War for the Crown #4 - The City in the Lion's Eye

Game Master Kittenmancer

Marius considers this for several minutes before he speaks again. "Why did the Circle lend you the prince? What were their terms? It seems unlikely that they're in the habit of enabling others' bids for immortality, or that they'd be willing to surrender the keystone of whatever designs for Taldor they might have. So why give him to you?"

The aasimar sighs. "Did I not just tell you?" He raises one finger. "Carrius is the rightful heir to the throne." A second finger. "Earl Merkondus is in Yanmass." Third finger. "The earl works for Pythareus." Vaddrigan snaps his fingers together. "Do you understand now, or shall I draw you a picture? The Circle wanted me to subtly bring the prince to the earl's attention, who would report to his master, who would then pledge allegiance to the prince." He clears his throat. "The, ah, immortality thing was my own side project. And don't think they have surrendered anything. They have someone watching my every move."

"Best hope they don't decide to have you silenced then." Once the others have asked whatever questions they have, Marius signals for a sack to be placed over Vaddrigan's head and leaves the cell.

"Curious and curiouser," he remarks softly once they're far enough from the cell that there's no chance of the cult leader overhearing them. "Assuming all of that is true, why dangle the prince in front of the High Strategos? Carrius would still represent a threat to Pythareus' own ambitions even--or perhaps especially--given his gender, and the High Strategos doesn't strike me as a man who would fold the instant a rival male claimant arose. Rather, it occurs to me that the prince might be a more viable lever for them to manipulate his sister instead. Is it possible that we're being tricked ourselves? Perhaps Vaddrigan's cult was intended to be dismantled by us to bring Carrius to Eutropia in a deniable way. It's not like Duke Panivar Lotheed is unaware of who we are or that we're in Eutropia's camp..." Marius frowns at that disturbing thought.

After the meeting adjourns, the nobleman orders some fruit and cheese along with a carafe of iced water and takes them to the young man's room. "How are you feeling?" he asks the boy who might be Carrius returned as he takes a seat, offering him the plate of food. "I'm hoping that some time away from Vaddrigan's...interference...will allow your memories to start trickling back. I'm sure you must have many, many questions."

Kela listens to the explanation, and can't think of any other questions. When she's separated from the mental manipulator, in a separate room, she responds to Marius. "Pythareus and this 'Circle' are not on the same 'side'" she accentuates a few words in her speech for emphasis. "That much is clear. There may be a more dangerous foe than the general." She glances towards a door, "these conversations - they would be best served in private, if we could manage such a thing."

She shakes her head at the insinuation that Carrius is not who he is, or that he is a trap, "he is her brother. I can tell. I have a feeling." She opens her mouth and thinks for a moment, "he may be a trap, but if he truly is the prince, Queen Eutropia will have to have the opportunity to make the decision once we explain what we found. Yes?"

Lastly, she stands in the doorway as Marius speaks to the young prince, watching his responses.

The youth accepts the food and water gratefully. "I'm... my head feels like it's full of cotton. Everything is so hazy. Does- how strange to think that I have a sister, a family... Does she know I'm here? You said you were... who are you? How do you know my- her? And what happens to me now?"

Kela shakes her head, arms folded, "no, young man. She is unaware. You do not have any memory of her? At all?" She adds, "of your time before your death?"

The boy screws his face in concentration. "I remember... playing with her and my- I think he was my father. It was afternoon and it was warm. We were in a garden, a large garden with fountains and statues. The next day I had my first riding lesson. A... white mare. Dappled. And that year- there was a funeral, a very important one. A woman... Now that I think about it, she was probably my mother, but I have no memory of her at all."

Elmar gives a look of compassion, moving over to examine the youth and checking for residual magic. He means to confirm his suspicion that the mind-wiping spell that was used on him may be related to this poor lad's condition.

I'm assuming all of these conversations are taking place with that clockwork cricket active to stymie eavesdroppers. Doubt it can block scrying and other magical methods but it's better than nothing.

Easing back to give Elmar space for his examinations, Marius motions for the boy to take another bite of the food. "We are allies and agents of your sister, supporting her bid to rulership of Taldor. Your father passed a few months ago." He takes a deep breath and glances at his companions before continuing. "I will be as honest with you as I know how, young man: first, we don't yet know what will be decided about you. There's a lot of uncertainty as to whether you really are Carrius returned from the dead, or a victim of magical memory tampering. No matter what, though, be assured that you will come to no harm with us, though there will doubtless be a lot of priests and mages and other learned types who will examine you and ask a lot of questions and cast divinations and the like as we try to determine the truth."

Kela nods, ”even if you do not remember her, your sister is a kind woman. From what I know, she loved you very much, and she would love to take care of you if you would assent to go to her.” She moves into the room, ”Marius, I understand the need for caution, but my mother is gone. Gone so long enough I struggle to remember her face sometimes.” She seems completely sincere, though obviously she remains in her alias. Though Carrius is in the room, she seems open to speaking in front of him, ”I would give much to see her again. Everything. And life is not fair; I made peace with the idea that it would never happen, but - if somehow she was brought here? To Yanmass? I would want to see her. Even if it was a trap, I would overcome it, such is the strength of love for family.” She seems very emotional and defiant somehow, as if the conversation struck some deep thread of purpose which runs through her, as if the thread - pulled taught, and struck, resonates with a noise that drives the woman before you with unassailable purpose. The loss of her mother seems to have affected Kela deeply, and she is expressing that emotion without artifice. She believes profoundly that at minimum, Eutropia should have the choice to decide.

The fiery woman moves gently towards Carrius and kneels before him, saying, ”may we take you to the Birdsong? You will be safe there.”

The boy glances from Marius to Kela, then nods slowly. "Yes, please. I would like to see my sister."

While it is difficult for Elmar to determine which spell exactly was used, the lingering traces of mind-affecting magic are quite strong on the supposed resurrected prince.

Elmar's frown turns into a look of pity, but he quickly arranges it into one of empathy. "My name is Elmar. I am...a friend of your sister. I think I have an idea of what may have been done to your memories, but it will take me some time to figure it out. It shouldn't be uncomfortable in any way physically, but emotionally it could be taxing. For now let's get you somewhere safe." He cocks a curious eyebrow at Kela's emotion. A woman so cloaked in layers of facades was rarely so genuine. He tucked it away, a brief footnote to return to at some point while they focused on the matter at hand.

Barcos, too, kneels before the boy. He gives him an easy smile as he speaks. This would not be the first lost child he's tried to comfort, and he does not think it will be the last. "I'll let you in on a little secret, Carrius."

He points to Baron Barksley, "You see my dog, there. He can talk, sometimes, only folks who are tough and brave can hear it."

The Baron sidles over and gives the boy a good long look before saying, "A dog walks into a bar. He heads on up to the barkeep and says, 'I can't see a thing! You know, I'll open this one."

He pauses for a moment as he lets out a soft bark and growl before saying in Common, "Doesn't translate quite as well from dog."

Barcos chuckles, "No it does not, my friend. I appreciate the effort."

Turning back to Carrius he says, "Well, his jokes might be a bit odd, but I bet you still heard him, I reckon? You seem the type to be able to."

The youth chuckles at the attempt, then stops abruptly, mouth open.

"I-! My sister! She loves dogs!" He beams at this recovered piece of knowledge, then belatedly nods to Barcos and Baron Barksley. "Thank you. I have never met a talking dog before. How... how did you learn?"

The Baron gives a somewhat flippant gesture with his nose, "Don't rightly know. Just decided I should be able to, one day, best I can make of it. Can do a lot when you put your mind to it."

Feel free to continue the conversation with Maybe-Carrius in spoilers.

After resting for the remainder of the night, Baron Kustios meets them at breakfast, clearly anxious to hear the news. Amidst a lavish spread of flatbread, cheeses both hard and soft, olives, pies, sausages and fresh fruit, Mauston Kustios regards them with anticipation.

You can paraphrase what you want to tell the baron and what you're leaving out.

As a bodyguard, Kela stand behind Marius while he eats, looming and considering carefully what the others say.

Kela looks towards Marius briefly, as if waiting for his assent, and begins to explain what happened, ”Your Lordship, we had one additional task we sought to deal with in Yanmass, and that was to investigate the twilight prince.” Her eyes flit towards Marius, ”we were successful. Surprisingly, nobody was badly hurt in this investigation, other than an extraplanar creature that was sent back from whence it came.” She considers carefully, ”it appears that this Vaddrigan character was a charlatan of a sort, but an effective one, as he was able to convince many decent people that the twilight prince was the returned Carrius. It is not clear whether or not he is. So, at Lord Marius’ direction, I believe they intend to return to Queen Eutropia for her council on the matter. For my part, my contract ends soon, and my time here has brought back memories best left in the past.” She flexes her hand idly, and rubs it. ”What is perhaps most of interest is that Vaddrigan had his own motives, unrelated to the struggle between Lord Pythareus and Queen Eutropia. They intend to take him with us for imprisonment. He is quite dangerous. Perhaps over time they may find a way to uncover something else he knows.”

Baron Kustios's hand stops just as it was about to put a stuffed olive in his mouth. "That- that is extraordinary! You are saying he may truly be Prince Carrius? We should have the Chief Enumerator's opinion on the matter, as soon as possible! And an extraplanar creature?" He smacks his hand on his thigh, forgetting about the olive, which rolls on the floor leaving an oily trail.

"Why did all these unprecedented things all start happening at once, and on my watch!" he bemoans. "But we prevailed in the end, with your invaluable assistance. And I suppose I should let you know that after presenting all the evidence - and much debating - the Mercantile Council has decided that from now on Yanmass will support Princess Eutropia. I am confident that most of the Avin prefecture will follow suit."

"A great many people see opportunity in the succession crisis--for Earl Merkondus, who was the architect of most of Yanmas' recent woes, it was an attempt to manipulate the city into the High Strategos' camp. I'm greatly pleased to hear that the Council has seen fit to choose the Crown Princess' camp--she will be as well." Marius offers the baron a small salute with his teacup before taking a sip.

"Would the Chief Enumerator's examination be quick? Given the gravity of the boy's possible identity, we intend to return to Birdsong Palace immediately; the sooner Princess Eutropia is apprised of this extraordinary situation, the better."

"That I do not know, but I will summon him immediately!" Baron Kustios gestures to a servant, who brings a tray with parchment and writing implements. The baron pens a quick note, seals it and gives it to the servant with instructions to send a courier to the temple of Abadar forthwith.

About three quarters of an hour later, Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor is shown into the dining room, followed by an acolyte carrying a long, ornate wooden box. The high priest of Abadar greets everyone with uncharacteristic warmth. "My friends, I am so glad that you listened to my concerns and took care of that cult. But I am also mindful that many of those who flocked to this so-called Twilight Child have genuine needs and grievances, so I will arrange to send representatives of our church to address their spiritual needs. And I also wanted to present you with this small token of my gratitude and appreciation." He gestures to the acolyte, who steps forward and opens the box they are carrying.

By the book this is yet another magical crossbow, but we can turn it into anything we like. Who is missing a magical weapon? :D

Once the gift is accepted, the Chief Enumerator hurries to meet the presumed Carrius and assess the veracity of the cult's claims that he is the resurrected prince of Taldor.

Marius accompanies the Chief Enumerator, partly to reassure the boy as the examinations take place and partly so he's there immediately when the Abadaran priest reports his findings.

Barcos does so as well, hoping primarily to do what he can to keep Carrius in as good spirits as possible given the boy's odd circumstances. Though both he and Baron Barksley are in their high society guise, he's sure a few subtly well-placed words by his loyal hound can convince Carrius he's still the same Barcos underneath his magical disguise.

I'd take a magic crossbow!

Magic crossbow it is! Scofflaw Hunter is a +1 lesser designating crossbow with a heavy wooden stock decorated with ornate golden filigree.

The Chief Enumerator prepares some sort of divination ritual which require much prayer and ceremony. Once the ritual is concluded, Abrun Palliettor requests to speak privately with the baron and Eutropia's envoys. "I am afraid that the results are... inconclusive. I could see glimpses of his soul's journey, and yes - it has been judged by Pharasma and passed into the afterlife, then returned through unknown means - but... large parts are obscured and muddled. I perceived echoes of Taldor's glorious past, so this person could very well be related to the imperial family, but if he is or is not Prince Carrius that I cannot say with certainty. I think it is best that he is examined by people who are very familiar with the prince, not just his appearance and mannerisms, but his intimate memories that only he could possess."

He glances back at the door beyond which the youth is resting. "Although at the moment I am afraid he is thoroughly confused, after so much mind-altering magic and drugs. But I can tell you this - I have not detected any falsehoods in what he did tell me, so I do not believe that he is a willing accomplice to the cultists."

"Thank you, Chief Enumerator. That's a about the answer I had expected--it seems this particular mystery will need more time and effort to unravel." Marius turns to the others. "Is there any reason we shouldn't return to Birdsong with all haste? I apologize for the suddenness of our departure, Baron Kustios, but this development is simply too vital to wait."

"I see no reason to wait, we don't have any more pressing matters here." Elmar agrees with a nod.

Though he doesn't show it, Barcos finds the name of his new crossbow quite funny. A weapon made for hunting down those much like himself.

He nods to Marius, "I concur most heartily. "

The baron nods vigourously. "Of course, of course! I shall assign some of my personal guards to escort you to the border of the Avin prefecture."

Departure preparations are made, with assistance from Baron Kustios, who not only lends his personal guards, but also offers to provide horses, carriages, and supplies as needed.

Any last things you want to do in Yanmass before heading to the Birdsong Palace?

Kela spends some time alone setting her affairs in order around the city, finally summoning the courage to visit a Firewatch station in the poorest neighborhood. There, she grabs the attention of one of the watch and explains. Before she gets there, glibness.

She looks nervous as she glances down at her hand, ”half of a lifetime in the past, I grew up in this neighborhood.” She gestures at the plaque on the wall of the station, commemorating the fallen. ”my story would have ended, had it not been for the courage and dedication of the watch. Yanmass would not stand.” She seems to hold back some deep emotion, as she rummages through her bag, and retrieves a pouch, ”this is for you all. The girl you saved grew up to be a powerful mercenary. For a time, I was embittered - the burn scars never healed quite perfectly, until they became a badge of a sort, and I did not seek to remove them any longer. I remembered where I came from and what your forbears did.” She removes her mail and extends the scarred hand towards one of the watch, holding the pouch.

Once they accept it, ”my bitterness has faded. I no longer see despair, nor destruction in every face I meet. I have found a purpose and this is the least I could do in thanks for your opportunity to find the purpose. I thought this country was doomed, but now, I think we have hope. Thank you for giving me the chance to find this within myself. I will not waste your gift.” She will give them an opportunity to inquire about what she’s talking about, if they want.

The pouch has gems and such worth about 450 gold pieces, for use by this watch house or others if they want to share them.

The Firewatch sergeant listens to Kela's confession, taking the pouch and putting it on a desk before grasping Kela's scarred hands in both of his. He is a swarthy half-elf entering middle age, his dark brown hair cropped short.

"Dear lady, your words and gratitude are more precious than gold, although the widows and orphans of my fallen colleagues will surely be grateful for your voluntary contribution. Will you join us for a cup of tea?" He gestures to the lounge area, where several men and women off-duty are currently chatting as they clean their equipment.

She looks a little skeptical, but after a moment nods and assents, though she withdraws her hands quickly.

Kela will spend the vast majority of her time drinking the green tea, and impressing upon the watch how important and valuable they have been to Yanmass, and musters up many real stories of lives they’ve saved or changed due to their bravery or courage. She also listens to their own stories, collecting their experiences to retell to others. Learning their lessons so they can also be taught.

She points out they don’t get enough recognition, and that while she intends to make on from the city, she will do so with the goal of helping Taldor as much as she can, as she’s got specialized skills (magic, sword fighting, etc) that are unique, and she thinks she can serve Taldor and Yanmass best by helping the country as a whole.

If pressed, she explains she makes it clear that she’s going to help Eutropia, specifically.

Take 10 on diplomancy, influence crowds (if applicable) for 35 if possible

The Firewatch crew are very touched by Kela's attention and her stories, and she leaves with the impression that they feel inspired. They also comment that Princess Eutropia must be a good person indeed for Kela to want to help her. They discuss the politics of Yanmass and Taldor late into the night, and the consensus seems to be that Eutropia would be the better choice for the country.

Once their affairs in Yanmass are settled, the party and their retinue sets out at last, the boy who could be Eutropia's brother safely ensconced in one of the carriages. As they pass through the south gate, their path is barred by a skeletal bird-creature wearing a familiar red mask. The crowds waiting to enter or exit the city scatter with shouts and screams at the scythe-wielding apparition.

It points with a black, clawed finger at the carriage where the supposed resurrected prince is. "That abomination has committed grave crimes against Pharasma's order and against creation itself. And you are aiding and abetting it. I shall now deliver my mistress's wrath and destroy all of you."

Leaving some space for reactions before we roll initiative.

"Hold, creature!" Marius extends his left hand, palm out in a halting gesture even as his right hand goes to Koriana's hilt. "What manner of crimes do you accuse? We believe this boy to be a victim of a cabal of wizards, called the Circle, and we are no enemies of the Lady of Graves. Help us to understand, please."

Diplomacy?: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19

If the creature gives him at least a round of conversation Marius will Study it as well.

”If he’s commited crimes, they’ve been without his knowing or consent. If it must come to blows though, I’ll do my bit to protect him.”

He nods to Baron Barksley as he murmurs a druidic incantation, casting a spell on his trusty hound.

Auto-aid on diplo, and casting strong jaw on the Baron.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Elmar steps forward, bowing in a respectful manner. "I had not thought the Lady of Graves' would send an emissary so soon. There is a greater threat you may need to be worried about, if you would hear us."

Auto diplo aid

The skeletal creature approaches with slow, measured steps, and soon Marius and the others begin to understand why the crowd seems so terrified by the apparition; an oppressive aura exudes from it in waves that send the heart pounding and clench every nerve in the body.

Everyone please make a Will save DC 17 or be shaken while you are within 30 feet of the psychopomp.

"Against my better judgement, I shall explain. This soul has been judged and sent to its appointed place; but not only it sought to avoid its rightful place in the afterlife, thus disrupting the most sacred laws of life and death, but it damaged other souls in the process - I found their mutilated remains on the Astral Plane. It is my mission and my duty to return this wayward soul and let it answer for its terrible crimes in front of Pharasma herself."

Oh yeah? Well!

Knowledge (planar) (aid) from Shendra: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Sense Motive (shaken, auto aid from Shendra): 1d20 + 15 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 15 - 2 + 2 = 22

Elmar can't help but shake as he gets closer, knowing the full weight of his otherplanar duties. However he steels his resolve and continues speaking. "We would not act in defiance of your Lady's will. In fact we are acting in accordance with it. We have learned he is not a perpetrator of violating the laws of life and death, but a victim of it. Please, I have insight into this matter." He pulls out his own spellbook, showing it. "I am well aware that one of the most common trespassers against your sacred duty is the arcane casters who seek immortality through unholy means such as lichdom. We have discovered an entire cabal of such arcane interlopers who are acting in cooperation with each other to hold their immortal power indefinitely, and I believe the only reason your judgement has not come down on them is due to their secrecy. This boy may well be the key to pulling the veil away from them. So I implore you way watcher, please allow this small and temporary transgression so that we may pursue these multiple violators of far more serious transgressions."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 18 - 2 = 36

Will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 2 = 32

"My companion speaks truly, if the boy is what you say he is a victim of the true perpetrators--the Circle Elmar describes, our shared enemy. Let us help you bring them down, but please spare the boy. The Ebon Wing would not see him harmed."

Auto-Aid Elmar's Diplomacy!

planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Kela isn't sure what is going on, but she notes ably that the others have made a persuasive argument, even if it might not be enough to stop the outsider from attacking.

will save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

She doesn't appear to be particularly afraid as the monster approaches. She quietly interposes herself between the boy and the psychopomp, but does not yet draw a weapon, nor does she threaten them. She simply says, "please, listen to my companions, I believe in them" earnestly, without judgement.

perform oratory check to disguise casting: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

Sense motive or perception can pick up that she cast good hope on everyone.

Also auto-aiding diplomacy.

”Besides, the boy’s mortal, same as the rest of us. He’ll die eventually, once he’s had his natural span of life. Then the Lady of Graves can see his case. A handful of decades makes no difference to eternity, but a world of difference to those like us.”

The psychopomp's grip on its scythe tightens and it shoulders hunch more as it seems to consider the arguments. Its masked head lifts and turns, fixing a bird-like gaze on the resurrected boy.

"Against his will...? Then- hm." The head tilts to look at Elmar. "This cabal... give me names, locations, details. But know this. I cannot relinquish my task. I was appointed personally to track down this wayward soul. I may spare it for a while, but I must know its whereabouts at all times."

As the creature's apparent determination to kill the boy wavers Marius tries to seize the moment. "I assure you we have no intentions of letting him wander unattended. We wish to determine the truth of his nature, and if he is indeed Carrius Stavian reunite him with his sister." He takes a deep breath and square his shoulders, peeling his hand from the hilt of his sword, and taking to one knee. "I will submit to any oaths or spells you think necessary, that we will not conceal his location or status from you and make whatever reports you consider fair, if you will stay your hand from his death."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 19 + 2 = 39

Elmar nods to his words, seeming to agree with the reasonableness of them. "We do not seek to flee from you. Unfortunately as of now our mission is to discover said details. It is our highest priority. If anything I would consider us allies with a shared goal in this quest."

"We look not to change your mind on what must be done. Only to delay it so that he may be used as a tool to gain access to the ones who caused this."

"The Circle is quite powerful, moreso than one being, no matter how strong, can take on alone. Their existence is well hidden, our knowledge of them beyond a single name, scarce. Can you watch over the boy unseen, keep him safe like some sort of morbid guardian angel? He's...well, I hate to say it so coldly, but he's evidence against them. If the star witness dies before his appointed time, our ability to find them falls apart. If you can do that, then you're part of busting the real culprits here."

Once again, auto-aiding diplo.

The psychopomp is silent for a moment. Then the grip on the scythe shifts, slackens a fraction. "The eccentricity of mortals..." the vanth sighs, a whistling sound as it passes through the mask holes. "It has given you the knowledge to forge souls from scraps, but not the good judgment to never use such power," they mutter with equal parts wonder and vexation. "Very well. I shall come with you to watch this soul you claim to be innocent. And I will find this cabal of necromancers and deal with them according to my lady's will."

With that, its form shimmers and shifts into the familiar visage of a burly, bald man wearing a read leather bird mask.

Exceptionally well done! This could have been a tricky encounter to fight.

Barcos gives a slim smile, "Thank you, truly. What's been done to the boy's a crime, but he's not to blame. Seems like a brave lad, holding up surprisingly well given the circumstances."

"Does this mean you intend to take up residence at Birdsong Palace?" Marius rises from his kneeling position, relieved but still uncertain of where they stand with the psychopomp. "And what should we call you?"

The psychopomp cocks their head, a very bird-like movement. "Unlike many of my brethren, I do have a name. I am Xan. And if this Birdsong palace is where the s- the boy will be, then I shall be there as well."

He turns to face the road, which would take the group south through the Avin prefecture, with the World's Edge mountains on their left and the Verduran Forest on their right. "Let us get a move on, as you mortals say."

”Well, pleased to make a friendly acquaintance with you, Xan. The name’s Barcos, and this ‘ere hound is Baron Barksley. Don’t be alarmed if he talks to you, does that from time to time.”

Once it becomes clear that violence is not imminent, Shendra pokes her colorful head out of Elmar's pack. Xan! That's a good name, and a good mask. Some people don't like when you can't see their face. But your face is a bird, so that tells them something too! Certainly tells ME something anyways. She projects outwards, not really making it clear what exactly it was she meant.