War for the Crown #3 - The Twilight Child

Game Master Kittenmancer

Barcos learns a little more about Yanmass's largest public park, called Hedge Hill by the locals although it lacks an official name. A remnant of the primeval forests that once stretched here, rumours hold that ha dryad flits through the trees at the center of the park, but only the very young or very inebriated claim to see her. The forest there is certainly thick and wild, more than typically found in the center of a city, surrounded by meadows of cut grass and carefully arranged flowers.

More info if you actually visit the location.

As the unobtrusive Kela, Faenia uncovers quite a lot about the plague of nightmares that seems to affect so many people in the city. First, details of the dreams themselves, which seem to feature the dreamer being shamelessly propositioned by someone they know and love - a spouse, a sibling, or a close friend. In the dream, the two kiss and caress, but soon the dreamer is overcome with irresistible hunger and begins to take enormous bites from the flesh of their would-be lover. Victims awaken fatigued and shaken, and some have even been driven to suicide after experiencing these nightmares more than once.

What really catches Kela's attention, however, are the particulars of the victims. Most, but not all, of those affected have publicly expressed Loyalst sympathies or are otherwise associated with those who support Eutropia's claims.

Another very relevant piece of information is that the setting of the dream is similar for a number of dreamers: a meat locker hung with carcasses and lit with four high, round windows.

Activate heightened awareness on the off chance it helps. Hiding with a perform check, take 10, perception or sense motive dc 30 to catch her, including insightful contemplation.

planes: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Since I can take 10 on knowledge checks, I’ll do so for the local check to pass with +15/16.

Kela waits for the rest of the day to see if the others contact her. If they don’t, she will casually go to where they’re staying and offer to get hired again, noting that she couldn’t find work at the Wyvern.

"And to think--I had imagined Rose's intriguing to be overly complicated," The corner of Marius' mouth quirks in a barely-suppressed grin as he gestures for Kela to take a seat. He relays what he learned about the bandits' depredations and listens to the others' stories as well.

"Dark dreams and a dryad--a city of many strange happenings, is Yanmass. I'm curious how these bandits have been able to operate so close to the city without being run off by a detachment of the Horse. Perhaps our meeting with the Council will shed some light on a few of these mysteries."

Normally, official city business is private, but Martella's agents have been granted special admission to the Mercantile Council's meetings. These meetings happen monthly in Commerce Hall, which shares the top of the city's lower hill with Yan Manor, the seat of the Yanmass barony.

The liveried soldiers at the entrance to the ostentatious building inform the group that Baron Kustios is ill and will not be attending today's meeting, and that the Mercantile Council is hosting another guest, Earl Yander Merkondus. One of the guards asks them to wait while he fetches a liveried halfling official to escort them to the audience chamber.

"And a very good day to you, madams and sirs! you must have travelled from quite far away. I am Gregor, Gregor Hamble, at your service. Please, right this way, and you must tell me how you find our city so far! Isn't it just splendid?"

Resembling an opulent manor house rather than a city administration building, Commerce Hall has elaborate stained-glass windows, enormous chandeliers and gold accoutrements throughout.

You can ask Gregor Hamble questions if you wish.

Kela's posture, as opposed to Faenia's, is a little bowed at the top of her body, slightly slumped over. She marvels at Commerce Hall quietly, seemingly awed, and whispers "this is a rare treat - we should count ourselves lucky," to the party.

When Gregor asks them a question, she glances at the others, "still as fine as I remember. It has been many years since I was here." She gives Gregor a knowing glance.

She cranes her neck at the windows, "when kids grow up around here, you know, they look at the hall from the outside - wondering what life might be like for the Council." She turns to Gregor, "- what sort of problems have you been having? I've heard rumors here and there - " she lowers her voice, and adding an air of knowingness directed to Gregor "at the Wyvern," and then continues, back to her original tone, "these folks are looking to help. You might know better what problems are really pressing, right?"

Not rolling bluff because she hasn't lied, above. Please assume take 10 on social rolls unless such is prohibited.

"Well, people always like to talk of trouble, although personally I am a mite worried about these nightmares." Gregor leans in conspiratorially, whispering "If you ask me, that's why the baron's been ill."

He changes the topic abruptly, pointing out a gallery of portraits they are just passing. "And here are our esteemed principal council members!" He seems particularly proud of a female halfling depicted holding a basket full of fruit. "There are five principals on the council, as you must know, and fourteen associates. One of the associates is absent today, though." He wrinkles his nose in concern.

Kela looks startled, ”that’s what I heard too! There was nothing like that when I was last here. Have you had any? I heard it was of a meat locker. How horrible - it’s like something from a story. You think the Baron is having them?” She looks at the others in the party, this dialogue is directed to the other PCs, specifically, and is for flavor. Nobody is required to respond., ”Sirs, and er, Ma’ams, it may not be my place, but I think we should try to find the Baron and talk to them after this - or figure out some other way to help.” She rubs her hands absently, ”if these dreams start affecting the Firewatch, things could get bad here fast.”

She turns back to Gregor, ”my apologies - the Baron lives over there, right?” She points vaugely towards the Baronial House they passed on the way in, ”maybe one of you could examine him, for injuries after the meeting? If they’ll let us in?”

"Oh goodness, no, I haven't had any of those dreams! But my niece..." The halfling sighs, some of his jovial and affable air diminished. "The poor girl won't eat nor sleep, she's wasting away." He nods sagely. "It very well may be that Baron Kustios is so afflicted, but the doctors and priests who have seen to him so far could help but little. If there is something you can do, I'm sure he will be very grateful." He raises a finger in a silent 'but'. "Of course, it is for the council to decide if you should be allowed to see the baron. Right this way, if you please."

After a few more turns through marble and gilt corridors, Gregor Hamble ushers everyone through an ornately carved double door, helpfully opened by two liveried guards. The audience chamber of Yanmass's Commerce Hall is vast and opulent, the cavernous space lit by both sunlight streaming through high, stained glass windows and by several crystal-and-silver chandeliers. An immense oval table takes up much of the room's space. A throne-like chair at the head of the table is vacant, but most of the other seats are occupied. Sitting in ornate, padded chairs are the five principals: a human man wearing ostentatious jewellery, a half-elven woman in well-tailored clothing, a handsome human man wearing the regalia of a high priest of Abadar, a proud halfling woman, and a narrow-faced, worried-looking human woman. About a dozen other well-dressed people occupy less ostentatious chairs - these must be the associates. Notably, one of their seats is empty as well. At the foot of the table is a group of plain, sturdy wooden chairs, one of which is occupied by a fashionable, broadly smiling aristocrat whom Marius recognizes as Earl Yander Merkondus. Several guards stand discreetly around the perimeter of the room, alert for trouble.

The entrance of the group seems to interrupt their small talk, and everyone turns to regard them politely. Several associates motion as if to rise, but sit down again when they notice that the principals remain seated.

Please introduce your characters however you see fit.

Do we know all the various council principals and associates, at least generally?

Marius listens closely as Kela and Gregor trade gossip about the city's troubles, an expression of polite interest and concern on his face as he considers the implications of a plague of evil dreams. "Goodman Hamble, I'm sorry to hear that your niece has been afflicted. Has she offered any details on the nature of these dreams? From what little I've heard, it seems those affected all report similar experiences which is unusual to say the least. It may be a clue to unraveling the problem, however. This associate who's absent today--who is it? Are they similarly affected?"

+ + + + +

As their party is allowed in the the council chambers, Marius' gaze sweeps the room out of long habit, counting guards and noting all the doors and windows. He offers Earl Merkondus an amiable smile which he then turns on the councillors along with a respectful bow.

"My lords and ladies of the Council, I thank you for this audience. I am Lord Marius Erallan, here with my companions to represent the interests of Crown Princess Eutropia. I am sorry to hear that Baron Kustios is indisposed, but rest assured that we are here to assist in any way you may require--these troubles will soon be but a memory, and Yanmass will return to its prosperous, happy state."

Marking Merkondus as my studied target
Sense Motive, taking the room's temperature: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

As the party prepares to meet with the council, Barcos briefly steps out of the room.

The man who returns is...well, not Barcos. He is a half-elf, dressed in ostentatious clothes and with blond hair in pompous curls. His expression seems rather vapid, but there's a shrewdness in his eyes that only the party would recognize as belonging to the beggar-druid.

Baron Barksley is similarly changed, looking more like a well-groomed hunting dog than the street hound he normally appears as.

Barcos bows slightly to the party, his voice putting on a deliberate high society aspect, "May I introduce you all to Reginald Weatherby, Esquire. Charmed to meet you all, truly."

-------------------------------------------------

At the council meeting, "Reginald" bows deeply to the assembled crowd, "Good day, milords and miladies. I am Reginald Weatherby Esquire, landholder in Stachys and attaché to Lord Erallan. It is an honor to be in the presence of such esteemed men and women, and our privilege to be able to assist you all in any way we can."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
Diplo: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32

With Gregor Hamble

"She would not share detail, my lord. She seemed... ashamed to talk about it. As for Mr. Rhundle Navin who is absent today, who knows? He is a banker in the city with his father."

In the audience chamber

Earl Merkondus returns Marius's smile, rising slightly out of his seat for a shallow bow. The movement is laboured, and his silver-capped cane is leaning against his chair.

The man wearing the ostentatious jewelry nods at each introduction, then gestures for the group to be seated. "Welcome to Yanmass. I am Lord Rudig Autun, the city's largest spice importer." he gestures to each of the principal counselors in turn, starting with the half-elf woman to his right. "This is Lady Aumber Gewbell, a clothing importer and exporter" He follows by indicating the narrow-faced human woman to his left. "Lady Carmellio Rauls, who deals primarily in armor, weapons and equestrian gear." A gesture to the human man wearing the Abadarian symbols. "Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor, the high priest of the church of Abadar in Yanmass." He nods towards the halfling woman. "And Lady Hallianna Cobbin."

Lord Rudig Autun stands, gesturing to the empty seat at the head of the table. "Given Baron Kustios's continued absence, I’d like to call this meeting to order in his stead. We know that much of Taldor is currently in political turmoil, but we have pressing problems close to home. Yanmass suffers under the grip of several troubles, and our discussion today must confront these. First, terrible, unsavory dreams haunt many of our citizens; some of us here have had them, I understand, and their cumulative effect is crippling to morale and our economy. Second, the Taldan Horse cavalry regiment that protected our city has, in large part, vanished. This leads to the third issue, which is the rise of banditry on the eastern plains: Qadiran bandits, specifically, preying upon good Taldan trade."

"All trade, to be frank," interjects Lady Carmellio Rauls, "Keleshite and Taldan alike." The Chief Enumerator speaks up, There's another thing, although it's not a clear threat: the Cult of the Twilight Child in the Encircling Bower. Good citizens are joining this mystery cult. Perhaps it's as benign as rumors say, but we can't ignore a new philosophy that is ensnaring so many of our citizens."

"Religion ever reigns in your mind, Enumerator," says the half-elf woman, Lady Aumber Gewbell, "but people aren't suffering from the cult as they are the other troubles." The halfling woman, Lady Hallianna Cobbin, sits up straighter and adds, "Our esteemed guest, Earl Yander Merkondus, assures us that he has a group of troubleshooters already acting to alleviate all of these concerns. But so long as Yanmass suffers, so does trade - and therefore so do we." Earl Merkondus responds with a seated bow in her direction, which she receives with a warm smile.

Turning towards Martella's agents, Lord Rudig Autun continues. "We will open the floor for discussion and proposals shortly, but if there is anything that you would like to say before that please speak."

The other PCs can make their introductions retroactively if they wish. Up to Lotti if she wants to be present or not. Once the large group breaks up, you can target individual councilors with Diplomacy checks (Marius and Barcos can keep the ones they made earlier) to find out more about their position on specific concerns.

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

When the assembled dignitaries ask for her contribution, she shuffles her feet, but does not immediately respond. She rubs her right hand with her left, but doesn't seem to engage, staying in the back. Her bearing and manner would mark her as a 'local'. "erm," she clears her throat, "begging your pardons lords and ladies. I am of no import - just a guide and guardian for these folks."

She won't risk casting glibness with so many people assembled, but will take advantage of her anonymity to act like a guardian or bodyguard, appearing with something of a vapid/vacant expression.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31
bluff if it matters: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

"A cavalry company--vanished? Not decimated in battle but gone entirely? That is indeed concerning. My lord, you said 'in large part'--would it be permissible for my companions and I to speak with those who still remain? I am certain that Earl Merkondus' troubleshooters are capable enough, but it seems clear there's more than enough trouble for a second team to shoot."

Marius will not mention any of the more relevant details the party has learned about the caravansarai etc--Merkondus probably already knows things like that, but if he doesn't there's no point in handing him info for free

Lord Autun makes an ambivalent hand gesture. "As you wish, if you can find some of them. What I find very interesting, however, is that your faction seems to exhibit a certain... weakness. In these troubled times we need a strong hand to deal with all these issues." The head incline towards Earl Yander Merkondus is unmissable. "Loyalists seem to have suffered more in recent events. Although he hasn't expressed it, it is my opinion that Baron Kustios is leaning towards support of the princess, our esteemed colleague who is missing was an outspoken Loyalist, and even the Qadiran bandits have been targeting merchants with Loyalist leanings the most."

He fiddles with one of the many rings adorning his hands. "And if you want my observations, the troubles in our city started shortly after that new restaurant opened, Savories. We are a very tolerant city, but I doubt anything good can come from letting a Galtan have such sway among our nobility, don't you think?" Lady Hallianna Cobbin shakes her head. "Have you actually been there, Lord Autun? The food is incredible."

Marius affable expression doesn't diminish, but takes on a vaguely puzzled mien. "Weakness, my lord? On the contrary--Meir Dratavis can be added to your list of the missing, for some weeks now, leaving our faction without a representative at all. Given that your beautiful city's troubles continue to be unresolved--" Marius too glances at Merkondus, letting the implication on the Earl's lack of results hover in the air for half a beat before continuing. "--I think you'll find us a welcome boon ere long, for we are efficient and eager for the proverbial chase. Though perhaps we should include the food at Savories to our list of investigations," this last he adds with a mock-conspiratorial wink at Lady Cobbin.

At the mention of Sir Dratavis, several council members appear distressed, while Earl Yander Merkondus removes his circlet as if paying respects to the dead.

"He had grown increasingly despondent, in the days before he vanished," mentions Lady Aumber Gewbell. "Perhaps he had been afflicted with the strange dreams."

"Or, perhaps," interjects Earl Merkondus, "he realized that the woman he serves is nothing but a fraud tearing the nation apart and fled out into the plains in shame."

Lady Gewbell fixes him with a cold stare before continuing as if he had not spoken. "It is these dreams that worry me the most, Lord Erallan. There have been several suicides already, and reports of bands of haunted-eyed townspeople wandering the city in a stupor." She pauses, hesitates, then forges on. "There are also rumours of a local conspiracy theorist, a woman named Caradinna Farkin." She raises a hand to forestall several of her colleagues, who have begin to scoff and shake their heads. "I know, I know, her proclamations about the 'secret masters' are infamous. But recently she has become increasingly insistent and strident, even accosting a few of the members of this council in the streets. And she hasn't been seen at all in the last two days, so I cannot help but wonder if she perhaps stumbled upon a genuine clue."

Kela clears her throat, and in a growling, slightly quaking voice, apologizes, ”sorry - I don’t speak for these folks, but could you please give us any more information? Lord Merkondus, Ser, you aren’t from around here, begging your pardon - I think Yanmass has always had to be smart about its problems, not just strong… “ she shifts uncomfortably and eventually adds, turning to the others, ”I’m not much for politics and who works for who, I just wanna help Yanmass. I think if these folks want to help - we can sort politics later? Does anyone happen to know anything else odd, any timelines for when the dreams first started and the like? Has it affected Firewatch? Is the city truly unprotected - if the Calvary diminished? I… we need to figure out how and what to deal with first.” She sticks a thumb out, ”I have some contacts, you know - if you folks don’t mind me… I guess following the contacts through the underbelly of the city. Someone may know where Ms. Carlin is, for example. Who knows where it’ll lead.” Kela seems sheepish, and her voice ends stronger, as if she had to summon a lot of courage to speak in public.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32

Okay, I’d also like to know if I can do two things, when Faenia mentions “seeing where it leads,” she gestures towards Yander, as if she suspects him. It looks like she does it unconsciously, and she seems slightly embarrassed and corrects herself. When she does so, she quietly tries to gauge how much he reacts.

"You make a good point," concedes Lord Autun. "It has not affected the Firewatch yet, as far as I know." Lady Carmellio Rauls speaks up. "I have a contract to supply the Taldan Horse, so you can imagine that my interest in this matter is high. They seem to have disappeared entirely, including their horses and their two war elephants. I have had reports that an itinerant gnome priest named Findleby claims to have seen several members of the company riding to an old ruined manor outside the city."

Lord Autun frowns. "That wouldn't be Orvestikar Manor, would be?" He turns to Marius, explaining. "That is about 9 miles north east of the city, but it has been abandoned for more than 200 years. It has an... ill reputation among the people here, and they tend to avoid the place."

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24

Earl Yander Merkondus doesn't seem to notice Kela's stray gesture.

Kn (History): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

“Reginald” raises his eyebrows and gives a rather foppish laugh as he shoots a slightly exaggerated glance at Marius, ”How dreadfully fascinating! Members of a vanished cavalry company riding by night to an abandoned manor of grim repute. I say milord, this grows more exciting by the minute.. Rest assured though, lords and ladies, we will get to the bottom of this.”

As he talks, he tries to recall anything he’s heard about Orvestikar Manor.

I'm glad you asked! *infodump*

Constructed by a wealthy Taldan aristocrat who fell upon hard times in his dotage, Orvestikar Manor is situated at the edge of the Whistling Plains. The manor was sold, but the buyer was killed in a duel and the property fell into legal limbo. It was untended for years and, after a series of particular fierce winters, its roof and upper stories collapsed. The site now serves as a temporary camp for travelers or an occasional storehouse for smugglers.

After a bit more discussion and back-and-forth, the meeting breaks up into smaller groups. Earl Yander Merkondus circulates among the councilors, seemingly trying to reassure them that his troubleshooters are actively working to solve the city's problems.

As things begin to wrap up, Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor approaches Marius discreetly. "Lord Erallan, I know that the other councilors are mostly focused on the issues with economic consequences - and they are very serious issues, indeed. However, I am troubled by this Cult of the Twilight Child. It is seemingly benign, but I am uncomfortable with the public perception that it's an offshoot of the Church of Abadar. I do not believe that to be the case, and I cannot help but wonder if it hides something more sinister. If you have the time, please come see me at the temple so we can discuss this in more detail."

You've gotten pretty much all the information you can from here at this point. Where to next? The options are to visit the ill baron nearby, investigate leads in the city, or travel outside the city.

Sense Motive (Shifting Studied Target): 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 1 = 25

Dropping his own voice to a confidential sotto voce, Marius nods gravely. "I understand completely, Chief Enumerator--this cult troubles us as well, and rest assured that we've already begun looking into things. We will certainly be by to visit you, sooner than later. Tell me, please--how many friends does the Crown Princess have among the council? Lord Autun was hardly subtle, but what of the rest?"

Kela tries to learn what she can in her ‘mercenary’ alias, avoiding talking too much about herself, but dropping clues that seem to mark her as a local. She doesn’t get any more information of consequence, and so joins Marius when he’s done gathering his own information.

In a quiet voice, ”Alright, I think we are going to check in on Baron Kustios now, and then immediately head out to try and find the cavalry, right? Since the Baron is being tended to by his staff - we don’t need to prepare much, presumably it’s safe. I think the timeline to deal with these problems is shorter than we think - the hair on the back of my neck is standing up, I think we should hurry.” She bows at the others and moves towards the door, waiting for the group to lead the way to their next objective.

The high cleric nods, seemingly pleased with Marius's answer. "From my own observations, the council is more or less evenly split between Loyalists and Imperialists, but all members bow to the coin their trading houses bring. So whichever faction can do more for trade, security and prosperity will have their vote in the end." He lifts a hand to touch the gold symbol of Abadar hanging at his neck. "Some feel that the princess's cosmopolitan leanings would be most beneficial for our city, while others believe that the strong hand of the High Strategos is what is needed to secure our borders and protect our caravans."

From other conversations, the party gathers that Lady Carmellio Rauls is the most invested in finding the missing cavalry, both due to the impact on her contracts and for the lack of protection for her caravans. She reiterates the suggestion of talking to the wandering gnome priest Findleby, or investigating Orvestikar Manor directly. She also mentions hearing that an elderly Qadiran merchant named Ramaat al-Nassan witnessed two separate bandit attacks and may have relevant information. Marius already has this information from a successful Gather Info check.

As no more information seems forthcoming, the princess's agents take their leave, stopping by Baron Mauston Kustios's abode on their way. A letter of introduction written by Lady Rauls gains them admittance, and the majordomo invites them into a luxuriously furnished reception salon. They wait a rather long time for the baron to appear, and when he does he is looking a little worse for wear. His fine clothes, once impeccably tailored, hang a little loosely on his frame, as if he has recently lost weight, and a fine layer of powder attempts to disguise the dark circles under his bloodshot eyes.

"Ah, welcome to Yanmass, honoured guests. I must apologize for both the dreadful state of myself and the city, I am afraid that you have caught us at a bad time." He calls for refreshments to be served to the guests, although he himself touches no food. "How can I be of service to you?"

Accepting the offered refreshments with a polite murmur, Marius takes in the Baron's state with concern but keeps his expression even. "Actually, my lord, is our hope to be of service to you. Crown Princess Eutropia is keenly aware of your city's troubles both mundane and supernatural, and with Dratavis missing has dispatched us in his place. We intend to set to work immediately and have already quite a list of leads but the task ahead is considerable." He sets his glass down.

"I assume you'll naturally wish to be kept apprised of our progress as we work, and I'm more than happy to provide you a copy of our reports as events unfold. I was wondering however if we might request some manner of token or seal from your office, to make clear to all that we act with your blessing and are no mere vigilantes."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

Sorry for the absence!

"Hm. I hesitate to position myself so openly, politically speaking, but if you have difficulty getting somewhere or convincing someone you can mention that you have my favour." He chuckles weakly. "That might open a few doors for you." He trails off for a bit, his eyes unfocused, before he comes back to himself. "Forgive me. You said you had leads already, that is good. Please keep me informed of your progress, and thank you for your service." He rises with some effort, swaying on his feet for a moment. "Now... please excuse me. I wish you good fortune in your endeavours."

Kela interrupts before they leave, ”if you would, sir, please tell us of your affliction. Any details might find a cure, or the source. We got the impression that all of the dreamers are suffering the same dream - of a ‘meat locker.’ Can you give us any more details?” She bows slightly.

"She is correct, my lord," Marius spreads his hands in an apologetic gesture. "I understand these dreams are ugly things, but the more we know the more likely we are to be able to stop whoever--or whatever--is causing this."

Can't fail an Aid Another on Diplomacy for Faenia, if needed

The color drains out of Kela’s face as she considers the dream of the Baron, before she collects herself, ”that’s - that’s horrific. While it seems vaguely related to the other dreams, this seems personal somehow.” She shakes her head slightly, as if trying to clear away some fog, ”try to remember if you can - aside from the horror, was there anything odd or out of place in the dream? Like a figure standing and watching? Do you have any enemies with a personal grudge against you?”

Baron Kustios manages a weak, tremulous smile. "As a public figure and the ruler of the city, I have many enemies, I'm sure. I don't remember any strange figures in the dream." He shakes his head. "I'm sorry, I wish I could be more helpful. I'm afraid... wait. My daughter did notice a large black dog hanging around our house just before the nightmares started. She thought it was odd, because it had no collar and this is not exactly the area for stray dogs." He lifts a shoulder in a half-shrug. "It could be nothing."

"It could be," Marius agreed gently. "Or it may not--there are many strange magics that could be in play. Thank you for trusting us with this, you have my word that we will unravel this threat to your and your city, and end it."

Feel free to ask any further questions, but I'm ready when y'all are :)

Barcos furrows his brow at the baron’s tale. Though normally rather skeptical of the “struggles” of the nobility, this man is clearly suffering.

While he would eagerly try the use of his magic to help soothe the man, he’s still in disguise as the foppish Reginald Weatherby. And so, he places his hand on his chest and takes an exaggerated breath before saying, ”Oh my, how utterly ghastly. I am truly sorry for your horrid nightmare milord.”

Earlier...

Rose is absent from the council meeting, instead choosing to perform a more thorough examination of the city. Or at least, that's what she told herself. In truth, there was simply something vibrant and lively about being in this major center of commerce unsupervised . But more than that, for the first time in a very long while she had a potential lead to actually help with her 'problem'.

And for once, fortune seemed to be on her side as said item did not, in fact, have to be drilled straight through her skull. Instead, recent modern innovations of Tian-Min medicine made by some famous half-elven warrior-physician from the far east had apparently reduced the design to a needle that could be pressed to the skin in certain positions and it would have the same effect. Of course, it would have to be tested first. And what better a way to see if it could solve the nightmare problem that seemed to be plagueing the city?

Planes: 1d20 + 17 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 17 + (6) = 42

The answer hit brightly, instantly, with astounding clarty. A long-forgotten lesson in a different time delivered to a more whole person than herself, now remembered.

She bought it on the spot, only doing a bit of token haggling out of respect for local customs. Then she went about tracking the rest of the group with her followers.

now

"Pairaka's. Fiendish variants of Div. Those are what are likely causing the nightmares to the populace." Rose's voice suddenly rings confident from behind the group as they had their meeting with the baron. "I apologize for my late arrival, my Lord. I just did not want to arrive empty-handed. Raesilia Talbot, daughter of Duke Talbot and recent... co-steward of Stachys," She gives Marius a smile before turning back to the Baron. "It is good to make your acquiantance." She does a polite curtsy exactly as befitting his social station. "Now, knowing is only have half the battle, of course..."

My apologies for the long absense. Is there any check I can roll to know more about those Peraika Divs on where they are found or from where/how they'd have to operate to affect an entire city?

"Lady Talbot, a pleasure. I am very grateful for your support in this matter, and... it sounds like you have a lead already? I am impressed, although I confess that I know nothing of these pairakas. I wonder how they got into my city..."

"I assure you that is no fault of yours. The only reason I know about them at all..." Her gaze briefly flicks to a new necklace of sorts of which a needle hung on the end. "...is that I was taught extensively on shapeshifters. To recognize potential assassins infiltrating high society, mostly. What made these Pairaka's noteworthy were how they liked to torment their victims with lavascious nightmares. Exactly what is happening here."

"As to how they got here and go about their ways... unfortunately, Pairaka's can shapeshift into animals roughly the size of children or adult humanoids. Or, more notably, actual small and normal humanoids. They are probably walking around the city in their disguised state. Perhaps even here in this very building."

"However..." She smiles deviously. "There will be ways to find them. They are fiends. They can likely be detected through various magical means, mundane senses," She glances at Baron Barksley. "Or perhaps even Lord Erallan's divine senses. And if that somehow fails... I have an idea that might force them out of hiding and trick them into revealing themselves. Though I hope that will not be necessary as it would take a lot of logistical work, cooperation from the local government and, most importantly, a day or so of every citizens' time. And time is money which us merchants would rather not lose, correct?"

The moment he hears the word div Marius' eyes widen in sudden understanding. With the Baron's permission he invokes a prayer of detection and sweeps the room.

Detect Evil

The baron becomes very still as Rose mentions shapeshifting and disguising. His gaze flickers to the guards posted at the door, looking like a trapped animal. Fortunately, Marius doesn't detect any evil creatures nearby - not the guards, nor indeed the baron himself.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38

The baron is having an understandable reaction to being told that anyone around him could be a monster and he wouldn't be able to tell. Kela can see the thoughts whirling through his head; a someone in a position of power, he is of course used to not trusting easily, but to be told that someone in his very household, perhaps even in his family, could be replaced by an evil shapeshifter fiend - that is something that requires a bit of adjustment. To put it lightly.

And in his already exhausted and unstable state, the poor baron is close to collapse.

Kela notes his discomfort, ”my lord, we are going to try and get to the bottom of this as soon as we can. Possibly even today. But my employers have some people that came with them whom you can probably trust. Can they leave them here to guard you? They just want you to be safe, but this decision isn’t up to me, I’m supposed to stick with them to help resolve things.” She nods at Marius, as if to say it’s your call if you want to leave agents here, Sir.

Diplo: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

Reginald walks up to the Baron and says softly, ”Milord, Marius does not just keep me around for my pretty face and sparkling personality. I also dabble in the mystic arts. If you’ll let me, I’d like to try to soothe the troubles of your mind with them.”

Assuming he accepts, I’ll cast calm emotions.

It is probably not wise to trust people you've just met with your life, but as the local saying goes, "any shelter in a sandstorm"... The baron hesitates, then nods. "If you trust them, then I do as well. Thank you." His emotional state seems improved as Reginald works his magic, and he nods wordlessly in thanks.

"well, I- I am very grateful for your help and t-the information that you brought. I look forward to your reports on all matters that concern Yanmass. I really must try to rest now, though." He pats Reginald's arm somewhat absentmindedly. "I may even manage some sleep."

"Rest well, my Lord. We will strive to end this threat quickly and efficiently." Rose promises as the Baron makes his departure.

She turns back to the others. "I'm sorry for my temporary absense. I'd like to think it was fruitful, as now we at least know what we're facing and can work about a plan on how to proceed. However, I probably missed a lot on the other issues. Can anyone give me a brief rundown? And did we already have a plan on what to do next?"

Kela stammers, ”uh - sorry, Miss. My Lady, I think I know where the Div is located. It’s an old butcher or something, I recognized it.” She puts her hand on the back of her head, ”important to deal with - but it seems that that enemy is hurting people slowly. I think Lord Erallan wanted to deal with that first - if we can - because it’s a matter of military readiness…” she trails off, ”though Firewatch, you know, they’re suffering from the dreams.” She rubs her hand reflexively, and blinks rapidly, ”begging your pardon if I spoke out of turn, My Lord.”

"Kela, at ease. We're part of the same unit now. All I request is clear and concise answers," Rose gives the disguised skald a brief smile. "...And I confess this one has me a bit puzzled. So you know where it is and were about the go there first, but at the same time the implication is you wouldn't...?" She shoots the others a look for help or an explanation. "Ah. So we were in fact NOT going to handle the Div problem first and instead look at the missing company." She adds when someone clarifies. "Seems you all have been busy too. Great! Having the support of a great many soldiers might indeed come in handy further on as well. Especially if this Div problem might be more widespread. Do we have a lead for where to start looking for them?"

Kela looks on stoically, ”yes, my lady. I am your guide, I just meant to say that Lord Marius wanted to deal with the military problem first. They told him where to go, Orvestikar Manor, would be, about 9 miles northeast of the city. We only came to visit the Baron because he lived nearby, and I agreed - it seemed to work out, since you all were able to see to it that he’s got protection.” She bows stiffly, ”should you desire, we can leave immediately - but I know your journey was long and you may wish to retire for the day.” OOC I’m giving her a chance to switch to Velvet if she wants, but I can’t remember if my Pc knows or not. I do not know if Rose as a social identity gets her hands dirty investigating abandoned manors.

"Hm... a rest *would* be nice. But no, I would like to see this mansion myself first. An entire company cannot simply vanish by mundane means and I do know a bit about the supernatural from my days at the academy. I believe those teachings might come in useful here." Rose responds, determined. "Now, if that will be all, shall we be off?" She asks the others pleasantly as she claps her hands, ready to begin the on-site investigation.

bluffs: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

SM: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26

Kela nods, "yes, my lady, as is your choice." She takes a beat, "My lord, unless you have other questions - the night comes early in this part of Taldor, we should leave soon." She inclines her head towards Marius.