[5e] Courts of the Shadow Fey (Inactive)

Game Master mishima


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(Vanished One) HP 23/23 | AC 13 | Acr +5 Dec +3 Ins +3 Int +5 Perc +3 Pers +5 SoH +3 Ste +3 | Saves: S +1, D +3, C +5, I -1, W +1, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +3 | PPerc 13; PInv 9; Pins 13; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 3/3 | Spell DC 13 (1: 4/4; 2:1/2) | Sorcery 3/3 | Spell Att +5 | Status: Normal

Deimus stands perplexed for a moment. As Carnadine makes his points, he just nods, and nods, and nods, agreeing with it all, Then he nods again at Lexi, agreeing again, but when Raseri speaks up, he is taken aback, somewhat.

"Tzk."

He dashes after her and steps in front of her, head bowed submissively: "We agree, we all agree with you. In fact, the path seemsz clear for all of us. We need to save this city from the Fey and, if we can't, we need to constrain their grip as best we can. So yes, we'll follow you, but stay a bit, so we can finish our converszation, yesz?"


character sheet

Taco stand

Kjeta happily accepts the taco. "Mmmmm, delicious! Thank you." she washes it down con una cerveza, and offers a drink to anyone interested as well.

Blessed Brew (aka Cerveza Bendita) Any who partake get their choice of the following for 1 hour:
Advantage on Charisma-based skill checks,
+1 bonus to AC, or
+1 increase to the DC of saving throws. (Kjeta chooses CHA)

Court

Insight vs Ondil Firedrake: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Knowing the way the Thorsdottir tends to approach diplomacy, Kjeta places a hand on her arm and says, "May I join you?"

As they approach, Kjeta feels many eyes upon them. Kjeta bows and then--in a voice used to speaking to crowds--she calls out, "Greetings, honored members of the Free Council. I am Kjeta Strongmalt, priestess of Ninkash, the Mother of Ales. My companion is Raseri Whitescale, a sworn Thorsdottir. We--together with a few other strong-hearted citizens and a brave member of the city guard--were the ones who defeated the assassins in the temple of Khors yesterday, and today retook the barbican from fey who took it and attacked members of Zobeck’s own guard, when they attempted to return to their post."

She pauses for emphasis, "I have defended Kubourg from fey raiders out of the Western Wastes and I wouldn’t hesitate to defend my new home of Zobeck as well...but as a priestess of Ninkash I would always rather find a shared understanding over a tankard of ale than fight. Might we share what we’ve learned, and discuss ways to keep our beloved Zobeck free?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

If you're offering, I'll take that Advantage on CHA skill checks please!

Feeling the warmth of Kjeta's brew in her veins, Raseri stops and smiles as the dwarven priestess offers to join her.

"Always," she says with a warm smile, happy to have found so fast a friend. She looks to Deimus and sighs, though her smile does not wan.

"Alas, my metal friend, I fear that now is the time to be speaking with those with power and strength. If you wish this conversation to end before I speak, then best end it quickly."

She continues walking to the speaking circle, her stride confident, even defiant, despite the youthfulness of her appearance.

"I fear my friend Kjeta is too modest. She forgets we also stopped fey and fey beast from rampaging through the market square. There is much we have learned and there is much to discuss, but perhaps not here, where our voices will carry like thunder over the open plains of Midgard," she adds, hoping to convince them a private audience would be wiser than having the discussion in the open. "But, I understand that you are persons of great importance. Perhaps, if you do not feel it is worth all of your time, we may share what we have learned with one of you and they can determine if it is worthwhile to bring before all of you."

Persuasion (Heavenly Brew): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Whew, glad I did take that. That could have been bad.


(Vanished One) HP 23/23 | AC 13 | Acr +5 Dec +3 Ins +3 Int +5 Perc +3 Pers +5 SoH +3 Ste +3 | Saves: S +1, D +3, C +5, I -1, W +1, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +3 | PPerc 13; PInv 9; Pins 13; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 3/3 | Spell DC 13 (1: 4/4; 2:1/2) | Sorcery 3/3 | Spell Att +5 | Status: Normal

Deimus mutters, right before Ras speaks: "Tzk. Well, no? I mean- We want the same thing then. I misunderstood. I'm sorry for this." and he slides in Ras's shadow while she speaks, impressed by her confidence.


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Earlier...

Ondil seemed a patient man...especially for a dwarf. Curiously, he wears holy icons for both Rava and Volund...the same two temples which had been targeted recently.

Stepping into the ring...

"The Council recognizes Kjeta Strongmalt, priestess of Ninkash and proprieter of the Hero of the Hops...whoever present who hasn't sampled her good brews is surely missing out on a Zobeck treasure. Hear also Raseri Whitescale, priestess of Thor..."

They listen to you both speak intently, seemingly all open to the idea of a private meeting except for the Field Marshall Haclav...who murmers security concerns while shaking his head adamantly no. With no one to vouch for you claims, others also seem to turn against the idea. With time though, the Council seems to quell its concerns and...

"Very well, though it is unlikely anything you might know has escaped the Blue House, the Council will not close an ear. Know your statement will be recorded by scribe and become a legal document...a necessary formality should any countermeasures be required." *bang* "People of Zobeck, the days public session is hereby concluded. Thank you as always for your honest appeals and know the Free Council shares your hopes and hearts."

They slowly exit, but the room is still just as heavily guarded. The party remains on the floor and the Council in their raised seat. Also remaining is a curious gearforged, sitting crosslegged with a long roll of parchment...the scribe, presumably.

Haclav begins "Alright. You've wrangled some time. What do you have? And you others there, Ser...I see the skull argent and would have your name and rank. Likewise gearforged, and runed dwarf...I feel I've seen that craftsman's mark afield. Introduce yourselves for the Council."

"..mmm...I know that one, one of us...once...Deimus reborn..." the King of King interjects, with some scorn in his voice. "Trouble at times...likes to excite the lesser drakes. 'Twas you who started the ides of Goldflower protest...do not deny it..."


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Then a gasp "Ah! Theres another one. You too, young lady..."

A brief cloud shadowed Lexi for a moment...or DM forgot... ;0


HP: 71 (71) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +8; Con: +2; Int: +3; Wis: +2; Cha: +0 | Initiative: +7 | Passive Perception: 18; Passive Insight: 14; Passive Investigation: 12 | Inspiration: [ ] | Spells/Day: 3 (3)

Glancing at Raseri and smirking, Lexi curtsied and said "You may call me Shadow." Lexi approached with the others, pausing at the first row of chairs where she drummed her fingers on the back of the chair for a moment before speaking again, approaching as she spoke until she stood next to the others.

"I am a simple person, quite unlike you lords and ladies gathered here, so I'll speak plainly. The city is, as we speak, currently being invaded. Capitulate or die, it makes no difference to the Shadow Fey. They're watching us right now," Lexi said as he pointed up at the skylight, " and I'm sure they're enjoying the show."

Lexi smiled sweet as can be and then said "Personally, I'd slit the throat of every one of them that I could find, then ambush the people who came to avenge them, but you do you. You should expect, however, that regardless of whatever choice you make, the way you've lived your life up until now is over. Arrogant as the Fey are, because they assume they deserve it more than you do. The disappearances will start next, and where you end up is not a place any sentient being should ever end up." Lexi involuntarily shuddered before finishing with "So, decide, but you should do it quickly, before you lose more territory to them."


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

"They have already started hunts that put innocent people at risk, merely for their entertainment. From what I have seen they consider us less than vermin. Just two nights ago, Shadow, Ulf," she gestures to Carnadine, "and I were at a play put on by the Legacy Chimera. A fey hound taller than I at the shoulder appeared from nowhere and caused the people to leave. Ulf says that there was a musician who incited violence with a lute. Shadow and I were not there to witness this as we were at the temple of Khors fighting two fey assassins and the hound that had appeared. Sadly, we were not able to prevent the two priests from meeting a fell end. That is when we started to be brought into this."

She takes a deep breath, stopping herself as she feels the thread at the seams strain against the movement. She lets it out slowly, trying to calm her flickering temper and the anger from last night that still demanded satisfaction, though not as loudly.

"Since that night, my companions and I have found pieces to this puzzle. The old Kings, those of the Stross clan, made a pact with these scaidthsidhe, a treaty. The fey mean to enforce the terms, of which we know nothing. They have already made it known that the worship of Rava and Khors is not welcome, and the leader of the hunters took offense at the gods I worship, thinking them inferior and heretical to Valeresh. They do not want just land and buildings, they wish to crush anything they do not like about us. If we wish to stop them, then we need to know what the terms of that treaty were, and if the pact died with the last of the Strosses."


(Vanished One) HP 23/23 | AC 13 | Acr +5 Dec +3 Ins +3 Int +5 Perc +3 Pers +5 SoH +3 Ste +3 | Saves: S +1, D +3, C +5, I -1, W +1, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +3 | PPerc 13; PInv 9; Pins 13; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 3/3 | Spell DC 13 (1: 4/4; 2:1/2) | Sorcery 3/3 | Spell Att +5 | Status: Normal

Deimus replies quickly to the King of Kings, bowing his head and dropping his metallic tail in a show of respect: "I have, King of Kings, endeavoured to further the Kobold Cause. The Stross have enslaved us as part of their compact with the Shadow Elves. If nothing else sways you towards seeing the urgency here, nothing else will..." and he slips back behind the others.

Persuasion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21


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Will give Carn/Hru/Kjet a bit before proceeding


Dhampir Knight Captain Incorporeal | HP: 80/80 | HD 9/9 | Thirst 2/2 | Charm 1/1 | Wind 1/1 | Surge 1/1| Indomitable 0/1 | Inspiration
Stats:
AC 20 | Str +7 Dex +0(+2) Con +6 Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +2 | Initiative +0 | Passive Perception 14, Darkvision

Carnadine gladly partakes of the alemaiden's generous offer.
advantage to Cha

============

Having been recognized as a Knight Incorporeal, the noble dhampir smiles wolfishly, with a nod he replies to Field Marshall Haclav, "Carnadine of Bruvik, Captain of Arms. It is a genuine pleasure to stand before you."
Persuasion (make a good impression): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 131d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

He allows his new friends to describe all that they know. Carnadine is cautious to reveal more of himself and lacks leverage. This court is new to him, so he actively listens for the players to reveal what they wish to show.


Wounds (0) HP (91) AC (20) Saves (7/-1/7/2/1/0) lvl1 (4/4) lvl2 (0/2) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE]

Hrungnir was of the belief that too many speaking led to chaos. He remained quiet, keeping an eye out for any aerial spies. That is, until he couldn’t take it anymore. Raising his voice over the din, he said

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

”I had thought it a joke that southerners were soft! Bloody abyss, ye’ve got fey murderin’ priests in ye own city! Comin’ into yer seat of power and statin’ that yer’re now their wee doggies. Where’s the fire?! Where’s the outrage?! I only heard one knight here who sounded like a real man! If anyone here is willin’ to give up hearth and home without a fight, then ye deserve neither!”

Persuasion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20


HP: 71 (71) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +8; Con: +2; Int: +3; Wis: +2; Cha: +0 | Initiative: +7 | Passive Perception: 18; Passive Insight: 14; Passive Investigation: 12 | Inspiration: [ ] | Spells/Day: 3 (3)

Lexi couldn't help but laugh at Hrungnir's statement.


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After Lexi's speech, Lady Marack offers "Yes, it is always puzzle isn't it? We have won Zobeck by blood and struggle, while they have it by native right. We are the invaders, aren't we? Yet they even seem to have the softer moral ground. Should we not simply 'slit their throats' as you say? Were they true monsters, we ought not have any quarrel taking their lands from them by full force. But here...civility requires we at least try to parley. After all, how do we take arms and sally forth into another dimension?" she pauses "I am here because one day long ago the amazons of the Perunalian duchy preferred to trade with a woman over a man...the benefits have rippled across time and grown into piles of gold. Perhaps there is some favorable group the fey might be more receptive to?"

Orlando the Archwizard counters "Dimensions are not wholly closed from one another. The ancient Arbonesse elves knew how to reach across shadow...they formed the shadow roads for trade across Midgard... With time, perhaps a way through could be found. Better we try to minimize losses during this time..."

But Raseri countered, mentioning the innocents already at risk for entertainment. She recounts the experiences of the party, and brings mention of the treaty...but they seem quite skeptical. Especially Hrovitz "A treaty between Stross and the Shadow Fey? That is quite the extraordinary claim...how did you come by this information? How did it elude history for so long? No, I think you must be mistaken or have made some simple misinterpretation. My family traded with the fallen Stross for centuries, and certainly nothing of the sort was ever fathomed..."

The mayor nods "This is truly a hard fact to take on its face...can you give any evidence to bolster your claims?"

Deimus' quick front to the King of Kings is met with silence at first, but the kobold's eyes don't waver...locked onto the gearforged's frame as he backs away. "The Stross are gone, boy. Unless an army of their ghost slavers is on our doorstep, I fail to see your point."

At Carnadine's introduction Haclav calmly recalls "Castle Bruvik, tollers of the Northern Road beyond Bratislor. An unlearned military man such as myself could only guess why you might be taking Zobeck's troubles at heart."

But before any further could be said, Hrungnir erupted in true Cantonal fashion. *bang* went the gavel, and Consul Streck composed a sharp retort "Enough, this isn't some Ironcrag tavern. We agreed to meet with you because you claimed to have sensitive information you wished to keep from the public. I have heard nothing we did already know save the outrageousness of a 'lost treaty'...which you can not find? Ha. Furthermore, if you can not see the wisdom in tact beyond swordpoint, it is because you are not solely responsible for the lives of 16,000 free Zobeckers. Yes, we have heard of the bleachings, the shavings, the ridiculous edicts. We have not heard of disembowelments, hangings, and rape. Escalations are not to be taken so lightly."

Firedrake, the dwarven priest of Rava, who had been silent finally comes about "Leave the lad, Radovar. Runesmen deserve more respect than that. And you're forgetting the temple attacks. Priest Oleg and his acolyte Misha didn't start that fight...and aye, it caint stand to have any holy man struck down on his own dais. Valeresh. You heard the Thorsdottir. They prefer Valeresh to Thor or Perun. You know who be Valeresh? I wager not many do. The Swift Destroyer...wielder of Illethandril, the Silent Sword. Most have it he was a god departed with the Great Retreat, but some say he crossed to shadow with his pointy ear worshippers...ye see they would replace Thor with his shadow. Same with Rava and Khors...they caint allow them but their like from the dead elven gods... Land is land, but if they take our gods they take our culture. Aye, strike back we must...lives might be lost but souls would be saved."

A moment of contemplation follows where none speak. The fear and concern on the faces of some Consuls is apparent.


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Firedrake adds another warning "Aye, lightning and thunder...ye see the flash before ye hear it. That moment of silence before the crash, that's Valeresh. That's where we are now with these fey...in that moment between."


HP: 71 (71) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +8; Con: +2; Int: +3; Wis: +2; Cha: +0 | Initiative: +7 | Passive Perception: 18; Passive Insight: 14; Passive Investigation: 12 | Inspiration: [ ] | Spells/Day: 3 (3)

"I thought free people were responsible for themselves." said Lexi.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

"I see some would rather ridicule us over small slips of manners than to consider the truth of our words. What is there to be gained in lying? These fey act as if the city is theirs. They call it the Fey City of Zobeck. Right now, they are acting on rules we do not know. The fey always act according to their rules. If we wish to stop them from harming the people of Zobeck, then we must find what agreement the Stross clan made and find a way out of it."

Raseri looks around, eyeing each of the council members in turn, her gaze lingering for a moment on Consul Streck.

Insight (Streck): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Persuasion (Heavenly Brew): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 211d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Woo! It appears Raseri has a voice of thunder and a tongue of silver.


Wounds (0) HP (91) AC (20) Saves (7/-1/7/2/1/0) lvl1 (4/4) lvl2 (0/2) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE]

Thankful to have his honor defended, especially after it had been challenged, Hrungnir crossed his arms and remained silent. Better to have some think him a fool than to open his mouth and prove them right. Especially as Raseri seemed to have a tongue smoother than liquid silver.


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At Lexi's jab, Streck responded "Responsible for their wealth, their path in life...yes. The commerce and industry of Zobeck is unmatched, undreamt any where else in Midgard. But responsible for their own defense? No. A complete lack of governance is called 'anarchy' my dear lady, and while that might sound intriguing, I assure you society benefits from some modicum of organization. Freedom here means free of any king or fiefdom. Free opportunity for all, not just arbitrary nobility based on what...birth? Yet we are unique, someone must exist to deal with the nobility of other realms...the farmer's voice would lie unheard from one of the duchies if not for our representation. Nor would that farmer be left to fend for themselves if attacked. And again, if we can save the life of that farmer...yes, we will. Such is indeed our duty."

Orlando chided "Gods Streck, spare the poor girl the lesson in government. She's simply saying maybe the people want us to take a bolder action. Maybe they are willing to risk their lives if their freedom is at stake. It's their choice, is it not?"

"...yes, and 16,000 voices each with their own choices is chaos. We as Consul must unite and bridge the disparity, forging forward with the path of greatest promise. Will everyone always be satisfied? No. But is such even possible?" rhetoricized Streck.

Again Orlando "Yes it certainly is, you were not there during the Great Revolt...but I was on the front lines. Stross fell when the people, when we, stood up. The people do not need us to unite...you would do well to remember that. Power is not truly yours, though it might be temporarily yielded to you in some regard...this Council is the organic result of 16,000 disparate voices...it is not an outsider who swept in at the last moment as savior."

Raseri recognized that Streck was somehow offended at the notion of a treaty between Stross and the Shadow Fey. She thinks he is acting honestly, if somewhat misguided. She also wisely realizes that he is right in a way, they need more proof of this treaty for the Council to take an effective responsive action.

He adds "Then find it, if it even exists. The burden of proof lies upon he who affirms, does it not? Seek this hidden ambassador and learn of the claims he posits. The Griffon Knights can take back the walls. Curses can be reversed. Outright war is harder to turn...we still have a window, I think."

The mayor nods "It would be a great service to read this treaty, there are those among us with quite a mastery of law. It seems you are indeed a step ahead of us in this regard. This ambassador must surely hold some scrap of it? You should know, also, it is not just innocents who have been targeted, but us as well."

The statement drew shocks and indignation from the others on the council "Gods Olleck, you know thats Blue House intel not to be spread."

She continues "They need to know we are not above the threat, and feel it directly. An assassin came to me personally a few nights past, but luckily my guardian turned his blade. The man, a human with fey blade, hung himself in his cell before he could be fully questioned. The dead unfortunately can not speak of their secrets..."


Dhampir Knight Captain Incorporeal | HP: 80/80 | HD 9/9 | Thirst 2/2 | Charm 1/1 | Wind 1/1 | Surge 1/1| Indomitable 0/1 | Inspiration
Stats:
AC 20 | Str +7 Dex +0(+2) Con +6 Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +2 | Initiative +0 | Passive Perception 14, Darkvision

I can't find the post where we discovered the treaty. Would really appreciate a link. Thanks

Carnadine smiles at the insinuations of the Field Marshall Haclav. He steps forward to share his observations. "Distinguished Councilors, the Hidden Ambassador mentioned the Moonlit King. The shadow fey who we captured at the gate identified himself as a vassal of the Queen of Night. I thought the King and Queen exchanged their throne of the Shadow Kingdom, so something has happened to allow them to coexist. Do you remember that astronomer earlier today, he mentioned that the stars were out of alignment or that something will happen that hasn't happened in thousands of years, so he may know our timetable to make a difference in this plot."

"Also, would you know how this fey prisoner, the Master-of-Roads, Haylcaster Montylgrue, of House Roren, was set free from the city jail?"

"The Hidden Ambassador also said that he was ready to arbitrate, so we could initiate contact with him when we're ready. Would you happen to know where this Winter's Kiss is?"
Persuasion (to get more information): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 191d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7


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You can search the thread for 'Centaur's Grave' to reread the ghost's dialogue initiated by the stoned, high, and hallucinating Hrungnir with diamond constitution. It was the conclusion of the Temple of Rava scene, happening while the others were atop the Barbican in battle. The others mentioned sharing the info when the party reunited.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

Starts here and goes on down the page.

"Do you still have this blade? I may have seen its cousin," Raseri says.


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The beautiful Vendemic took it upon herself to respond to Carnadine "Ser, you must understand...tales of the Queen of Night and Magic...the Moonlit King...before now have just been stories. Cultural treasures cataloged in bardic knowledge or old grandmother's tales. We can't rely on them to be accurate representations of the Shadow Kingdom...we need a real source. Again, finding the ambassador seems relevant."

Orlando added "...Exar the Thrice-Promised makes lots of claims...I daresay he has attended nearly every public hearing of this Council since its creation. Granted, I've never taken the man for a doomsayer, as much. And the frozen Argent lends a bit to his notions..."

Talk of the freed prisoner is met with an awkward silence. The gearforged scribe looks back expectantly. Finally the little Myzi I breaks with "Only the Council or the Blue House Praetors can legally pardon one of Redrock Bailey's captives. Or someone skilled in forgery." he snickers "Or perhaps a smuggler aided his escape, and the pardon was merely an invention to save some gaoler's embarassment?" he snickers the more, as his imagination dwells on glorious crimes. "Or a corrupt Watchman is spinning tales...hehe. Oh but the biggest embarassment would be if this very Council simply did not know." again he seemed devilishly delighted in taking them down a notch, the Field Marshall's face is a bright crimson and his eyes are emitting death rays at the small Myzi I.

They seem thankful when Carnadine moves the conversation further, regarding the Winter's Kiss "No, it is part of our business to know the leases and mortgages of estates within our walls. Records of every structure are kept in the archives and reviewed periodically...they don't just appear and disappear. Surely something like an embassy could not escape our notice...hmm...Unless of course it was meant to be hidden from the eyes of men. I suppose such things are the purview of divination magics..."

At Whitescale's question, Mayor Olleck shakes her head no "It remains spirited away in the Armory, but a sketch was archived here along with a heavily redacted account of its origin. Perhaps you could take a look and affirm your suspicions. Garret..." she seems to be addressing the gearforged scribe "...do you recall the reference number for that particular entry?"

The machine opens a compartment on his wrist and clicks a dial slowly as his ocular array cycles through a number of different hues "99fd8-naught-71b". The King of Kings rolls his eyes at the things inhumanity.

Vendemic interjects to Raseri "May I just add, something that has surely been on all our minds? Your dress is magnificent. Truly none donning its equal have come to grace our hall, and we have seen queens and princesses from a hundred lands." she smiles "It is a joy to know some still appreciate finery."


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

Vendemic's comment catches Raseri off guard, and her cheeks turn red with embarrassment.

"Ah, I must confess that it was the tailor I bought this from that did so well," She says, her embarrassment only growing as she realizes how ridiculously young she must appear now. "The Stitch Fetish if you care to know."

She takes a deep breath, steadying her nerves and buying herself a chance to recompose herself.

"While I appreciate the offer to examine the drawings made of it, I must admit that there is little they could tell me about the blade's iron heart. That is how you can tell if one blade is the cousin of another. I have brought many blades from the fires, and some are surprised to learn I made blades that looked nothing alike. If you do not have the blade here, then I feel that I will be more useful looking for any agreements that may yet hide in the dusty shelves of the archives."


HP: 71 (71) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +8; Con: +2; Int: +3; Wis: +2; Cha: +0 | Initiative: +7 | Passive Perception: 18; Passive Insight: 14; Passive Investigation: 12 | Inspiration: [ ] | Spells/Day: 3 (3)

"What happened to the effects of the Stross family after they were deposed? Surely the revolution wouldn't have simply burned contracts and ledgers would they?"


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"Ah yes, I should have known it were the stitch o' Dancy. Shame about her departed husband those years ago...I never believed it was him who was the true jewel thief, a halfling such as he simply wouldn't have it in their heart. I can secure your entry to the Armory to inspect it first hand in a matter of days, or perhaps send a carrier with it to your residence..." she offers before inquiring "Where do you stay? But of course the archives are and shall forever remain open to the public."

Orlando takes up Lexi's line of thought "When the castle was taken after centuries of oppression, the revolution was a mob with only one collective thought: the utter destruction of all things Stross. It was like...have you ever witnessed an army of ants devour the corpse of a wasp? Reading contracts and ledgers with any discrimination...no I don't think that happened. After the fire, only a few of the oldest structural walls were intact...though I hear over the past few decades the dwarves of clan Grimbold have restored the look of the original."


HP: 71 (71) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +8; Con: +2; Int: +3; Wis: +2; Cha: +0 | Initiative: +7 | Passive Perception: 18; Passive Insight: 14; Passive Investigation: 12 | Inspiration: [ ] | Spells/Day: 3 (3)

"Guess we'll have to find the ambassador then." was all Lexi had to say on the subject.


Dhampir Knight Captain Incorporeal | HP: 80/80 | HD 9/9 | Thirst 2/2 | Charm 1/1 | Wind 1/1 | Surge 1/1| Indomitable 0/1 | Inspiration
Stats:
AC 20 | Str +7 Dex +0(+2) Con +6 Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +2 | Initiative +0 | Passive Perception 14, Darkvision

thanks for the link!

"It's a shame that there is not a representative of the Watch on the Council. Who can get to the bottom of how our prisoner was released? The conclusion would tell us more of the power of the fey in the city. Perhaps we could, with the authority of Council."

"A trip to the archives would be valuable to uncover evidence of the Winter's Kiss and the Strosses. Are there any restricted areas that the Council's permission could unlock?"

"And if we find the Hidden Ambassador, what gives us authority to negotiate on behalf of Zobeck? Should we summon the full council if we open arbitration? How do you want to handle the negotiations?" Carnadine smiles waiting to see where the divisions in the council appear.


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Hrovitz rests the tips of his fingers together, leaning forward saying "It's best you approach this 'Ambassador' as an independent party. Were you there under the authority of this Council, it might be later constructed, legally, as an acknowledgement that this treaty exists. You seem unwilling to even share why you think there is document, or how you learned of it, and perhaps thats also for the best..."

Myzi I half giggles half chokes "Deniability! A shroud of bent truth."

Hrovitz rolled his eyes and continued "As for the prisoner, typically it would be the intelligence officers of Blue House to investigate...internal...issues like this. In this case however, they might as well be implicated...a true 3rd party is needed I think. Some turnkey at Redrock Bailey had to open the door, and some gaoler had to give the order..."

Quetelmak hisses "Blue House not the only spy game in town...little rodents everywhere clutch at cheeses. Stolen information is found alongside stolen goods on the Black Markets..."

The mayor seems frustrated but tries to helpfully add "The archives are open to everyone! Of course not every citizen can be present while we arbitrate, and indeed some things simply move swifter behind closed doors. Our decisions and actions are recorded there transparently, for all."


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Sounds like maybe archives next? Feel free to ask/say anything else of the Council, stuff from before/out of sequence. It was a lot of text in a few days time...


(Vanished One) HP 23/23 | AC 13 | Acr +5 Dec +3 Ins +3 Int +5 Perc +3 Pers +5 SoH +3 Ste +3 | Saves: S +1, D +3, C +5, I -1, W +1, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +3 | PPerc 13; PInv 9; Pins 13; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 3/3 | Spell DC 13 (1: 4/4; 2:1/2) | Sorcery 3/3 | Spell Att +5 | Status: Normal

Deimus has listened for a while, his head rocking mechanically between two set positions as words we're exchanged and sent back across the divide.

"Tzk."

He tilts his head and approaches Hrungnir, then says in a loud voice: "We should wish to find this Hidden Ambaszsador, yes, but we would also wish to investigate how this fey escaped Redrock Bzailey. For the former, we need to stand a independents. Fair. But for the latter, we should need a mark from tzhis council to propel us forward in our enquiries. Would you be willing to extend usz a letter of mandate?"


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Hrovitz reclines in his comfy chair mumbling "Hmm...yes...you would need something to elevate you from ordinary concerned citizens. But not a council mandate...thats...imagine how it would look if Blue House was implicated? A political move against the Praetors of the secret police direct from the Council...its unprecedented. We rely on that intelligence to function, it can't be polluted by politics... I think the wiser path might be to elevate your rank...hmm, but you are not of the Watch truly. Special Investigators, perhaps?"

"Its been done before, as with The Dragged Woman." Kekolina recalls.

"That was before the structure of the Watch was even formulated, before the first tipstaffs." Streck indicates.

"It doesn't matter, from a legal perspective. The office is still there, and the badge could still be issued. The rationale is similar, a conflict of interests among the pillars of government." her little sweet kobold voice was strong but sure.

"Fine, a simple majority then?"

The scribe facilitates a quick vote. Quetelmak, Streck, Myzi I, and Haclav are against it, leaving it 8 to 4 in favor. Haclav adds "This kind of pussyfooting and second guessing each other is the kind of bureaucratic b+$#+*#$ that stifles other nations. If Blue House released this fey, they had a damn good reason...we should trust them instead of dragging this further into the light."

Olleck clears her throat "*ahem* Was the vote recorded, Garret? Good...issue them the documents necessary to acquire their badge."


Dhampir Knight Captain Incorporeal | HP: 80/80 | HD 9/9 | Thirst 2/2 | Charm 1/1 | Wind 1/1 | Surge 1/1| Indomitable 0/1 | Inspiration
Stats:
AC 20 | Str +7 Dex +0(+2) Con +6 Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +2 | Initiative +0 | Passive Perception 14, Darkvision

I vote archives first for the Winter's Kiss, Strosses, and Carnadine's personal errand of the tipstaff smuggler. Then Redrock Bailey. Then, we're probably going to need to go to the Strosses old castle.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

Same, mainly because we're all here.


HP: 71 (71) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +8; Con: +2; Int: +3; Wis: +2; Cha: +0 | Initiative: +7 | Passive Perception: 18; Passive Insight: 14; Passive Investigation: 12 | Inspiration: [ ] | Spells/Day: 3 (3)

I kinda want to check back with my business partner to see if he sold my armor yet, but that can wait =)


(Vanished One) HP 23/23 | AC 13 | Acr +5 Dec +3 Ins +3 Int +5 Perc +3 Pers +5 SoH +3 Ste +3 | Saves: S +1, D +3, C +5, I -1, W +1, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +3 | PPerc 13; PInv 9; Pins 13; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 3/3 | Spell DC 13 (1: 4/4; 2:1/2) | Sorcery 3/3 | Spell Att +5 | Status: Normal

I'm good with that order.


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Olleck ends with "Just tread lightly, don't overexpose yourselves where you can help it...you are already taking on so much. If things heat up, back off...allow the Free Army's will to fight shroud you."

The special session adjourns, and the Council retires to their private chamber to continue the business of the day. Garret, the gearforged Scribe, provides the documents needed for a badge of office (to those who gave their full name) before concluding his record and preparing for its storage in the archives...

Just across the wide marbled hall a set of polished steel plated doors rests ajar (inlaid with the relief of a friendly old man pointing at a book and smiling a goofy grin), leading into rows and stacks of scrolls and tomes. The heavy restriction on weapons does not apply to the archives below, so the prudent might collect their weapons before descending.

The archives are not so old and dusty, which makes sense. The government is on the order of 9 decades old, not even a century. Still, the records are exhaustive and the years roll back only by 5 on the first floor...and continue down further and further via a central stair spiral. Every other floor or so there is a large study table meant to support groups in their labors of research and cross reference. It seems quite comfortable, though it goes without saying...no snacks allowed.

Investigation rolls unless using magic or some other means for Winter's Kiss. In general each PC can make one roll per day browsing for a specific topic, and might require up to a few hours. For the record indicated by Garret regarding the fey blade, no roll is necessary since the designation was given. For the Watch insignia likewise, not required because of the details gleaned from gnomes...


HP: 71 (71) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +8; Con: +2; Int: +3; Wis: +2; Cha: +0 | Initiative: +7 | Passive Perception: 18; Passive Insight: 14; Passive Investigation: 12 | Inspiration: [ ] | Spells/Day: 3 (3)

"So we should probably split into groups looking for different information: we need to know where the Winter's Kiss is, we need to see if there is any information on the Stross family we can use, and we need to see if there's anything related to the Shadow Fey here or the treaty. Anyone think of anything else we need?"


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

Sorry, I apparently missed some stuff, and failed to reply to them. Raseri would have given her full name, sh has nothing to hide after all. She also would have told Vendemic she is currently at Kjeta's brewery and will be there for the foreseeable future. Also, she has to weapons to collect since she left them all at the brewery.

Raseri is rather surprised to find the archives rather cozy. Despite her best intentions, she falls asleep barely an hour into their search as the fatigue from a night filled with bad dreams catches up to her. She curls up in one of the large armchairs to rest her eyes for a moment and barely a score of breaths later, she's fast asleep.


Dhampir Knight Captain Incorporeal | HP: 80/80 | HD 9/9 | Thirst 2/2 | Charm 1/1 | Wind 1/1 | Surge 1/1| Indomitable 0/1 | Inspiration
Stats:
AC 20 | Str +7 Dex +0(+2) Con +6 Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +2 | Initiative +0 | Passive Perception 14, Darkvision

"Yes, let's split up and research the Winter's Kiss from different angles." Carnadine replies to Lexi knowing full well that he will do that tomorrow. First priority for him is identifying that tipstaff.


Wounds (0) HP (91) AC (20) Saves (7/-1/7/2/1/0) lvl1 (4/4) lvl2 (0/2) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE]

Hrungnir held his arms out and smiled. Taking a deep breath he said ”Can ye feel it?! All of this knowledge. There is nay power like knowledge. From the true name of a devil to the biased history of a pedantic historian, this is where true strength comes from. One can’t even begin to learn the Runes until this simple fact is learned.”

Walking in, Hrungnir went to work, like a fish in water.

Knowledge history on Stross Family?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Knowledge Arcana on Winter's Kiss?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

How does sage background effect researching?


HP: 71 (71) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +8; Con: +2; Int: +3; Wis: +2; Cha: +0 | Initiative: +7 | Passive Perception: 18; Passive Insight: 14; Passive Investigation: 12 | Inspiration: [ ] | Spells/Day: 3 (3)

The sage's feature is kinda wierd; instead of giving you assistance in researching things faster or more effectively, it's feature lets you know where the information you need will be located (i.e. what library it's in).


(Vanished One) HP 23/23 | AC 13 | Acr +5 Dec +3 Ins +3 Int +5 Perc +3 Pers +5 SoH +3 Ste +3 | Saves: S +1, D +3, C +5, I -1, W +1, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +3 | PPerc 13; PInv 9; Pins 13; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 3/3 | Spell DC 13 (1: 4/4; 2:1/2) | Sorcery 3/3 | Spell Att +5 | Status: Normal

Deimus watches Hrungnir move through the archive as though he was born there, quite surprised.

It takes him a moment to get his bearings, figuring out some similarities between research and tinkering after a while.

Investigation: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16


character sheet

Kjeta thanks the council, and says, "If you learn more that you think we should know, please send word to The Hero of the Hops."

At the archives, she opens a few books and pokes around, but without a real sense of how to begin...until she finds one with a recipe for an old "ruby ale". Forgetting the Winter's Kiss, she jots down the recipe...and then suddenly says, "Rubies!"

When she realizes she's startled others--or given the impression that she's learned something of import about the fey--she explains, "Errr, sorry, I'm not sure I'm cut out fer book-delving, but I was thinking about how frustrating it was to fight them fey in the dark, and then I remembered I know a spell that can make permanent light, but it takes some rubies."

Seeing how engrossed Hrungnir and others are the stacks, she says, "Maybe before it gets too late I'll buy some ruby powder and then come back to meet you all."

Investigate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3


HP: 71 (71) | AC: 18 | Saves: Str: +0; Dex: +8; Con: +2; Int: +3; Wis: +2; Cha: +0 | Initiative: +7 | Passive Perception: 18; Passive Insight: 14; Passive Investigation: 12 | Inspiration: [ ] | Spells/Day: 3 (3)

Lexi is going to take her time in the archives looking for records on Stross family holdings.

Investigation: 1d20 ⇒ 13


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Deimus what exactly were you researching?

Raseri

You drift off and for a moment find peace, but something startles you awake. A whisper? An echo? Some noise like children softly playing is coming from somewhere nearby...a vent perhaps. It chatters on a bit while you try to pinpoint its source but then vanishes.

As you return to Mount Slumberland, another interruption comes. This time the children sound like they're crying, while one laughs with the odd cruelty of the age. Its a bit closer than the first, but still difficult to discern...perhaps within the stacks on the floor just below you.


CG Female Elfmarked Cleric(Tempest Domain) 8/Sorcerer 1 HP: 39/72, HD: d8- 8/8, d6- 1/1 | AC: 20 | Saves: STR +3 DEX +2 CON* +6 INT +1 WIS +3 CHA* +6 (Immune: Petrification, Sleep)| Perception: +10, Investigate: 0, Insight: +6 | Channel Divinity (Short Rest): 2/2 | Wrath of the Storm (Long Rest): 1/2 | Spells: 1st 0/4, 2nd 0/3, 3rd 0/3, 4th 0/2, 5th 1/1, | Arrows: 0, Status:

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Not liking the sound of the cruel laughter, Raseri goes looking for the source, trying to descend the stairs as quietly as she can to avoid drawing notice to herself. Not exactly sure where to go from the landing, she goes with her gut and slinks off down one of the aisles between the towering bookcases.

Well, she's not seeing much, but whatever she doesn't see isn't going to see her either. :D


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Hrungnir

Was wanting a single investigation check on a topic you declare. From those knowledge checks, nothing on Winter's Kiss. As for Stross, in addition to what you recall from the graveyard...

Hrungnir seems to remember that the Stross power was bribery supported by nearly endless wealth and cruelty from lack of empathy. The family wealth came from 2 primary sources: river trade, and the kobold silver mines. The silver mines were immediately handed over to the kobolds after the Revolt, who worked it for some 30 years before flooding and collapse closed them off. The division and distribution of the river trade was carnal rush of capitalism, where fiends with means saw the opportunity in front of them or lost it to someone who saw it sooner.

If you had to guess, early Council deliberations on river trade disputes might shed some light on the Stross family and would probably be the best place to start.

I'll say from your sage background you somewhat recognize the reference cataloguing system (ie Dewey decimal system) and can point out that row of stacks to others also researching Stross family stuff (ie Lexi) and reduce the time requirement. But please do roll investigation then I'll post what scrolls/tomes you find.


Wounds (0) HP (91) AC (20) Saves (7/-1/7/2/1/0) lvl1 (4/4) lvl2 (0/2) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE]

Investigation: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Realize now that I took Insight instead of investigation. That’s what happens when pathfinder is your main game. Oh well! At least my dice are still on fire


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Raseri

You wander around a little trying to follow the intermittent sounds, the books and rows and circular architecture playing odd tricks. You are sure that you have found the source around one corner only to find a blank aisle. But then, halfway down, you turn to the stacks...taking a book from a shelf, and can spy through its empty space into the next aisle over. There, a blond girl, maybe 9 years old, in a blue dress is sniffling on the floor with her back to you. No one else seems to be around.

*sniff*

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