The woman opens the door and invites you in, "Pathfinders? Yes, you should come in. I thought you may come."
She shows you to a sitting room with particularly comfortable furniture, "I won't turn down some help. That window over there gets stuck sometimes, and my favorite chair has a wobbly leg." she says to Kernal. "Make yourself at home; I'll be right back."
The woman heads off to another room and returns with a lockbox. She unlocks it, opens the lid, and pulls out a journal. "This was Pavo's journal. It has a lot of details of his journeys with him and his friends." she says, handing it over to Nothero.
The journal details where Napsunar and the rest of the Pathfinders went. Such a journal would be invaluable to the society's efforts.
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Despite it being the whole point they all came here, Zabu is even less interested in a book than he was in the NOT fighting in a revolution.
He's of very little help to Klank, though he can lift and carry things. Still he hovers around the dwarf.
"The old 'help out the widow' trick huh?" he says, giving Klank a knowing nudge in the ribs with an elbow when no one is paying attention to them. "You sly old dog. And I thought you were going to be boring."
The woman nods, "Yes, I actually have a copy of the journal I can give you...but I also have some items that Pavo left here that I think would serve the society better." she hands you another small box containing a copy of the journal and various historical items from Pavo's travels.
She then responds to Kernal Klank, "Thank you deary, but no, sorry, I don't have any wood glue laying around, but I appreciate the help."
You return to Venture-Captain Smine and give him a debriefing. "Job well-done agents. With the rebels and the king on course for a peaceful resolution, we can work with both groups as negotiators and traders. You've put us in an ideal situation with many benefits." he then takes a look at the journal and items, "I see, Napsunar headed to Western Cheliax, though that area is now part of Andoran." he says thoughtfully. "Well, let's head back to the Grand Lodge, shall we?"
Time to sail on home!
Atae is invited to help mediate the meeting between the King and the Firebrands. The Firebrands believe that as an agent of Calistria, you will help them seek vengeance for the grievances they believe they have experienced. Meanwhile, the King believes that you will be able to determine which grievances are actually valid and not simple rabble-rousing.
The Milani priest, Karyn starts the meeting, "Thank you all for coming. Representing the people, Nalla. Representing the Kingdom of Artume, King Edryd." he gestures towards a long table with either leader at opposite heads, "Please be seated. Joining us today in the middle, honorable Pathfinder Atae, cleric of Calistria."
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Atae receives the invitation to be present when the king and the firebrands. She makes sure to look her best, having bathed in goat's milk and dressed her in finest Calistrian outfit, a iscant garb in shades of yellow, and accented by henna dyes used on the skin
As she is ushered in she smiles at the king and at the Firebrands. As she is introduced she states Thank you servant of Milani, Firebrands and your majesty, for the honor of being here. I ask you to remember as a Devotee of the Savored Sting, who is Neautral, that I will be impartial in my deliberations. as she sits.
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He's of very little help to Klank, though he can lift and carry things. Still he hovers around the dwarf.
"The old 'help out the widow' trick huh?" he says, giving Klank a knowing nudge in the ribs with an elbow when no one is paying attention to them. "You sly old dog. And I thought you were going to be boring."
Klank gives the odd gnome a sideways look "I prefer to be called RELIABLE. Now lift your end of the table, use your legs."
The meeting progresses mostly without incident. Nalla's main points are based around the idea that the people should have more say in the future of their country. Somewhat surprisingly, King Edryd agrees to this as a general idea, though the details are still shaky at this point. While the King would like to include his people more in a system of government, he still feels he is the rightful ruler of the land and believes his position can coexist with that of the people.
On the other hand, Nalla is not convinced that having a king at all is progress towards a government for the people. However, she is willing to cede that King Edryd remain in a position of power, but not as a monarch with total authority that simply allows the people to speak and can choose to ignore them should he feel inclined.
This seems to be their main sticking point, and they ask the Pathfinders for assistance on how their government should function.
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After listening to both sides of the argument the Calistrian rises to make her point and so that she can be heard.
Both sides have valid talking points. Wrongs and misconcpetions have been done by both parties. What I recommend is this, His Majesty stay in power with a Firebrand, once they arrest and turn in the cleric of the false god, Razimir, sitting as an advisor to the King. In that way, there can be trust between the groups and mutual understandings can gained. I think that coming under the influence of a Razmirian was not the best course of action for the Firebrands and that should be dealt with/
Both groups agree that they want nothing to do with Razmir or his followers. Nalla isn't entirely pleased by the outcome, but she is hopeful it is a step forward, "I don't know if an advisory position is enough, but perhaps we can work towards additional progress from such a position."
The King feels a little annoyed, "I'm not sure if I've done anything wrong. For the entire time I've been on the throne, I've tried my best to work towards what is best for the people. Hopefully, Nalla can help me determine what exactly is best for the people."
They say that the best compromises have both sides feeling like they had the worse deal, which means you accomplished a great thing today. Nalla and Edyrd sign a contract fleshing out the details of their new relationship as they work towards creating a better Artume.
Once the meeting is over, the King asks Atae to join him for a private conversation. "I've been thinking; how would you like to take some time off from the Pathfinders and assist me here, in Artume? It would help cement an alliance between my country and your organization while your insight and advice would benefit me personally."
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The Calistrian is happy to see that the Razmirian will no longer be an influence and that both sides will be able to watch each other, after all, Calistria is also a goddess of passion, that is the aspect that she tends to focus on as a cleric, more than vengeance, though she can embrace that aspect as well.
Atae seems shocked that the young king asks to speak with her privately. Your Majesty, I would be happy to remain behind to help you build your kingdom. Your people need your virility and strength and youth, perhaps more than ever. Just remember, that though you have not done anything wrong, the appearance that you are willing to listen to your people can do much to build popular support. Tell me, how do you see me of being of use to you?
The king smiles, "We are heavily Milinate country, and we believe in rightful rebellion, freedom, and plain goodness. Your perspective as a follower of Calistria would benefit us in seeing into the hearts of those that simply seek aggression against the people or throne."
The King's face turns a light shade of red, "Well, you know...my mother is only acting Queen...until I...find my own...I'm still looking for one..." he says, looking at you, "Err, not that I'm...asking random people on the street to marry me at the drop of a hat or anything...I'll never command anyone to do such a thing against the River Freedoms...but I do need to court someone." he says, looking away, "Sorry...I'm rambling. This isn't something I have much experience in...just like running a country."
The king returns the kiss and holds Atae in his arms.
Glad you enjoyed the scenario! I'm not a romance author, but I tried my best anyway. I'll be closing the game shortly.
