Knowing that Belwick is being read doesn't come as a surprise, and at the draw Belwick shrugs. "Good game. You really made good use of those sylphs."
He begins setting up the board pieces again, his mind replaying the game they just played as he considers what tactics he's seen so far from Gatren. Is that an over-reliance on sylphs? He seemed quick to bring them down.
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Any sort of hostility from Gatren doesn't seem to be present. He salutes you with a finger, in acknowledgement of your compliment. He stretches, and begins play.
"And yourself, Baron? You are landed? You have a domain of your own, and a duty to your people? Far to The North? Will you tell me of Donnamoor and of your own duties?"
Dragonchess:
If that roll doesn't beat Belwick then INDOMINABLE!
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Belwick watches the opening play, quickly decides on a strategy, and sets his first piece in motion.
"Titles, like being a Baron, are hereditary and typically passed down father to son. My sister and her husband live on land granted by the crown many years ago. Donnamoor Manor is lovely, and the lands that surround it are, in my opinion, the gem of the north. It's a small area, really, but my family has a long history of being staunch loyalists to King Skotti."
As play continues, Belwick goes on. "My duties are somewhat fluid, what with my sister holding the fort, so to speak, at home. Full candor, I can say that the king requested that I look into things in the Saltmarsh area. And it's been a great deal more adventure than I expected. But I'm glad I've been able to serve my king." He says this, meaning every word.
OR
This game is close, with Gatren pulling himself out of a loss more than once. He is determined if nothing else. Finally he is backed into a corner and he looks up at Belwick.
"You've put me in checkmate."
Oliveay comes over and inspects the board. He nods and makes a non-verbal sound, something like a hmm. before turning to the merfolk in the cove.
"Check and Mate. The game goes to Baron Belwick Donnamoor."
There are sounds and jeers of disapproval from the merfolk, with one... Maybe two voices in support.
With a click of his tongue, his litter bearers stand and move his litter about while he bemoans to the crowd. He turns to Belwick during his speech and... Not a wink but a shared look with a smirk he can't hide 100%
"Outrageous!!! This... SORCERER... Is using jade's tricks!!! How can we trust him?! Is there some sort of, Illusion at play?!"
Oliveay moves over and they pull apart for a brief discussion, and the Prince appears to talk some sense into him.
The party sees Iliza bob up more than once with a look of anger and disbelief on her face. She looks about to interrupt, but then doesn't.
Gatren moves back and the board starts to be reset for the next game. Belwick will play white, and will post first.
Baghotir tips to the balls of his feet at Gatren's outburst. I mean sure, he doesn't like to lose either. But he doesn't assume sorcery when he does...
One more win to take the prize. Baghotir wonders if the good Baron can do it without Gatren tipping the board and engaging in combat. He keeps his holy symbol at the ready in case healing is required.
He watches intently!
Belwick is momentarily puzzled by Gatren's behavior, his mind struggling with the dichotomy of the shift. Is it possible that this is all just a move at saving face among his people? A grand, political game? He plays well, and so it can't be stupidity. What is going on?
Putting the spectacle out of mind, he helps place pieces as they set the board back up. With two games in, the nobleman is left wondering if he's seen all of Gatren's tricks or not. Maybe start with Mordenkainen's Gambit? Or is that too well-known?
He picks up a piece, starting by moving a Sylph. "This might be our last game, though it might not. I'm not sure I'll ever get the opportunity to ask otherwise. So, if you'll humour me, allow me to ask: How did you and Iliza meet? What's the story between the two of you?"
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He returns to his place by the board. Fitzfin actually hops up and rubs his shoulders, consoling the merman. The Merman makes a big show of calming his breathing and meditating before he can continue. Fitzfin hops down and Gatren returns to the match.
His healer casts a spell, and all of you feel your tempers mellow a little.
Gatren returns to himself. He smiles, maybe a little sadly.
"Of course. But I hope you'll answer my questions in return. Iliza and I were frys together. Inseparable, really. She's well suited to her charge. She explores and gathers and collects. Do you know that Iliza is one of the finest Salvagers we've ever had? It was my job to protect her--act as a second set of eyes, help her fight off what she could not. Lots of missions together, and lots of danger. We saved each other's fins plenty of times. I... Hrmm."
He starts playing like he's delaying.
"Nine Hells. This may cost me the match. Tell me, Baron. Do not spare for my feelings. Tell me how you feel about her. And why."
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Belwick plays to the man's pace. He gets a feeling that he might need the time. "More than fair. Where to begin?"
He lifts a Warrior piece, considering its placement for a moment before putting it down. "As you likely know, I first met Iliza when she was part of the delegation meeting with the Lizardfolk. I was of course there to represent Saltmarsh, and was there with my friends. They're gathered here with me today, and are stout-hearted folk that I would trust with my life. Have trusted, many times already."
"I was there to fulfill my duty however. I did not expect to fall for someone. I am no sailor, beholden to old wives' tales of the sirens of the sea. I cannot say why, or how, but I felt a connection. And I suppose Iliza did too, as she gave me a gift. A conch shell, with magic enough to send brief messages. And I did so, every day since that day, exchanging twenty-five words each just to see how she was. Because the rest of my days were filled with exploration and danger. Giant aligators. Hordes of the skeletal dead. Cultists who would undo all of the progress in Saltmarsh. I am proud to say we were triumphant, and my friends are true heroes. We were doing good for the people on land, and I think for the people who swim these waters as well. The ritual the Sahuagin meant to enact... I shudder to think of the consequences. But I will say that each day's twenty-five words were a comfort to me."
Belwick watches as Gatren deliberates over a piece, continuing his tale. "I have been fortunate in recent days to get to share more words. To learn more of the Merfolk way. I've turned every ounce of my study in learning how I could be better equipped for being in water, mastering spells that allow me to breathe underwater. I have a longer research project involving magic that would transform me, though that will take some time. Because the last thing I want is for Iliza to be taken away from what she cares for. From her home. I have a responsibility to my King, to Keoland. And I would give it up in an instant if I had to."
The nobleman breathes out a sigh. "I love her. My only goal here today is to make sure she is happy. I know these things are complicated, but this is my truth."
Gatren regards you for an eternity.
"Complicated doesn't begin to describe. What has she told you? Has she told you of the Old Faith magic she lay claim to? Has she told you of Osprem's Curse and Eadro's Way?"
Belwick tries to recall if she ever mentioned either, or if he has some knowledge of his own.
Iliza has been, upon reflection, intentionally vague on those matters.
But you recognize the names, Eadro, who is the God of The Merfolk. And Osprem is a Seul Goddess, that of Ships, Sailors, and Sea Voyages.
'Way', and, 'Curse', are definitely faith-based in this context. With a History check you know the following:
The Seul Playwright, Alesco, has a surviving work--an epic poem of significance, that speaks of, "The Sea Princess Cursed Tyrun, And Bade That he could not live in both worlds. He must choose."
Perhaps Alisanne knows the poem.
"I think I've seen a bit that magic made manifest, though I admit that I don't know specifics. Iliza has begged off getting into the details, which I have respected. I know that it is not possible to be in both worlds, and a choice will need to be made at some point. It's another reason behind my research. I am hoping to create choice."
He looks Gatren directly, face serious. "If you can share more, I will listen."
Baghotir elbows whoever's standing next to him in the ribs, and whispers, "Look, they've stopped playing and started... talking!"
He beams with excitement at the change, and hopes, not for the first time, that this can end without bloodshed.
He watches on...
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Gatren frowns. "THAT is my problem with wizards. You are so sure of your own power and mastery that you think there is a way around the laws of The Heavens and Oerth. There is none. Osprem curses sailors and merfolk to fall in love and never share a world. Eadro offers but one way. I am finished now, Baron Belwick. Wizard, Hero of Saltmarsh. I fear you have bested me, and I have naught left but to try to protect my Salvager one last time. She fears choice, you know. She values her freedom too much. If she did not, she and I'd have been joined a long time ago. Stand. Stand and declare your love for all here. Call to Iliza and convince her. If she joins you upon this shore, if she chooses Eadro's Way, then Blessings on you both. If she does not... Then you win the duel but leave here with a broken heart. Or you can choose not to choose, to attempt to wizard your way, and complicate what is really very simple. That path will bring pain on you both, and I will not stand by and let Iliza be hurt. I will lose this chess match and I will withdraw... But we leave here as enemies. Now..."
He lightly touches his king with one finger.
"Which path will it be?"
Oliveay has his litter brought alongside Alisanne.
"Are they... Talking? What is going on?"
Belwick feels a momentary surge of anger at the outburst, but manages to bring it to a simmer with a deep breath. "This whole duel is because you want Iliza to choose something, is it not? To force my hand into pressuring her to make a decision. But by loosing this duel, you loses your right to force anything upon Iliza. And that includes forcing me on her."
"This could have been handled differently, you realize? You could have instead tried to speak with me. I would have answered a summons. I would have spoken with an emissary of yours. But you chose to instead issue a challenge. You chose to disregard Iliza's words. You chose to assume the worst of me, and now you have to... let it go."
He sighs. "Iliza is a grown woman. If you won't respect me, please respect her. Because it is her choice. She knows what she's doing. You don't get to choose for her."
Caelius feels a bit of relief as Gatren resigns, dropping his piece to the side. His shoulds slump as a mountain of tension flows from him. "Thank the Gods."
That tension all comes back tenfold as Belwick begins screaming at Gatren. He looks to the others trying to read the situation.
Oliveay has his litter brought alongside Alisanne.
"Are they... Talking? What is going on?"
Maybe they're finally coming to understand each oth... Oh, nope. Let's hope there are no more duels today.
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Gatren looks confused for a moment.
"You really don't know what is going on? All I want, all I ever wanted was for Iliza to decide who and what she wants. Is is her choice. I would never force anything upon her, least of all you, you child. For me to disregard her words, she would have had to say SOMETHING to me! We're done here."
Gatren clicks his tongue and the litter raises as he knocks over his king in resignation.
"I formally apologize to Baron Belwick Donnamoor, and release Salvager Iliza from any legal obligation to me, or to us. Which she absolutely could have done herself at anytime."
He turns towards the cove and motions to Oliveay and his healer.
"ILIZA, I AM KEEPING SHOALS. TAKE IT UP WITH THE CROWN."
They move to depart.
Belwick begins packing up the dragonchess board, a process that always takes a bit given how many pieces there are. It gives him time to reflect on what's happened, and what he's learned. What shoals is Gatren keeping?
"Baghotir, thank you for getting this lovely board. It was perfect," the nobleman says, shaking the dwarf's hand. "Please let me buy it from you. The memories are one that I'd like to keep."
He then turns to Alisanne. "The best move I made in this game was in appointing you as my second. I doubt I could have negotiated my way into such favourable circumstances. I will be forever in your debt."
"It is good that things did not become violent, right Caelius," Belwick says, smiling at the warrior. He then starts looking around. "Is Venn hiding? I don't see our skulker-in-the-bushes, but I guess that's just one more sign of his skills, no?"
”No, no! It’s my gift to you Belwick. Well played, well played.”
Baghotir grins, feeling things have gone about as well as could be expected all things considered.
"Shall we celebrate? Perhaps meet back at the adventurer's guild house? I need to attend to something."
He then makes his way to speak with Iliza.
Iliza motions to you for time, and dives into the water.
Will you wait or depart?
Belwick considers the request. He wants to celebrate with his friends what he can only see as a victory. But he has too many questions, and feels that the right thing to do is to wait.
"I will see you all later," he says, hunkering down to wait for Iliza on the beach.
Baghotir doesn't like leaving the Baron alone - especially after such a showing of hostility. But he finds the mer-folk to be honorable at least, so he should be safe.
Still, he frets as he walks away back to town to meet up later.
Caelius gives Belwick a moment, slowly approaching from his side as he places a hand on his shoulder. "We will wait here with you as long as you need friend."
Caelius gives Belwick a moment, slowly approaching from his side as he places a hand on his shoulder. "We will wait here with you as long as you need friend."
Belwick smiles and nods. "Thank you, friend. Though if you had a bottle of wine or a flask of whiskey, it might make the time pass quicker. Or perhaps you'd like to play some Dragonchess? I admit, having an occasion to play has brought back many good memories. Today's notwithstanding."
The cold rain falls. It feels like hours pass, and each of you gets soaked and chilled to your bones.
Iliza, in her mermaid form, hoists herself onto a rock, and perches by the shore. The waves lap at the rocky beach.
Belwick stands, body sore from the uncomfortable wait. A wait he nonetheless felt he needed to do. He walks over to Iliza, the day's excitement now well out of his system. "Hello Iliza. How are you?"
"I am well enough. Though I fear I will have awkward conversations with friends and family for a long time to come. And you? You navigated two days of merfolk politics and you must be freezing."
"Yes, I am cold." His smile is wan, and he's unable to hide his shiver. "I am going to need the warmth of a fire soon, else I am likely to perish on these shores."
"As for the politics, that was... interesting. Our customs are just different enough to make things tricky. One cannot assume anything, but at the same time it is hard to not look foolish when stating things that seem obvious. I am glad that part of this is over."
Belwick takes a deep breath. "Gatren had some things to say about Eadro's Way and Osprem's Curse. He also suggested that you had laid claim to some old, faith-based magicks. I myself only know that Eadro is a god for your people, and Osprem is a Seul god for sailors. And I know the classical poem that speaks of a Sea Princess that cursed Tyrun, forcing them to make a choice.
"I've done some research, but feel largely uneducated. A feeling I don't like. Can you tell me why Gatren is so concerned? Why the seemingly reasonable Prince Oliveay could not or would not talk Gatren out of this highly unnecessary challenge? What am I missing here?"
She rolls her eyes and waves her hand.
"He is... Very religious. Superstitious. He believes with all of his soul that if we try to... Ah... Make this work? Without imploring Eadro to transform one of us, then we'll bring death, destruction and horror down upon us and everyone in our lives."
She looks away for a moment before turning back.
"The challenge wasn't unnecessary--not to him. He lives by a code, and there wasn't a way out of our engagement--a clean legal way that kept both of our reputations strong--without it. I'm sorry you had to deal with that, but why do you think it was unnecessary?"
"I think it might be a difference in cultures. Because, among my people, calling off an engagement is something anyone in that engagement can do. There is nothing binding. Which is why, perhaps mistakenly, I figured you could simply call it off with Gatren. But if this was necessary for both of you to properly separate while saving face, then I am glad I could make this happen."
He looks at Iliza. "I know you have more that you need to do. We've some things that need investigating as well. But before I go, let me ask you this: Are you happy? Is today now better than yesterday?"
She looks sad for a brief moment and then meets your gaze and cracks a grin at you.
"Yes, if you promise to ask me again tomorrow."
If you accept one, she offers a kiss before departing.
Belwick smiles, kisses her, and says, "Always."
He turns back to the group after he's watched her go. "I think we have some interrogations to do. Skerrin Wavechaser, Keledek The Unspoken, and Ingo The Drover. We can seek these three out, or we can speak with those they are connected with: Anders Solmor, Gellan Primewater, and Captain Eliander Fireborn. Might be we should start with the good captain, asking him about Ingo?"
Everyone earns 1500 Experience Points.
"Sure thing." Baghotir agrees with the Baron's plan. It is after all, still early. "Maybe not all at once though huh? Might scare him off." he chuckles.
"I doubt the captain will be scared of seeing all of us. But you may have a point when comes to speaking with Ingo. But let's see what Captain Fireborn has to say."
Caelius nods in agreement. "Lets see what my Captain knows. He will give us a straight answer."
"Gotcha. Well, you know him better than I. Let's go have a chat!" Baghotir is pleased not to be left behind and joins the others to chat with the Captain.
You go to Captain Fireborn's home and call on him. He is having lunch prepared and invites you all to join him for a simple meal. He is serving bread and a seafood chowder made from local catch.
"Friends, Heroes of Saltmarsh, what can I do for you this fine day. My, you are all armed to the teeth and look ready to take on an Orc horde!"
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Baghotir checks his weapons...
Warhammer, check
Battleaxe, check
Crossbow, check
Dagger, check
Light hammer, check
Spear, check
"Nope, just the usual." he says without understanding.
"Sorry to bother you, we just have a couple questions. We're following up a lead... might be nothing. I hope we're not disturbing you."
He looks to the smart folk to ask the proper questions once he's done the formal introductions and whatnot.
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Belwick, who carries only a dagger as a weapon, shrugs at the observation by the good captain. "As Baghotir says, we have need to speak to you about a person of interest that might be mixed up in some bad business. I understand that you are acquainted with Ingo the Drover?"
"We know only a little about Ingo. We've gathered that they are ex-military of some sort. That they have connections with mercenaries. And that you and he occasionally meet to play games of dragonchess," the nobleman smiles, adding, "Thank you, by the way, for the game board. It is most excellent."
"The problem is that... we have heard that there may be a connection between Ingo and The Scarlet Brotherhood. As you can imagine, this is not something the good King Skotti welcomes within Keoland. What can you tell us about the man?"
Caelius offers a simple salute. "Captain, I am afraid they are right. We are following up on several leads to the Scarlet Brotherhood. We don't yet know the extent of their reach but rumors are their reach has come out this far."
Eliander Fireborn stops mid slurp of chowder and makes eyes with you. He frowns and sets down his spoon.
"Well. He's definitely former military, but a Scarlet Brother?!? Nonsense! Ingo is no Scarlet Brother! I'll tell you what I know if only to turn you off of that idea. He keep to himself, so I've been leaving him alone. I suspect--I do not know--that he is ex-military, probably of significant rank, and a refugee from The Great Kingdom of Aerdy, again, I suspect but do not know. His speech and mannerisms give away his nationality, though. I got to know him initially so I could keep eyes on him, and he's kept his own council. He stays out of local politics entirely and is a good source for extra muscle when we need it. He's provided us mercenaries on multiple occasions, and they perform with honor. He's had opportunity to make trouble for us before, and not done so. I do not believe your wild accusation and I suggest you refrain from suggesting such things without proof. Leave him alone."
Belwick is momentarily taken aback by Captain Fireborn's vehement response. He takes a moment to study the man, trying to get a read of his reaction.
Belwick can tell that he's stumbled onto a man... Protecting his friend, and that perhaps Fireborn has surprised himself as well.
Captain Fireborn returns to his chowder, just kinda, huffily slurping and chewing like he hopes you'll go away.
Having picked up on something, Belwick tempers his tone a bit before he speaks. "Captain, thank you for your diligence and loyalty. As you can imagine, we are coming to you in confidence because of the seriousness of this matter. We are leveling no accusations, but have come to you to learn. So please understand that."
"Like you, we have a duty to the people of Saltmarsh, and to Keoland. By your own admission, little is known of Ingo. And it is helpful to know that he has been of service to Saltmarsh. But you must understand that we need to investigate this, because the Scarlet Brotherhood is the most insidious organization we know. One that operates on secrecy at a level of mastery that, alas, we could never rival."
The nobleman looks at the captain plaintively. "We could really use your help here, and need to look under every rock."
"Yes, sir. We're not accusing, we're inquiring. And we started with you to avoid the sort of loose lips that'll sink the poor man's reputation. There's likely nothing under this rock as you say, but we need to ask." Baghotir adds, he hopes helpfully.