Baghotir laughs, "Oops. I guess they were just common thieves."
He gathers any useful gear, but mostly climbs back in the coach, readying to depart and continue their journey.
The rest of the journey to Niole Dra is pleasant. The weather calms and warms a little and three weeks after you set out, you arrive in the capitol of Keoland, Niole Dra.
Niole Dra means, "Old Dragon", in ancient Suel. It is a large, cosmopolitan metropolis of approximately 25,000 people of various ancestries. The city is mostly stone, and the architecture most closely resembles the ideal of classic Anglo-Saxon medieval.
The skyline is dominated by the Royal Palace.
The carriage drops you and your luggage just outside the city gates. You have arrived.
What now?
”Now I don’t have the money to properly enjoy a place like this. So let’s plan a longer rest on the return, and a quick trip now.” Baghotir turns out his pockets, unsure if the pocket change he has will even cover the cost of room and board in such a fine city as this.
He’s also not eager to explain to the town watch what the walking eye was doing with them. He’s not sure they’ll be very happy with it.
But he listens to the others, and happily goes with the group's plan. He’s done well by that method so far, and sees no reason to change it now.
"I don't have the stomach to enjoy a place like this. Maybe we'll come back laden with treasure that needs offloading. For now, let's see if we can procure a map, information, and rations."
Anything in the PHB Equipment section is available at the listed price, and acquired easily enough. No checks or exploration required. That includes maps, which you purchase and then specify on your character sheet what it is a map of.
Useful information can be gathered. Spend a week and 50+ Gold in bribes, gifts, materials and misc. Expenses. Then make an ability check. Each 50 GP you spend gives you +1 to this check. The ability to use depends on the techniques you use to do your research. Default is Intelligence, but I'm open to other possible techniques.
Low on funds, but confident that maps are worth it, Venn avails himself of the opportunity in the city. There's still a long way to go before the Barrier Peaks, and there are some legendary dangerous between here and there. He seeks out
If available:
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Venn can find maps of each of his requested locations. 1 Gold Piece each as listed.
HOWEVER... The Valley of The Mage, The Dim Forest, and The Barrier Peaks may not be accurate. You do your best, but the only way to verify them is to find a primary source or head out into the wilds and try to use them.
Mark them on your character sheet.
"I don't know that we should stay for long. After all, we do have business in the Barrier Peaks. But I must seek an audience with the king. If you wish, you may join me."
He then looks over the group. "That said, if you are to join me then you will need to acquire some appropriate attire. I know a tailor here that does excellent work."
Belwick will set off to get some new clothes, and then make his way to the Noble District to see his king.
--Venn is shopping for Maps
--Belwick is going to tailor he knows (would love to hear more detail... Or not) and then going to The Palace.
The rest of you?
Baghotir will tag along with Venn and keep him company. "Good plan Venn! I predict these will be quite helpful on the road ahead."
He has no interest in the higher echelon muckity-mucks. Besides he has no money for clothing, and is not taking out a party loan to by new duds. He's happy to wait that one out!
"Good to have you Baghotir. My purse is light with the neccessary evil of coin. Come now, after shopping, let us spend time in the jungle of the tavern seen."
"Agreed!" Baghotir follows Venn like a puppy. For he loves good food and good drink - and Venn knows where to get both!
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The bell above the door chimed softly as Belwick stepped into Tharald's Threads & Trim, a a modest yet refined tailor's shop nestled along a cobbled lane. The scent of pressed linen and cedar oil hung in the air, mingling with the quiet rustle of fabric. Bolts of silk and brocade lined the walls like banners of a hundred noble houses, and a mannequin in the window wore a doublet so finely embroidered it seemed fit for a coronation. From behind a curtain emerged a wiry man with silver spectacles and a measuring tape draped around his neck. "Lord Donnamoor! Welcome!" he said, delivering a practiced bow. "It has been some time since I have had the good fortune of your noble esteem gracing my humble establishment. How may I serve the Baron of Donnamoor?"
Belwick swept off his traveling cloak, revealing finery that had seen better days. "Master Tharald, I seek attire worthy of an audience with King Skotti," he said, beaming a smile at the tailor. It is good to be addressed once more with such respect. I had nearly forgotten what it felt like. "Something that speaks of nobility, but does not drown in ostentation."
Tharald’s eyes lit up with the challenge. He gestured toward a chaise and began pulling swatches from a drawer—deep forest green velvet, gold-threaded damask, and a subtle silver silk that shimmered like moonlight. As he worked, he asked after Belwick’s family and the nature of his visit, having his apprentice bring out refreshments. Belwick, unable to help himself, expounded on his exploits in and around Saltmarsh. He only left out mention of the Scarlet Brotherhood, remembering that his mission is meant to have a degree of secrecy to it.
Within the hour, Tharald had sketched a design: a high-collared doublet of emerald velvet trimmed in silver braid, paired with tailored trousers and a ceremonial sash embroidered with merfolk in silver thread—a subtle nod to his time spent with Iliza. "It shall be ready by morning," Tharald promised, once more calling for his apprentice.
Belwick nodded, satisfied. As he stepped back into the street, he looked skyward and exhaled a deep breath. This is good. I feel at home, at peace with my purpose.
Caelius is too far below the station of a King to waste his time. He has more useful ventures. He helps Venn procure the maps they need while he keeps an eye out for any useful magical items.
Shopping for magic items requires a week of downtime. Which we can absolutely do, but I assume that the audience with King Skotti will be first. Lemme check via slack.
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"We've been on the road for weeks and you want to get right to business? No thanks. I love you guys, but I've seen too much of you to waste this opportunity. Plus, I have no interest in your responsibilities or your king, Belwick. I'm going to find the best tavern, play the best music, get incredibly drunk, and find a beautiful barmaid with huge t#!!. I'll find you all in a day or two when I wake up. You're all welcome to join me... for the party, not the barmaid.
Alisanne is going to Carouse the hell out of Niol Dra that first night or two. She'll regroup with the party afterwards to prep for the trip into the Barrier Peaks.
"That's what cities are Alisanne, they're business." It's clearly a pejorative.
Two nights carousing. I'm resolving this now because it can be done quickly.
Alisanne spends 8 Gold Coins carousing...
Alisanne... You begin a whirlwind romance with someone. The romance is ongoing, at least for now. You need to tell me about this new romance in your life, and about the NPC you're involved with.
Belwick manages, barely, to be nonplussed about Alisanne's declaration of intent to carouse the nights away. In another life, another time, he'd maybe have done the same.
He places a hand on the magical conch shell given to him by Iliza, then decides he'll send a message to hear later.
The nobleman makes his way to the royal palace, speaking with a courtier, then the king's seneschal, before ultimately gaining an audience with the king himself.
"Milord," Belwick says, bowing deeply to his liege. "I come with tidings from the southern reaches of your kingdom. My time in Saltmarsh has been... interesting."
He then launches into a detailed accounting of events in Saltmarsh, with a focus on the Scarlet Brotherhood. He mentions the leadership vacuum created by the deaths and betrayals, the alliances he's helped form with the regions nonhuman inhabitants, the changing position of the Sea Princes, and anything else he feels might pertain to national security.
Once done, he briefly mentions a responsibility he must attend to in the Barrier Peaks, then looks for orders. He'll also mention that he has a vested interest in Saltmarsh, and would like to return there if permitted to do so.
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His Peerless Majesty King Kimbertos Skotti, called The Commoner, is a grizzled veteran of medieval warfare. A huge man, bearded, with faded scars and the eyes of a hunter. He sits on the throne and careful eyes catch his shifting slightly and fidgeting with his fingers--he is a caged animal and wants to move.
He greets Belwick with all due honors and listens intently. With him are:
The Royal Archmage Lashton, a short and skinny human with many piercings in their face, ears, nose and lips. He is quiet and listens intently.
His Majesty's favorite bard, a man with some Elven ancestry, named Dohnibor. Dohnibor has a long, thin nose, slightly pointed ears he may be trying to hide with his mop of blond/brown hair, and a short goatee.
And His Majesty's fool, Pyn Trillos, a pale man wearing the classic medieval jester outfit with bells. He giggles interjects puns and quips throughout Belwick's report.
King Skotti looks pensive and spends a long quiet moment in consideration once Belwick finishes.
He stands.
"Leave us"
Lashton starts to object but is kindly waved away by King Skotti. Lashton gulps down whatever his objection was and leaves. Pyn continues to giggle and prance on his way out.
When the two of you are alone King Skotti approaches and with little warning pulls Belwick into a bear-hug. He breaks the embrace and regains his composure.
"Baron. You have accomplished all I asked of you and more. I've been keeping tabs, and the south is in excellent shape. The Scarlet Order will ever be a thorn in our sides, but you have shined a light upon them, and with no shadows in which to hide, we can meet them head-on. Our partnership with The Copperlocks is turning a profit and Saltmarsh is ready to grow into a major port. Keoland will be a power in The Azure and the seas beyond, and we have you and your companions to thank. I'd hoped they would be alongside you, but perhaps I will summon you all to court when you return from The Barrier Peaks. It would please me greatly to award all of you honors for your service to The Crown.
The Barrier Peaks! I'm jealous. That part of the world is beautiful and I'd rather be out trekking with you then spending my days here at court. But this is my place now, as bitter as that is to accept sometimes. Ye Gods I miss the forests.
For now..."
King Skotti re-summons his advisors and people.
"Let it be known that Belwick Donnamoor has done great service to King and Country and has brought us great joy! In recognition of his service, we name him Viscount of Salinmoor. In this office, we expect him to usher the south forward and lead us into a new age of trade and prosperity there."
Lashton clears his throat.
"Majesty, what of the Lord Secunforth?"
"The Puritan Lord has not done little or nothing to serve his King or his country. We will summon him back to court this very day, and perhaps find a better use for him."
There are various murmurs as this, and the gravity of it, makes way around the people present.
"Lord Donnamoor, will you continue to serve us, and protect the south?"
Belwick is surprised by the hug, but is smart enough to recover quickly. He is unaccustomed to, well, anything of the sort from his king. He barely manages a few words before the king calls forth his retinue once more.
At the proclamation of his named of Viscount of Salinmoor the man nearly faints. The gravity is not lost upon him, and it's an awkwardly long moment that passes before he is able to croak out words to acknowledge this. "It would be greatest honour to serve you, my king. The south will be made safe and prosperous by my hand, and by your will."
He once more bows to his liege lord, and when he once more stands straight he's unable to hide the wetness to his eyes. "Apologies, my king. A bit of dust in my eyes."
The King nods, either ignoring or not noticing Belwick's show of emotion.
"The traditional seat is at Seaton, but change is coming to the south and so long as Keoland is defended, we care not where you call home. Viscount, your former seat, the Barony of Donnamoor is to stay in your family. Your sister is to be Baroness, and the lands and titles will pass to her children, should she be blessed with an heir."
"Thank you, milord. I appreciate that my family can continue to govern our ancestral lands. My sister Rosamunde is both strong and loyal. She will be an excellent steward. She already manages her husband with a deft hand."
He ponders the idea of moving the seat of Salinmoor. "Seaton is strategically placed, and much of our southern military is there. I will take what you say under advisement. It will require some careful thought."
"If milord wills it, I can provide a monthly update via Sending spell once I have returned to the south. I have some mastery of that magic now."
Two nights carousing. I'm resolving this now because it can be done quickly.
Alisanne spends 8 Gold Coins carousing...
Alisanne... You begin a whirlwind romance with someone. The romance is ongoing, at least for now. You need to tell me about this new romance in your life, and about the NPC you're involved with.
Alisanne settles in to a tavern called The Hung Moose. She quickly claims the stage, performing for the packed tavern in exchange for drink. She plays through the night to a boisterous crowd. When one patron gets too forward during one set, he gets quickly bounced out of the tavern by a tall, muscular half-orc, an off-duty town guard by the name of Asha Stormfang. Alisanne spends her time between sets getting to know Asha. When the bar finally closes a couple of hours before dawn, Alisanne and Asha retire to Asha's apartment, falling asleep together just after noon. They awake only a few hours later and Alisanne has Asha show her around Niole Dra, shopping, dining, and drinking late into the night again.
They wake up early the next day so that Asha can return to her duties and Alisanne can meet up with the group after Belwick's audience, both giving promises to see each other again the next day.
With maps now in hand, Venn invites Bagothir to at least mingle with the regular people.
With maps now in hand, Venn invites Bagothir to at least mingle with the regular people.
From the linked picture, Asha looks to be some kind of warrior? That armor looks like a breastplate.
From the linked picture, Asha looks to be some kind of warrior? That armor looks like a breastplate.
Asha is a sergeant in the town militia/guard.
Antoine Gagnon
Chris Marsh
Embers In the Sky "aka Roberts"
