Layla scratched her head. This was likely the most awkward meeting she had ever been to. She would be already startled by being in a room with a single of these rare creatures, but seeing all of it together was simply overwhelmingly surreal.
I don't really have much to add... - she finally spoke in her usual projected tone - Like I said before, I hadn't ever been to the town, but I do have the intention to investigate the happenings, and the blessing from the other pactsworns to do so.
The glass she had previously said to rise, she now let rest on a nearby table.
However, I start to ask myself where do I, and some of my other companions, fit here. Between dragons and large smoke looking outsiders, it seems you're already very well covered and our help would be but like the scratch of flies. You will forgive me if I feel my skills are a lot more... Mundane. - the noblewoman said in an uncharacteristic humble, yet bluntly sincere way.
"Say it as you see it. With powers like yourself gathered here, why need us?" the elf's scathing voice echoes in the hallway that might be a little quiet.
"We have brought news and it seems to me that nature itself should be well protected with ones such as yourselves."
He sips from his cup wondering just what was in it.
"I'll still be hunting my prey." he adds in as an afterthought.
Contrary to other responses, Ike sat up just a touch straighter in his chair as the efrit revealed himself. Even looking a touch relieved. For once, he didn't feel like the most out of place person in the room. For once, he wasn't the monster. Even if he still played the part.
However, the question as to why send their gathering to investigate Varnhold and not going themselves made Ike speak up. It was about looks... and this was something he knew about quite well. "It's about appearances, isn't it? Greenwatch is one of the colonies started by the Swordlords of Rostland, along with Varnhold, right? If Varnhold goes quiet and the leaders of Greenwatch march to Varnhold, even to investigate, it could be seen as a power grab, couldn't it? Sounds an awful lot like the sudden disapperance of House Rogarvia in 4699, and the claim to the throne by House Surtova has left a lot of political tension in Brevoy, right? If Rostland thought Greenwatch was making a land grab, Rostland would be forced to act, dragging Issia into the conflict out of another suspected power move, and all of Brevoy becomes embroiled in a civil war for power, right? In order to maintain an appearance of neutrality, it would be better if Greenwatch sent an independent group to investigate and report back, wouldn't it?"
Ike paused in his questioning and presumptions as he looked around, realizing he must sound like he's rambling and paranoid and immediately sinking back into his seat and quietly adding, "Or... maybe not... I don't know..."
Sindri had been sitting quietly and watching the goings on. It was uncharacteristic of him to not be rubbing elbows with whoever would listen to him, but he was trying to make a good first impression. When the dragonkin smashed his way into the room, his eyes began to glow slightly, and as he moved his hands about sparks began to fly. At the explanation of the situation however, he relaxes back into his chair and the sparks fade.
At the mention of house Rogarvia, his eyes are glued to Ike. His finger that bore a ring with the Rogarvian crest on it began to tap slightly.
"In addition to all that was mentioned, would it stop any of us from going to Varnhold even if we weren't given a mandate by Greenwatch? From the sound of it, we all have our own reasons for looking into The Vanishing. Friends, family, lovers? You couldn't keep me away from Varnhold if you tried!" He pauses for a second.
"Still, I feel confident knowing that there are such qualified people who are so similarly motivated! If we travel together, not even the strangeness of the Stolen Lands will be able to thwart us!"
Roland stands, "I agree with our gnome friend, Sindri. For some of us, what happened to Varnhold is personal. Some us of here are not mercenaries, so with or without your blessing, we are going to investigate. It's just easier if you sanction it." Roland sits back down.
However, the question as to why send their gathering to investigate Varnhold and not going themselves made Ike speak up. It was about looks... and this was something he knew about quite well. "It's about appearances, isn't it? Greenwatch is one of the colonies started by the Swordlords of Rostland, along with Varnhold, right? If Varnhold goes quiet and the leaders of Greenwatch march to Varnhold, even to investigate, it could be seen as a power grab, couldn't it? Sounds an awful lot like the sudden disapperance of House Rogarvia in 4699, and the claim to the throne by House Surtova has left a lot of political tension in Brevoy, right? If Rostland thought Greenwatch was making a land grab, Rostland would be forced to act, dragging Issia into the conflict out of another suspected power move, and all of Brevoy becomes embroiled in a civil war for power, right? In order to maintain an appearance of neutrality, it would be better if Greenwatch sent an independent group to investigate and report back, wouldn't it?"
He begins to nod as you point out at least the obvious of which he is thinking about, "You are right my friend. Though this meeting was made so that we could all hear what you know. We have not had any interactions with those that started Varnhold and not many direct dealings either. Some of us in this room may have even heard of Varnhold before. We have been busy settling our own neck of the neighborhood. It would be better if an independent group investigated and perchance had a token of support with you from Greenwatch. We will sanction your investigation into Varnhold, with the blessing of the Baron and a vote. We will also be watching closely to what happens to you. Baron?" As he wraps up what he says and looks to Quince. With his acknoledgment Bearik looks to the gathered Wardens and asks, "All those in support of the motion, please say, 'Aye'... Those opposed... and with that the motion moves. If you would all be so kind as to wait in the courtyard we will determine who will be joining you on your venture."
Quince sighs and looks toward Layla and Lykan, "Mundane I doubt that." He smiles, "The stolen lands are a big place and the new nation of Greenwatch has been blessed but we are not without threats. Dragonkin and smoky friends are still finite no matter what the scaly one tells you." He chuckles in Krazok's direction. "For this reason we put forth a call to those who would be willing to look into the issue.
Quince looks to the gnome, [b]"Good. You don't need my blessing. But you will have my aid if you would endeavor with us in this."
Quince turns to Roland, "I understand personal. I am glad that ones whose connection to this mission are strong. My own father was killed in these lands before the charter called for those who would attempt to deal with the bandits and harshness of the wild. Joining the expedition was not a matter of personal gain, or desire to be noted for exploit, I hoped to see justice for my father, and for those people who sought to make life in this place."
"You've a head for politics Ike." he addresses the man. "Yes I think that we are asked to check on Varnhold because of the tensions to the north. But also because the blood and treasure we would risk cost them little. If we succeed. We are a southern ally that is closely tied to them in trade and heritage. If we fail the troublesome lawless region to the south remains so as it has for decades. They have peace, stability and opportunity to gain and the risk is for those would dare."
He looks to Bearik and nods approvingly to the call for the council to vote.
"I am sorry for your loss, Baron and I am glad you understand personal motives. My sword is at your service." Roland bows before Baron Medvyed.
"Maybe we should just, jump." Cleonora suggested. "One of two things will likely happen, and either are likely even if we send a scout in."
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Grabbing what few delicacies on the table he could obtain and the wonderful beverages, the elf moves outside and settles down to enjoy what he could get.
He's heard about the Wardens though vaguely being not one to follow the high and mighty at looking down at their boots. He did know that some or was it all of them had stopped a malicious hunter from his indiscriminate killing. That was a point but doing what that dragonkin did brought that score down in his mind.
Seems like they wanted to join in as well. As long as he found his prey, everything else could be ignored or negotiated.
As the other Wardens had taken point in communicating with their guests she would sit back like many of the others.
Kevros would agree and opt for him to stay as well.
He sits in his seat enjoying the back and forth while sipping on his mug.
He is interested in what each have to say and paces a bit as each of you offer your points of knowledge.
Stalker offers up, "You won't need me to scout out, if you jump there. Of course I would be more than willing to do a scouting."
Elizabeth offers, "Quince and I could go under cover in our hybrid forms. What do you think dear?"
Knowledge Local Delilah: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Knowledge Local Dinenen: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Knowledge Local Ike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Knowledge Local Layla: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Knowledge Local Lykan: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Knowledge Local Roland: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Knowledge Local Sindri: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
K Local DC 12: Lykàn Deliss is a Rostlander. Raised in the south of Brevoy, a land of dense forests and rolling plains. He cares little for matters of politics and nobles or of deception and schemes.
K Local DC 15: In his youth he fell among mischief. He was a padfoot, scout, or minstrel decades before.
Elf Druid. Self Proclaimed protector of the plains and forests. Hunter with bow. Slay not the creatures more then you need or you'll be meeting the wraith of an insane elf that happens to specialise in Ambush and gurrelia fighting. Tales abound of over greedy hunters getting beaten to near death or simply disappearing only to be found dead in the wilds several days after.
Other names he is called or goes by:
Mad Elf.
Beast Lord.
Killer from the Plains and Forest.
Bear King.
K Local DC 20: He has been rumored to by a lycanthrope. He is very good at stealth, survival, tracking, and acrobatics.
K Local DC 25: He has a soft spot for unicorns...
Speaking to Quince, "I am sorry for your loss Baron. It seems you have done well in getting your justice. If not for you I would not be here today able to ask for help. I would like to see the gardens and parks you have preserved here before we leave if it is not too much of a bother. Your cathedral is impressive, but I do favour the natural."
Ike blinked as Sindri stared at him, sinking even lower in his seat as he withered under scrutiny. But Quince's praise seemed to give him a slight boost to his confidence. "Oh, no, not politics, exactly. It's just... I've had a lot of experience learning about peoples' reactions to things. It's kinda fascinating when you take the time to study it!"
As the Wardens bade them to wait in the courtyard, Ike was glad to be out of the hall. He was liking the company, but the feeling of eyes on him made him feel like he was being studied... that worried him slightly.
Kn. Local 15: Ike claims to be the son of an alchemist from Wheatflat. While connections can confirm that there was an alchemist named Icarus Melfesh who lived there, he was tragically killed during a break-in for unknown reasons. His estranged son took over the shop following his death.
Kn. Local 20: Nobody realized that Icarus Melfesh had a son. But nobody could deny that the young man had an astoundingly uncanny resemblance to the alchemist, so many accepted it as true. He also showed an aptitude for medicine and was regularly sought out for treatment. Locals relate that he was remarkably sociable, despite spending a fair bit of time holed up in his shop.
Kn. Local 25:Ike is a disturbingly blank slate. Sentries can't even confirm seeing him arriving in Greenwatch, like he materialized out of thin air from an alleyway. Reports on his appearance seem to conflict regularly. One claims he has blue eyes, black hair, and is missing a tooth; another swears he has green eyes, light brown hair, and all of his teeth are immaculate.
The elf while waiting and after finishing his repast. An excellent one since fire charred meat and river water just don't have that touch of elegance that the wines and sweet meats he just had could compare.
Instead he lies flat on the ground and begins to study each of his companions carefully. Very carefully.
At this point, Layla limited herself to stay silent and observe. She had brought the message she was supposed to, and was now ready to actually start investigating the vanishing of Varnhold representing the Aldori.
Local 10 Layla is human, and humans are medium humanoid creatures without special defenses or attacks...
Local 12 Layla is a skilled duelist, who just recently became part of the Aldori swordlords and, as it's the costume, sworn to the pact and adopted the Aldori last name.
Local 15 She is also a noblewoman from a small Taldan house - Kheper - and has two older siblings, brother and sister. Her brother is a priest, and her sister is set to marry Edward Surtova, nephew to Noleski Surtova. The Aldori sent her to investigate the happenings in Varnhold carrying a sealed letter to the kingdom.
Local 20 In her young years, she was sent to the local monastery to become a priest, monk or nun, but never cared for either. Instead, she would escape at nights to train martially and find trouble, which made her a dimdweller.
Local 25 Her fight stance is an absolutely defensive engagement, mostly based om her nimbleness and bravado than brute strength. While very much Aldori in her movements, she combines the parrying agility of the swordlords with quick dodges, feet movement and the exotic Crane style.
Local 30 Despite betrothed to a Surtova, her sister was having a secret affair with Tarren Rogarvia, and both disappeared together with Varnhold - so, in truth, she also has a secret personal interest in what's going on.
The Council likely finishes rather soon and the doors open, leaving Quince in the doorway to address those gathering in the hall.
Sulvanii would point out, "As Quince will be going then your wife should stay in your place and help make sure no unrest happens should knowledge of the Baron's death come from this venture. Of course we would do everything in our power to return him to us, and to life. But in the worse case scenario we have a back up plan."
Bearik would then voice, "Krazok I would like you working on the Southern problems some more while they are gone. Should the worst befall them we would send you with a group of soldiers to recover the bodies."
Katrina would then voice, "To that end, Quince may go with the escorts of Cleonora and Jorne. They should be enough support, let alone the others."
Stalker asks, "Do you want me to scout the area, or will you be jumping the group forward?"
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Roland waits impatiently...damn bureaucrats!
"I am sorry for your loss, Baron and I am glad you understand personal motives. My sword is at your service." Roland bows before Baron Medvyed.
Quince smiles, "That is good to hear. Garess and Medvyed have been long friends. I hope to see that here."
Sulvanii would point out, "As Quince will be going then your wife should stay in your place and help make sure no unrest happens should knowledge of the Baron's death come from this venture. Of course we would do everything in our power to return him to us, and to life. But in the worse case scenario we have a back up plan."
Quince looks to Elizabeth for her answer.
Bearik would then voice, "Krazok I would like you working on the Southern problems some more while they are gone. Should the worst befall them we would send you with a group of soldiers to recover the bodies."
"Krazok we hope soon to bring Candlemere into our nation you as Viceroy of the Tuskwater folk have been a big part of our success with the troll incursions. Your presence there is still important to your people, and Saren's forces are still in the process of garrisoning Candlemere."
Katrina would then voice, "To that end, Quince may go with the escorts of Cleonora and Jorne. They should be enough support, let alone the others."
Quince nods, "Cleo's expertise in magic would be crucial. I am sure Jorne would wish to be there with her. Assuming the security of the Academy is adequate in his absence. "
Stalker asks, "Do you want me to scout the area, or will you be jumping the group forward?"
"At this point I think we have a good pool of resources to look into this matter. "
"I can have Professor Aldori cover security for the time we are gone. He was after all doing it before Jorne took over." Cleonora said. "Though I wouldn't want to stress him for too long. No more than two months."
"While that idea in theory is a good one, it isn't the foundation that had been set up Quince." She pointed out. "The system that you have set up mirrors that of royal and noble. They accepted you as Baron because they believed in you Quince. But Baron you are for the rest of your life... I do not envy such a burden. The crown you wear makes you the most powerful person within these lands yet the duty that comes with it is enough to crush a lessor man."
"However I do not think right now is the best time to talk about changing the power structure already put in place, we do have people waiting on us after all." Cleonora pointed out.
"Mirrors gods no. Builds upon and improves. That's a decree if you need it to be. You are right though not the time."
As the crowd of would=be investigators waits, the Iroran returns to people watching.
His intent is not expressed, but, surely, everyone present desires to know more about those they are likely to be depending upon shortly?
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"That one. Sindri. Gnome Fire heals. Doesn't seem to have burnt the lands. No arrow for him...." Lykàn mutters to himself as he lies on his belly waiting for the results to come in. His eyes turns towards another.
"Melted Son never seen again but here he is. Alchemist too. hasn't polluted the lands. Faher might be killed by those marked as prey. No arrow needed. Just a full quiver." he yawns and looks to the other.
"Looks druid, Smells Druid. No arrow for fellow druids. Unless she's defiler." as he rules her out as well.
"Destitute Noble's scion of a Swordsman. All talent at swordsmanship, no talent in gold making. Not worth an arrow. Hasn't despoiled land, might not have fallen that far yet." he muses to imself.
"I've never seen an elf with blue hair before!" Sindri blurts out, before covering his mouth with his hands. "I'm sorry, was that insensitive? I can be insensitive some times. At least that's what my friends used to say. But that's what this headband is for, it's supposed to help with that, but sometimes I talk too fast and it can't catch up and now I'm flustered and rambling, I should probably stop now!" The gnome sticks out his hand. "Sindri's my name. Sorry about that."
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He smiles in response. Speaking gnomish, "That's okay, Sindri." He moves to the gnome as Dinenen gives him full attention, sitting on the ground before him before continuing in gnomish. "I am Dinenen. I don't believe I've seen an elf with blue hair before, either. My parents are elven, of course, but I am aasimar.
You might be able to tell from my clothing that I follow Irori. I don't know how the perfect self for an aasimar differs from the perfect self for an elf, or gnome, but I am going to try to find out. I hope you look forward to learning what this challenge will be able to teach us about ourselves. That is, after all, almost as important as saving the people that we can."
"Oh!" Sindri switches over to celestial. "I hope you don't mind, I so rarely get a chance to practice! I'm a bit of a linguaphile, after all. I suppose I'm obliged to try and find out as much about myself as possible. After all, I owe it to my god, Atreia! I am the apology of flame for burning the living, or at least I think that's what I am! The more I learn of my god, the more I grow certain of it!"
Quince takes a drink as the guard re-opens the door and he smiles at Elizabeth and gives her a wink in the moment of events changing.
As the others return, "Come sit. We have much to prepare for friends. I know a little of some of you. I look forward to knowing more as our endeavor moves on."
Once people return and are settled. "Like Greenwatch most of Varnhold's connections and support stems from Brevoy and the Swordlords. From what I have learned they established Varnhold in the Nomen Heights in the surrounding hills they established some farms. It has been some time since any traders from Varnhold have visited us here often originating in Restov."
He pulls out a map of the Nomen Heights he had procured from the gnomes of the Marthropple Expedition. He brings it to a large table that is set between them all. He sets another map of the Greenwatch next to it trying to line up the borders. The map of the Greenwatch has many notes and marks on it far more than are on the Varnhold Map. "Heading east from here does bring us to lands that we have not explored. Knowledge of those areas that any of you might have would be helpful. Learning of these areas en route to Varnhold may give us insight to what befell the colony. That same exploration would be crucial to the future of Varnhold if we are able to find its people and restore them to their homes. Rumors from our own frontier have mentioned an infamous worg whose path we might cross. He leans back we have yet to have any contact directly with the centaur of the Nomen Heights. I don't know if any of you know of them or have had opportunity to meet them. They might have information of Varnhold. Though I had not heard of any agreement made with them."
He pauses a moment. "Lady Kheper you brought us the letter from the Swordlords perhaps there is some information you want to bring to bear on this." He looks her way. "Any others who might have experience or knowledge such intelligence is valuable." He looks at each in turn inviting insight.
"I don't know the centaur well. They usually don't cause anyone problems unless you provoke them. Perhaps I could talk to them for you, or tell them that the 'Baron of Greenwatch' would like an audience. They might welcome it or not, they aren't ones for change, such as humans bring. But perhaps they could help us."
"That might be a strong start. Thank you."
"My thoughts would be to survey the lands and do some exploration en route as I said but a direct path." He traces a line westerly from Elkheart on the Greenwatch Map crossing to the Nomen Heights map.
"The alternative would be to travel direct and begin our search in Varnhold. We have transportation that could have us there swiftly. That may well be preferable."
Dinenen looks thoughtful for a moment, then confused, before he speaks.
"I know that there are conflicting priorities and goals to sort out, but I was under the impression that the primary purpose of this expedition is to discover what vanished those at Varnhold, saving all of them that we can, and working to prevent the event from replicating elsewhere? A daunting task, certainly, but one that most would assume requires both focus and speed, on the chance that any who currently survive may be at continued risk. Do we have reason to believe that time is not a factor in this investigation?"
The phrasing and question could easily be seen as lecturing, but the tone of voice reinforces it as a question he actually needs answered.
"We shouldn't rush headlong into trouble. Caution and haste are both appropriate in their time. Gathering as much information as we can will help figure out what might have happened."
The elf's ears perks up at that.
"If you have the ability to do that, Why not do so? The sooner we can scour the city for clues the better we can start deciding what we can do from there." The elf smiles, a not so friendly one.
"We can then pick up the spoor of the despoilers and the one who hid them away."
"I agree that the priority should be finding the missing villagers. The mapping of the region and forging of alliances should be secondary."
Quince looks up and nods, "Alliances may come in time I was thinking of information. We have had our own troubles with those who saw us as intruders it may be that Varnhold has run afoul of . . ." He shrugs knowing the answer could be anything.
"Anything!" Katrina says finishing Quinces sentence. Then adds, "The teleporation stones are not perfected yet, right Bearik. Then they should use our secondary squad of elk for the jump."
He produces three scrolls and lays then rolled up upon the table. "These scrolls are keyed to Elkheart. Should you need to quickly come back you can cast it to create a sort of gate. I call it a town portal. Simply casting it you will be able to go through and then it will close. If you also use a 1st level spell slot it will stay open for you to go back through. If you use a 2nd level spell slot you can take up to your level in additional allies through the portal. Once Varnhold is secure I will come and plant a town portal stone. If it wasn't evident enough, yes, use the elks for the jump."
"The missing villagers will of course be our primary concern." Cleonora said with a nod. "But we cannot ignore the area around us, it could be locals that do not believe those villages should be there just as Quince said. [b]"We'll be able to know more if we can make contact with locals. So no matter what, try not to attack anything we see. Even if it is something like a troll. The dead can talk, but lets not have to deal with that yes?" She asked with a small smirk.
As Ike listened in, he took the information in carefully, tilting his head at the mention of exploration. That seemed logical... but it would help if they had some insight into the region. "Then, wouldn't it be a good idea to speak to the centaurs? If they're there and willing to talk? Maybe if we approached them first, it would show that we are being friendly?" Ike frowned a bit, pulling out a book and flipping through it. Didn't one of his books have some info on centaurs... or did he just imagine that? Either way, he was confident he'd read about something they should be mindful of in the Nomen Heights... but he was pretty sure it had to do with centaurs...
"You are not wrong. Speaking with the centaurs is a good idea and one we will do after we check out the settlement." Clenora said. "We want to know what we can from that to know which path of questions to go down, and to have an idea if we are being lied to." She pointed out.
The missing people are definitely our main concern. - finally spoke Layla with a commanding tone - They're the main reason I was sent here. From my part, I'd prioritize going to the settlement to investigate.
There was urgency on her tone - something personal, but it was very hard to pinpoint what.
Quince nods, "It sounds like we will push to Varnhold first. It is the most reasonable place to start the investigation."
"The town portal scrolls can be used for fast retreat if needed and we are separated from out mounts." He smiles looking toward Katrina, "The elk? Time flies, they are ready?" He looks at those gathered. "Most I am sure have rode horses or riding dogs. Katrina has raised a unique group of elk. They can help get us to Varnhold swiftly."