Dungeon Master S's "War for the Crown": Corran Clement's Entrance (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh



MAP TEMPLATES | Social Combat | War for the Crown | Campaign Tracker |

Session 0


Persona Phase | Campaign Tracker

"Good morning my dear! I just saw your sister!"  Lady Martella Lotheed, is, as always, an undeniable presence.  

She asked you to meet her at the most posh clothier in Oppara, The Thread Rare. It was a weird invitation, but you've noticed that the Lady often does strange things, but does them with a purpose.

You think back to all that you've learned in your time with her. Martella spent her early years on the grounds of the family estate in Tandak Prefecture. Arcane magic runs thick in Lotheed blood, and every generation produces some of Taldor’s greatest wizards. But despite a keen mind, Martella struggled with even the basics of spellcasting. Unlike her half-siblings, who excelled in their arcane studies, Martella could master nothing but the fundamental theories behind magic. This lack of aptitude only reinforced her outcast status among her already distant siblings. Eventually her family simply shipped her off to a private boarding school, the Sinora Academia, to remove the embarrassment from their sight.  You have each swapped many stories about your time "at school."

Away from her family’s condescension and myopic focus on the arcane arts, Martella mastered countless different skills instead: mathematics, natural philosophy, alchemy, and eventually engineering.

She takes you by the hand into the Thread Rare.  "So I think it is time that I tell you something.  I am actually much closer to the princess that I've ever let on.  We are the tightest of friends, practically sisters.  During next week's Day of Exaltation*, there's an incredible vote on the docket. This year’s Grand Day of Exaltation is poised to mark a historic shift in the governance of the empire. Princess Eutropia, daughter of Grand Prince Stavian III, has forged a powerful coalition of noble bastard children, reformers, and—perhaps, most importantly—senators to vote down the ancient law of primogeniture!"

She runs her fingers on some exquisite jewelry as she talks.  You can tell that she's keeping her eye on the others in the shop.  My dearest Corran, I know you and your sister feel as I do.  Rumors have circulated about the princess’s quest to strike down primogeniture for years, and the nation remains divided on the vote, with several nobles viewing it as a shameless power grab by Princess Eutropia."  The disdain in her voice is clear. "Others see Eutropia as a stabilizing force that could unify the empire and usher in a new golden age for Taldor. This political division has fractured the nation, splitting apart countryman and nobleman alike and forging fierce rivalries within the ranks of both friends and foes."

She stops the charade of shopping, and takes you by the shoulders, "Corran, I would like you to attend the ceremony...  and.... and I would like your help."

*Day of Exaltation:

Every year, the empire of Taldor celebrates the Grand Day of Exaltation. On this prestigious day, the Grand Prince is empowered to elevate a commoner to the ranks of nobility. The event itself is the embodiment of formality, with the elevated commoner selected months or years in advance. What makes the day truly special is that the preceding week is a holiday throughout the empire. Nobles, senators, and hopeful petitioners fill the capital city of Oppara for galas, performances, and parades. This flood of visitors swells Oppara to almost double its size, and many view the lead-up to the Grand Day of Exaltation as harking back to the glory days of the empire. To the nobility, the week before the Grand Day of Exaltation is a time to conduct important business deals, issue noble proclamations, and hold private parties. With so many prominent politicians arriving from across the empire, the Taldan senate uses Exaltation Week to vote on matters of nationwide importance.


Male Taldan Bard 6 (HP: 36/36) | Init: +3 | AC: 16*, T: 11, FF: 15 | Perception +9 | F: +2, R: +5*, W: +5 | CMB: 6| CMD: 17*

Corran laughs just a little. It's friendly but disbelieving. He makes a show of mock despair and shock. Oh my dear Lady Martella, what ever shall we do?

Corran is surprised by the news that the vote is on the docket for the day. She did it. But he doesn't let that show.

He drops the sarcasm and looks at her warmly, but looks around the shop to see if they're alone. If they are, indeed, alone, his tone is more matter-of-fact and familiar. He deliberately plays a little dumb.

Martie, this is all very sudden but you're beautiful and smart, and you know how to mix the best concoctions, plus it'll cause a wonderful stir when we arrive arm-in-arm. Yes, very well, I accept. I mean the children will be part Qadiran--Uncle Otto will turn a delicious shade of russet...

Hopefully she plays along.

What would you ask of me?


Persona Phase | Campaign Tracker

She smiles, and you can see the hope fuel that smile. Right now it's hard to tell for what she's hoping, the mission or the man. "I am confident Eutropia has gathered the votes necessary for her cause, but I hate loose ends. I'm hoping you can help me in uncovering the true dedication of two senators: Duke Centimus and Countess Abrielle Pace. It is unknown if either supports Princess Eutropia’s bid to end primogeniture, and while their votes will be apparent after the senate convenes, I'd like to know their positions in advance, as well as the reasons each noble holds that position. What say you my friend?"


Male Taldan Bard 6 (HP: 36/36) | Init: +3 | AC: 16*, T: 11, FF: 15 | Perception +9 | F: +2, R: +5*, W: +5 | CMB: 6| CMD: 17*

Corran smiles warmly.

Knowledge Nobility is likely a +5 but I haven't filled in my sheet yet.

What do I know about Centimus and Pace? Knowledge:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 One for each? 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Really? I don't know Duke Centimus or Countess Pace. I'll help, of course, but I'm not sure what I can do for you, or for The Princess. I don't have an invitation. Since you're asking Ianthe and I, I assume you've handled that?


Persona Phase | Campaign Tracker

"Believe me Corran, when I look at you I see potential. You might not know them now, but you'll have plenty of opportunity at the Event. Your sister is also helping, and with the two brightest members of House Clement helping, I'm confident we'll do well for all."

She smiles at the last question. Again, it's hard to tell what drives it. Lady Martella presses an envelope into your hand. It's an insider's invitation and a promissory note for thirty gold's worth of credit at The Thread Rare.

With a wink she departs, "Sorry my dear, I have something else I must attend to. Do buy yourself something.... dashing. I shall see you overmorrow!"


Male Taldan Bard 6 (HP: 36/36) | Init: +3 | AC: 16*, T: 11, FF: 15 | Perception +9 | F: +2, R: +5*, W: +5 | CMB: 6| CMD: 17*

He calls after her, at the swinging door, DASHING IS ALL I KNOW! He watches her walk away, tapping the envelope on the back of his hand. He absent-mindedly smells it, checking for perfume or hidden messages. He makes a careful examination of the envelope and then stashes it, walking towards the shop-keep.

Please show me to the Dashing.


MAP TEMPLATES | Social Combat | War for the Crown | Campaign Tracker |

The shopkeep smiles at Corran. This time, he knows exactly what kind of smile. Her name is Naomi, and she directs you to a belt pouch made of the finest grizzly bear leather. The receipt says she lives on the fourth floor of a reasonably nice apartment three blocks from here...

How you spend this evening is yours to narrate.

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

The next morning is expectedly cool, with a clear sky. There's an excitement through the entire city of Oparra. Tomorrow's Day of Exaltation should be momentous. Hopefully with your work under Lady Martella, it'll be momentously good.

It strikes you that this also marks a change in your role. Philosophical conversations are one thing, but actual deed is another thing entirely. With a day to go, you find your mind wandering....

You have eight hours of downtime. You can spend it relaxing, or you can get some work down. The following subject areas are available to you. If you use Diplomacy (Gather Information), it will take 1d4 hours of your day. If you use a Knowledge Skill it takes no time at all. If you'd like to use a library for a +2 circumstance bonus, then it too will take you 1d4 hours. Use your time wisely. As the great Taldan poet once said, "But meanwhile time flies; it flies never to be regained."

  • The Grand Day of Exaltation
  • Grand Prince Stavian III
  • Lady Martella Lotheed
  • Princess Eutropia
  • Duke Centimus Knolwedge, sans library, already attempted
  • Countess Abrielle Pace Knolwedge, sans library, already attempted

    As you don't necessarily know how much time each will take, you should select one at a time.


  • Male Taldan Bard 6 (HP: 36/36) | Init: +3 | AC: 16*, T: 11, FF: 15 | Perception +9 | F: +2, R: +5*, W: +5 | CMB: 6| CMD: 17*

    I'll make an effort to get my sheet completed. Is it safe to say that I know everything in the players guide?


    Male Taldan Bard 6 (HP: 36/36) | Init: +3 | AC: 16*, T: 11, FF: 15 | Perception +9 | F: +2, R: +5*, W: +5 | CMB: 6| CMD: 17*
    Dungeon Master S wrote:

    The shopkeep smiles at Corran. This time, he knows exactly what kind of smile. Her name is Naomi, and she directs you to a belt pouch made of the finest grizzly bear leather. The receipt says she lives on the fourth floor of a reasonably nice apartment three blocks from here...

    How you spend this evening is yours to narrate.

    Corran Clement is well aware that while sometimes Shelyn attacks with a glaive, she's not above trapping her prey. He flirts politely with Naomi but nothing blatant or aggressive, just appreciative. Leave the door open, so to speak, mostly to not offend.

    Corran's evening is spent checking in with Ianthe if possible. Get her take on this. Tomorrow we research and gather information.


    MAP TEMPLATES | Social Combat | War for the Crown | Campaign Tracker |

    Yes, you know everything in the Player's Guide.

    Corran checks in on his twin.


    MAP TEMPLATES | Social Combat | War for the Crown | Campaign Tracker |

    I am officially going to close this thread and move you to your twin. You can get there via THIS LINK

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