread--can you help us make sure when we leave to reclaim the Sword of Valor, there are no traitors hiding in the midst of our army?"
...Later at the stables...
Equipped with proper barding, mounted weapons, saddle, livery, and such, Damon surveyed the available horses in the makeshift stable created for the Queen's army. There was something that seemed off about each option; nothing fit quite right, and he was getting frustrated. Retreating to pray, Damon found new depths of power revealed by Iomedae, and gradually he felt a presence nearby.
Lifting his head, Damon saw before him a magnificent warhorse, too pure and beautiful to be of the mortal realm, standing before him. He sensed the connection immediately, and reached up to touch the snowy white creature's flank--and he saw the bright golden flash of a patch of hair as the horse's head rose to meet his hand. A golden sunburst on its chest in the anatomically analogous location to the silver holy symbol on Damon's own chest. Meeting the horse's gaze, he found bright golden eyes steadily regarding him, and suddenly he knew the horse's name.
Magnus.
Action 1
He took a trip to the armoury and browsed through their stores. In the end he augmented his current mail armour with a breastplate, pauldrons and greaves. He made sure to visit the forge master. In a land where demons were commonly fought and silvered weapons were often necessary he prevailed on the aging craftsman to gild the blade in order to better bite demon hide... acknowledging that this was indeed on short notice.
Finally, he made sure to encourage his friends on a trip to the quartermaster. Perhaps anti toxin or anti plague, holy water and maybe even more esoteric items would be helpful in addition to a healing potion or two.
Action 2
While Damon busied himself with unit logistics - clearly his military training coming to the fore, Hallvardr spent time reviewing the men. Not as a commander - that burden would likely fall to the Paladin, but as an experienced comrade, a living exemplar of "The Possible" - the chance of victory, a talisman of hope. He shared stories, swapped jokes and boosted morale, even as he tried to assess these warriors. Where were they from? How seasoned were they? Were they hopeful of success?
He also took time to trade grips and words with these three specialists - Aron Kir, Sosiel Vaenic and Nurah Dendiwhar. He believed he could learn much from these three and was happy to greet them and give them due honour even as he too tried to assess them too.
OOC: Stella? Kokam?
I intend to move this along later today.
Questions?
Game on!
The Queen nodded and made a note, “I am sure that new armor can be provided. Please see my quartermaster after this meeting.” She looked at the others, “Does anyone else require armor or anything within my reach?”
Looking down at the relative "poor" shape of her clothing - even for her - after all they'd been through, Stella spoke up and said, "Perhaps a replacement to what I usually wear wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Especially since we're going to be leading an army..."
Once their meeting with the queen was finished and the group found themselves alone once again, Stella released a long exhale before saying, "Well that was exciting! And I guess I can add army commander to the list of things I never expected to do when I first made my way up here. I don't feel particularly qualified, but hopefully together..." she paused momentarily to look directly at each of them, "...we can figure it out. How difficult can it be to lead an army anyway? she added jokingly.
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Action 1
Kokam was momentarily embarrassed by her outburst, but the Queen's manner quickly put to rest her misgivings.
When talk turned to that of armies and advisors , Kokam suddenly felt out of her depth. Even though she's studied some about warfare at the Monestary, it was nothing so real as this.
And what, an army....of Paladins, Holy warriors! It was then that Kokam remembered what had happened to her and her friends! Shaking her head, she chided herself. She and her friends were right where they were supposed to be: leading armies to recapture cities in the Worldwound.
Kokam laughs aloud at how ludicrous such an idea would have been only a short time ago.
Action 2
Kokam walked among the assembled troops....nay, the assembled Paladins. Now that she'd accepted her lot in this whole endeavor, her manner was more confident and relaxed. She found the men and women of Iomedae were friendly and respectful, not begrudging her the favor she'd received form Goddess and Dragon.
Talking with these Holy warriors, however, brought her thoughts back to Damon....and the feelings she had begun to feel towards him. Excusing herself, she sought him out and found that he'd retired to the stables.
She came to the entrance at one end and saw Damon, communing with the most beautiful horse she'd ever seen. Though she wasn't noticed, she felt she was somehow still intruding, and slowly turned and walked away.
Later she sat with Stella, "Difficult? I'd say these men and women can lead themselves. I think, as Terendelev's Chosen we are symbols." she says, her face thoughtful, "And I'm alright with that, we lead by example and hopefully soon, we will be victorious over the Demon."
Roscoe goes with the others to get a look at the stores. "I hmmm. I don't suppose they have a magic demon killing rapier of halfling size laying around unused?" He chuckles.
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Actions 1:
Damon looked out over the assembled Paladin army and felt a great weight of responsibility. Reaching out with his senses, he searched for any sign of divine or demonic influence among them (Divine Sense, Detect Good and Evil). In the unlikely case someone “pinged”, he made plans to go have a discussion with them privately with the aid of a “Zone of Truth” spell.
A knight of the Fifth Crusade! Knighted by the Queen. Given a medal and the command of a hundred Paladin army! It was almost too much to bear or believe, but Damon’s faith sustained him as he humbly accepted the accolades, examining the medallion with awe. He tried to form gracious words of thanks, but instead he just did his best to keep his jaw from dropping, eyes moist and heart full.
Finally, he managed, ”Thank you, Your Majesty. With my friends and your advisors, we will lead your army against the might of the Worldwound and reclaim Drezen and Iomedae’s holy banner.”
-Knighted-
So that's what it took to become a 'Jarl'? Overall he felt bemused but pleased. Lands he'd likely never live to see but... well, he gave a mental shrug. He wasn't in it for gain. It did, however, enhance his fame. Leading armies and forces into battle? That wouldn't hurt either.
-Experts-
Hallvardr approached Aron Kir with a smile and a hearty handshake. Hail Servant of The Eternal Maiden. How long have you been a part of these 'crusades'? It is said you have much lore and understanding of the demon. I would be happy to hear your teachings and your battles.
The Viking made sure he visited with Nurah Dendiwhar. He was aware that what his people oft called 'Skald', was called 'Bard' in other lands. It was a wise Skald who made time to swap music, legends, rumours and knowledge. Greetings to you Singer of Songs and Teller of Tales. I am known as a Skald and Galdramaðr among my people. I hear that there are none as knowledgeable as you in matters concerning Drezen. I would be honoured if we could share fable, folklore and song as we ride.
Well met Planner of Battles and Cunning Warrior. Gorum loves such as thee, the young hero said with respect, stroking his silver pendant that served as a holy symbol. While we in the northlands focus more on the clash and fury of the battle itself, I learned that to plan and outthink a foe is worthy of great esteem, and makes for an easy victory. I think we will be much outnumbered... so I believe we will need you secure success. I would be pleased if you could share your experiences with me Sosiel Vaenic.
All the while he wanted to get a feel for these leaders. How did they respond? Did they resent Terendelev’s Chosen, were they hopeful of the future?
"Thank you your grace."
Roscoe looks through the items they have.
Roscoe looks over the troops. He is humbled by the honor. He kneels in the same manner that he sees Damon kneel. He looks sidelong for the cue when to stand.
In a moment more casual Roscoe looks at Stella and nods in feign curtesy, "Ser Stella."
Roscoe walks along with Damon likewise trying to get a measure of them. When the experts arrived Roscoe smiled to see another halfling. He nodded along and smiled at the introductions.
Damon has Zone of Truth as one of his granted second level Paladin spells from his path. He was already planning to use that somewhat, but he didn’t want to be too brazen about it...see his last post.
Arriving with the others at the Armory to meet the Quartermaster, Stella shared what she was looking for before they departed: a more durable set of leather armor to better protect herself as they ventured into the Worldwound. She also asked them where she might be able to find replacement clothing for her current set that was - as she put it with a smile and a laugh - "A bit too holey for one of her newfound station."
Standing with the others as she was introduced to the army they were leading, Stella couldn't help but be impressed. Though not the largest force, they seemed well-trained at first glance. Good! she thought to herself, Less chance for me to mess things up somehow!.
Stella honestly didn't know how to react to being knighted by the Queen. On the one hand, she was flattered and honored to be considered and she could see it plainly on her friends' faces how much it meant to them to receive the honor. On the other hand though, Stella wasn't sure what it meant for her future. She had never been beholden to anyone or land before; would this mean that she now served the Queen? She didn't mind working with the crusade as she had been previously; but even then, she had always been fighting in the name of Desna and her friends, not some monarch from a foreign land she'd just met a few hours ago. The thought of owning land also instantly made her feel trapped and queasy; it stood against everything she'd done with her up until that point!
As all these thoughts swirled through her head, she missed the cue to rise and awkwardly jumped to her feet when she eventually heard the roar of the crowd around her, snapping her out of her spiral.
Later on, having thought through everything a bit, she realized that she may have "slightly overreacted" to being knighted. It's was probably purely ceremonial... she thought to herself happily.
In a moment more casual Roscoe looks at Stella and nods in feign curtesy, "Ser Stella."
Back in better spirits, she smirked and replied back in kind, "It is actually Lady Stella Destino, Knight of the... Er, Night! And Seer... and Herald of the Stars Sir Roscoe the True, and you'll do well to remember that!" before mock curtseying and letting out a laugh.
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Actions 2:
Damon will speak with the three counselors as well, following in Hallvardr's wake in this instance, seeing what he can glean from their interactions before beginning his own.
OOC: family at my place (and they won't leave until Sunday) so I may not be able to post until then.
Questions?
Game on!