Round 2
Round 3
Henrika strikes into Xan’s broken ribcage to pierce its heart. A blinding light flashes and Xan let’s out a dying scream. Then the vanth’s bones clatter to the floor. The remaining Ember Weaver let’s out a gasp.
Tychus shocks the Ember Weaver out of her surprise by hitting her with a crossbow bolt.
Round 2
Initiative
09 – Icabhod (75/75 hp)
07 – Trevor (79/79 hp)
07 – Malphene (65/66 hp)
06 – Xallis (82/83 hp)
06 – Navia (75/76 hp)
Round 3
Initiative
26 – Henrika (93/93 hp)
22 – Tychus (79/79 hp)
18 – Falchion Jack (21/76 hp)
11 – Ember Weaver (Blue) (34 damage)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Enchantment Foil (10 hr), ▲Message (100 min), ▲Remove Fear (100 min), ▲See Invisibility (100 min), ▲Battlemind Link (10 min), ▲Mesmeric Mirror (2 images, 10 min)
Icabhod: None
Trevor: None
Tychus: ▲Divine Favor (+3, 8 rd), ▲Bane (Outsider [Psychopomp], 2 rd), ▲Dignity’s Barb (Crit 15, 19-20)
Xallis: ▲Overland Flight (10 hr), ▲Mage Armor (10 hr), ▼Eerie Radiance (Blue)
Navia: ▲Mage Armor (10 hr), ▲Shield (10 min), ▼Eerie Radiance (Blue)
Jack: ▲Remove Fear (100 min), ▲Battlemind Link (10 min), ▲Bull’s Strength (3 min), ▲Gift of Will
Malphene: ▲Gift of Will
Carrius: ▲Mage Armor (10 hr), ▲Remove Fear (100 min)
Ember Weaver (Blue): ▼Glitterdust (9 rd)
Xallis and Jack can go.
Round 2
"EVERYONE!" Trevor shouts over the squabble. "Carrius being alive now complicates the succession even further!! If Pharasma takes back what is hers, it gives Princess Eutropia that proper path to the throne! Let his soul rest!!"
"As complex as it is, we've been seen escorting the man. We'd be implicated, and it would lead back to Eutropia."
Xan spins and growls. ”You know nothing. If you saw its soul like I do, you would not say that.”
"Did it ever occur to you, even once, that you could SIT US DOWN AND EXPLAIN YOUR SITUATION? Do I LOOK like the kind of person who wouldn't listen to an extra planar agent?"
Xallis looks indignant as he marches forward to keep the banner in range, covering himself with a shield spell along the way. Navia remains on guard, holding up fingers as she keeps count of the distance between her and her link to this world.
Jack gasps as he feels Trevor's channeled energy restore his limbs with energy, and he nods gratefully over at his friend as he maneuvers around his foe. He attacks the creature with his falchion, holding the blade aloft and brutally cutting back and forth.
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Round 2
"Did it ever occur to you, even once, that you could SIT US DOWN AND EXPLAIN YOUR SITUATION? Do I LOOK like the kind of person who wouldn't listen to an extra planar agent?"
He replies in a raspy voice, ”The time to talk was before. You have witnessed the abomination yourselves and did not destroyed it, therefore you must be in league with the prince and are plotting more foul crimes against the natural cycle of souls. I cannot show you or him mercy. His body may be flesh, but his soul is made of scraps. His resurrection has left mutilated shadows in its wake. He must be returned back to the Boneyard for judgement! I fear you have the upper hand. Do the right thing before it is too late…”
Round 3
Jack’s limbs may still be recovering but he manages to hit the Ember Weaver once.
With Xan defeated and the Ember Weaver badly injured, it finally speaks. ”This was Xan’s fight. The prince will remain under your care. May Pharasma has mercy on your souls.”
And with that, she steps away from Jack and casts plane shift, returning to her home plane, the Boneyard.
Combat over.
Xan had a magical scythe called Red Reaper which is a +1 Conductive Mithral Scythe. He also had Bracers of Armor +3, and his red leather mask. The Ember Weaver did not drop anything.
"Interesting," Henrika murmurs with a smirk. "We will have much to report to Princess Eutropia and Lady Martella when we arrive back in Meratt. Jack, you rascal, I thought your number was up back there!"
"A close one, yeah," Jack chuckles hollowly. He still seems a bit shaken by the experience. "She really put me off my game. I wasn't thinking straight at the end of the fight, forgot all my tactics. You were watching, weren't you? Let's call it a teaching moment." He laughs again, a bit sheepishly. "Can't let your emotions get the better of you in a fight!"
Trevor sullenly walks back to the carriage, Malphene in tow. The lore warden looks apprehensive, having not seen this part of Trevor before. Getting back into the carriage, The kastner noble shoots Prince Carrius a daggered glance, but sits down and looks at the carriage interior for the remained of the journey. Occasionally, the cleric casts create water in his tankard, but drinks with no joy.
Neth 5, 4718 (Moonday) (County of Meratt, Taldor)
The rest of the journey back to Meratt is quiet. As the drugs wear off, Carrius opens up more. He talks about some memories returning to him. His first riding lesson on a dappled white mare. A funeral for an important woman before he was old enough to understand its significance. If asked about his resurrection, he asserts, ”I just followed the circle back around to the beginning.” but can provide no further details.
When you arrive back in Meratt, winter has set in. You can see that the people of Stachys continue to prosper under the improvements you worked hard to establish. You briefly stop at your estate and are greeted by an excited Biblio, the gishvit, who hops around each of you while barking and licking you with its bookmark-like tongue. The house domovoi have maintained the estate in your absence and everything is in the same condition as you left it in.
Eager to reunite Prince Carrius, you don’t stay long and head to the Palace of Birdsong where Martella and Princess Eutropia reside.
Martella wastes little time in examining Prince Carrius herself, asking probing questions about his childhood and comparing him to various sketches and descriptions made of the prince in his lifetime. The young man can’t recall everything, but what he does remember is quite specific. Eventually she sends for Lady Paril, the high priest of Abadar in the nearby town of Lotheedar, to bring additional genealogy notes and cast divinations on her behalf.
Martella continues scrutinizing the lad even as she hands him another cup of tea, which disappears as quickly as the last. “We’ll continue once Lady Paril arrives from town with the family records I requested. For now I want all of you to know you’ve done extraordinary work, even if I don’t understand what exactly you’ve done just yet. If nothing else, we know that Pythareus isn’t just playing dirty; it sounds like he’s trying to fan the old flames of hatred with Qadira. Maybe even drag us into a new war. For now, though, go home. I’ll contact you once I learn anything more about the High Strategos, or about the prince.”
She pauses as the study door opens, revealing not one woman but two: Lady Paril and Princess Eutropia. “Martella, why in Abadar’s name would you need a cler—“ The Princess’s words catch in her throat as she looks at Carrius.
The princess rushes in to embrace her brother, and tears stream down both their faces.
”We should give them some time.” says Martella. ”If you wish to continue to speak, we can talk outside.” Martella ushers you all out of the room to leave Princess Eutropia and Prince Carrius alone.
”We should give them some time.” says Martella. ”If you wish to continue to speak, we can talk outside.” Martella ushers you all out of the room to leave Princess Eutropia and Prince Carrius alone.
Tychus nods in agreement, stealthily wiping a tear from the corner of his eye.
During Martella's examinations, Xallis makes sure to bring up the Psychopomp attack and relay everything he can remember about its purpose and what it said to them. "It may have been a rogue agent, but I suggest you keep a watch for suspicious individuals and possibly supernatural phenomena. I have connections with several small groups of supernatural scholars, and they are at your disposal should you need them."
The summoner does his best not to shift uncomfortably in the bulky robes he wore to the occasion, his lower arms folded over his stomach. There will be enough questions about strange turns of events as is, no need to distract them. His disguise isn't all that great, but he has an advantage in that no one has a reason to actively be searching him for an above average number of limbs.
After allowing the party to process what just happened and gather their emotions (an act he himself only performs quickly because "That's what the Diamond Dust is for, you sentamental fool") he turns to address them. "Well. I want to congratulate you myself on performing so well. We've done good by our Princess and performed well above expectations. Which is why I wanted to get you all in on a little 'project' of mine that I've had my family working on."
"You all remember Bartelby Lotheed, yes? After firmly but gently removing him from power, I've convinced Martella to let me take him off of her hands. Bartelby's been under the care of my brother Faribus, who has been charged with convincing the man to join our side. I believe that there is some potential in him, and he can serve as an asset in the coming conflicts."
"So. How do you all feel about Bartelby working with us, in the position that was occupied by my sister?"
Henrika cocks her head. "I had wondered what Julania was up to. I hope your sister is doing well-- I suspected that whatever mysterious mission you had sent her on must have been important to take her away from your side." She frowns and shakes her head. "Speaking for myself, I would need incredible evidence that Bartelby had completely changed, in personality and motivations, for me to consider trusting him as I do the rest of you. He was an utter ass, and a feckless cad! Xallis, my friend, what can your brother have done to convince you that he has been so reformed? Please tell me you haven't resorted to magical enchantments to bolster his loyalty. Such inducements are fickle and vulnerable to the spells of other casters. If such a man will turn his heel for you, why won't he turn it for our enemies at the first opportunity?"
A person who unleashed his men to terrorize the populace? Let him rot.
Icabhid makes plans to poison Bartelby.
"People can change their ways, if they are given the opportunity and a strong enough reason. If aiding our cause will grant Bartelby his freedom, maybe his conversion would be practical enough to stick?" He frowns. "We'd have to watch him like a hawk, though."
During Martella's examinations, Xallis makes sure to bring up the Psychopomp attack and relay everything he can remember about its purpose and what it said to them. "It may have been a rogue agent, but I suggest you keep a watch for suspicious individuals and possibly supernatural phenomena. I have connections with several small groups of supernatural scholars, and they are at your disposal should you need them."
"Pharasma may send more agents to apprehend Carrius", Trevor stated, stepping forward. "If the Prince is a escapee from The Spire, as the psychpomps claim, multiple attempts to reclaim him may be in his future."
"Pharasma may send more agents to apprehend Carrius", Trevor stated, stepping forward. "If the Prince is a escapee from The Spire, as the psychpomps claim, multiple attempts to reclaim him may be in his future."
Navia chuckles. "They seem like chumps to me. I didn't even have to help you guys take them down. Wasn't worth wasting my new body's debut. I only get to do that once, after all. I'm sure our princess has it all on lock down."
"Speaking for myself, I would need incredible evidence that Bartelby had completely changed, in personality and motivations, for me to consider trusting him as I do the rest of you. He was an utter ass, and a feckless cad! Xallis, my friend, what can your brother have done to convince you that he has been so reformed? Please tell me you haven't resorted to magical enchantments to bolster his loyalty. Such inducements are fickle and vulnerable to the spells of other casters. If such a man will turn his heel for you, why won't he turn it for our enemies at the first opportunity?"
Xallis gives a nod. He knows this isn't an easy thing to ask for. "I have been in contact with my brother Faribus throughout the reformation process. Julania has been sent to give final evaluations. The count's defeat was a harsh awakening to how much he has been wasting his potential. Working with House Livara has given him a comfortable environment that respects his talents."
The summoner folds his arms, all of them, when she brings up mental manipulation. "Such use of enchantment magic is unethical and barbaric, never mind being blunt and unsustainable."
He gestures towards the doors they once passed through, speaking softly enough as to not disrupt the Princess' reunion. "The nation is changing, and we are a major force behind that change. I have offered him, and by extension the family he genuinely loves, a place in this new future. The two things he greatly needs are a good arse-kicking and a challenge he can apply himself to. And we've already served him the former in abundance. And if the Lotheeds can be knocked down a few pegs and brought into the fold, that's an opportunity we can't pass up."
A person who unleashed his men to terrorize the populace? Let him rot.
"And he has no men. Even when working with my agents, he would not be allowed any kind of leadership position until the agents believe he is ready. He would answer directly to me, and my diabolist of a brother has made it abundantly clear to Bartelby just what the consequences of betrayal will be."
"People can change their ways, if they are given the opportunity and a strong enough reason. If aiding our cause will grant Bartelby his freedom, maybe his conversion would be practical enough to stick?" He frowns. "We'd have to watch him like a hawk, though."
"Of course. Early on, I'll likely have him working with my men as a test to make sure he can be trusted in the field. Then, we'll go from there."
He then glances at the remainder of the group. "Your thoughts? I want to hear everyone's opinion on the matter."
You return to your estate to continue to discuss what to do with Count Bartelby Lotheed. You do know that Martella Lotheed, with decades of resentment built up, was all too happy to punish her half-brother at first. But over the passing months has found playing jailer to her own flesh and blood to be painful and craves resolution and support from her family rather than vengeance. She is more than happy to allow your group to act as intermediaries.
By the end of the week, a messenger arrives with a long package and two letters, one from Princess Eutropia and one from Martella. The package contains a staff of healing commissioned for you with a note from Princess Eutropia that simply reads, ”You have the eternal gratitude of a sister. Thank you.”
The second letter from Martella reads, ”I reviewed the two journals you recovered from the Cult of the Twilight Child. The first journal was written by Vaddrigan Pol, the cult leader, and focused on channeling worship into oneself as an attempt to achieve immortality. This you expressed you discovered on your own. However, it is the second journal that shocked me. I recognized the handwriting as soon as I saw it. The book entitled ”Diverting the River of Souls” was written by my great-uncle, Duke Panivar Lotheed! I infer the passage, “fishing out some shred of her soul from the Beyond and in so doing, animating the most resplendent likeness of her youthful days—all at once wondrous and terrible,” is referring to his creation of the trompe l’oeil of his wife, Veleto. I do not know how Vaddrigan got a hold of such a book, but the implications are concerning.”
”By the time you are reading this letter, I will have already left on assignment to Qadira. The flames of war are being fanned and I need to work to quell them. You may not hear from me for awhile, but I know that Taldor is in good hands. Be well.”
...
Being his usual morose self, Tychus waits for the seclusion of their mansion before speaking his mind.
"If he is ready to return to civilized society, one without treason and betrayal, we should welcome him with open arms. I do have my doubts about his true loyalties and motivation. I can only hope his change of faith is due to his own sense of survival and not something more nefarious..."
Tychus lets the others discuss a little further before chiming in again.
"Do you have any assurances you can give us to assuage our fears?"
By the end of the week, a messenger arrives with a long package and two letters, one from Princess Eutropia and one from Martella. The package contains a staff of healing commissioned for you with a note from Princess Eutropia that simply reads, ”You have the eternal gratitude of a sister. Thank you.”
"HOLY KEG!" Trevor steps forward, wide-eyed and in shock. The caydenite holds it reverently in his hands.
"Look at this BEAST! I can feel the healing energies radiating of it!"Turning to the lore warden, the cleric states, "It sounds like Princess Eutropia will not be able to attend our wedding, Malphene. Oh well.
Guess it cannot be helped."
"If he is ready to return to civilized society, one without treason and betrayal, we should welcome him with open arms. I do have my doubts about his true loyalties and motivation. I can only hope his change of faith is due to his own sense of survival and not something more nefarious..."
Tychus lets the others discuss a little further before chiming in again.
"Do you have any assurances you can give us to assuage our fears?"
Xallis shakes his head. "If he wasn't showing signs of improvement, my brother would have told me as much. He understands that this is his chance to earn back his freedom... step by step... and make something of himself. And without minions to order around, he'll have to learn to pull his own weight."
Xallis smiles and half shrugs. "Besides, if there's one thing this country needs less of it's entitled, undeserving nobles who've never had to get their hands dirty."
In regards to the letter, Xallis ponders the implications as he runs his fingers over Diverting the River of Souls on the table next to him. "I'll see what I can do about keeping this safe and away from prying eyes. The last thing we need is another overambitious wizard creating abominations and drawing the attention Pharasma's underlings."
"What do you think we should do, Xallis?" Trevor asked. "Burn it?"
After a few days of deliberating, you decide to speak with Bartleby himself in order to make a final decision. You make a short trip to Lotheedar where Bartelby is being held in prison. Xallis’ siblings Faribus and Julania are also present and keeping a watchful eye on him.
Bartelby stands and bows from within his cell. ”Faribus informed me to expect a visit. Xallis’ brother has been spending much time with me over the last few weeks. I acknowledge my previous actions as acting Count of Lotheedar were selfish and arrogant. You may even say that I was outright cruel. But your sparing of my life and subsequent treatment while imprisoned has not gone unappreciated. Faribus has shown me the errors of my ways and discussed more constructive uses for my talents. You have no reason to trust me but I swear upon my family’s name that I am ready to make amends. I am willing to submit to any conditions you set for my release and will dedicate myself to making reparations.”
If you wish to make Bartelby a personal redemption project, fine. But I refuse to be in the same group with him, especially if you plan to have him in combat
Jack comes with the group to see Bartelby in prison, but he is strangely quiet and almost reverent during the visit. Afterward, he remarks to Henrika, "He seems sincere to me, Dame Ren. You have made it your way to attract all sorts of former criminals to your service, and perhaps Bartelby Lotheed is no different, excepting that he was not a friend of ours before he saw the light. If my voice has any weight in your decisions, I say give him a chance-- for the sake of his soul, if nothing else. Recruit him to your army and let him burn away his shame in the fires of glory."
Tychus leans against the jail wall, arms folded over his chest. He chooses to remain silent, for the most part, casting a steely gaze at the disgraced noble.
He eventually acquiesces, shoulders sagging slightly.
"Abadar will be watching you. As shall I..."
Faribus speaks, "I have working with Julania to create a unique magical item. A sort of ankle bracelet that is bound with a divine being. While it has no control over Bartelby's actions, it will allow you to monitor Bartelby's location and is designed to help steer him into making better decisions. Sort of like a lesser geas if you will. Such a binding came at a cost, which Bartelby agreed to and paid for willingly and you may find that Bartelby is not as formidable as when you last fought it. Only Xallis will be able to remove the bracelet. It will be up to you if you ever trust him enough to do so. But his strength will never return."
"You have no reason to trust me yet, but I am excited to be working with you. Especially with Xallis who had caught my eye as extremely talented in the arts from our very first meeting. And I am looking forward to seeing Lotheedar once more. From the outside and not a prison window."
Bartelby nods at each of the Livara siblings, lifting the leg of his simple cloth trousers to expose his ankle. The bracelet attaches itself with a satisfying click and a brief glow as it magically seals itself.
Faribus pats the Lotheed on the shoulder. "Good. You spoke exactly as we rehearsed, but it's your actions that will tell us how much you mean it. Do not forget out first conversation."
Count Bartelby Lotheed looked through the bars at the noble in black and red. The family resemblance was easy enough to pick out. "So that traitorous charlatan couldn't even come to gloat in person? Typical." He spat. "I suppose his moldy harlot is on a tight leash, so what are you then? The family bastard here to run errands on his behalf?"
"Bartelby Lotheed." Faribus speaks coldly, but with the slightest hint of an unkind anticipation. "It's amazing how much of your 'signature charm' melts away when you're not bedecked in magical charms and compensations. In fact, I wonder how much of your fighting prowess is false? Just a few days without your scrolls and trinkets and you look like a starved rat. Rest assured my brother and his companions are actually putting them to use."
That was enough to make Bartelby lose his cool. Hes fists grasped the bars as his face pressed against them. "How DARE you! Tell that cretin that if he doesn't return my spell book I'll-"
"You'll what?" Faribus cuts him off, "Scream indignantly? Rattle your cage? He isn't as dependent on the written word as you are, so your precious tome is currently participating in the free market. It's changed hands so many times, I assume it's halfway to Mwangi by now."
The aspiring hellknight folds his hands behind his back and gives Bartelby a stern look. "The deception inherent to politics bores me, so I won't visit its disrespect upon you: to put it simply, you are alive because my brother sees you as a potential asset. it is the reason you did not die in your estate when Xallis claimed his reparations."
"Reparations? ASSET?!? I am Count Bartelby Lotheed, and I am no one's pawn!" The man's sword arm twitched, reflexively reaching for a weapon that was not there. This amused Faribus.
"Is it by your will that you were living with a monster in your estate?" Faribus asked, lifting his chin ever so slightly. "The one that seemed to murder your servants. Unless that entire situation was your doing, and not the request of some distant patriarch that cared little for your own life."
"Yes, we heard many things from your former servants. They were all too happy to tell us. Did you know that after the battle, once they were assured they would not be harmed, that not one of them spoke out i defense of you? Not a single voice protested. And even though your family's power greatly outstrips our own, they have sent no agent to retrieve you?"
Faribus pivoted on a heel and made his way towards the exit. "Reflect on your situation as you consider my offer. We offer knowledge, training, and an opportunity to prove yourself to all of Taldor."
----------------------------------------
Bartelby suppresses a groan. "I couldn't forget it if I wanted to."
Julana claps her planted hands together. "Well! It looks like everything is going well enough here. Bartelby, remember to play nice from here on out. I'm sure you'll do your sist... err, your family proud. Think of this as a minor setback on your path to greatness!"
The paladin gives him a pat on the shoulder before hugging each of her siblings. "Farbie and I are going to go visit mother and father for a while, catch up, and then go our separate ways for a while. Our new friend here's been keeping Faribus busy for quite some time. And I go where my goddess needs me, which meant following you for this chance to save Bartelby, and now? Who knows! Magdh tends to surprise me."
Faribus nods, turning partway towards the exit. "We'll update the House on your progress, but do make sure to write more often. Father is growing worried that he's been demoted to your personal scroll scribe."
Julania interrupts Xallis' potential offer with her usual perfect timing. "And no, don't worry about teleporting us. We'd like to use the walk to talk about something other than the Lotheeds for once."
The siblings share one last farewell before they depart, leaving the middle child with his friends and former rival.
Neth 12, 4718 (Moonday) (County of Meratt, Taldor)
After your brief rest at your estate, you find yourselves back in the Palace of Birdsong standing before the Princess.
Princess Eutropia’s mutt, Taldogis, bounds forward in greeting, wielding a deafening bark and nearly lethal wagging tail. The princess gently shoos him away before inviting you into her office.
“I want to thank you again,” she begins, “both for your loyal service and more personally for returning Carrius to me. I don’t understand who would have the resources to raise him from the dead after so many years, but it seems obvious the plan is to disrupt both Pythareus’s and my own claims to the throne. For now he’s safe and recovering. He seems to be the same boy, but... haunted by this unfortunate transition. Hopefully Carrius can provide us with additional details once the cultists’ drugs wear off and he feels more comfortable returned to his skin. In the meantime, it is an infinite kindness to see my brother again.
“I know normally Martella Lotheed would be offering you assignments, but she is presently in Qadira trying to prevent a war. After your encounter in Yanmass, you returned with evidence that Maxillar is conducting false attacks on Taldan border communities, disguising his soldiers as Qadirans. My follow‑up investigations have revealed he has also conducted ‘retaliatory’ attacks against Qadiran targets in response. He seems to believe that a nation at war will select a general as its emperor, and he’s probably right. But I don’t need to remind you that the last time we went to war with Qadira, it lasted 500 years and cost millions of lives, not to mention half our empire.
“There is some good news: we’re not alone in wanting to prevent this. Up until now, the Lion Blades have been reluctant to take a side in the succession debate, but with Maxillar risking the nation’s safety, they have reached out to me for assistance. It seems all their resources in Zimar have suddenly gone dark, and they need new eyes in the city. You’ve proven yourselves my most loyal and reliable agents; I’d like you to proceed to the Kitharodian Academy in Oppara to meet a woman named Kathann Zalar. She’ll provide you additional information, training, and resources for this joint venture. She also asked that you return an ocarina constructed by a master artisan of the Kitharodian Academy that has been housed here at the palace for the last few centuries, as a sign of good faith.”
The Princess can answer a few questions you might have.
Henrika perks up at the mention of training. "Training? At the Kitharodian Academy? That is most generous, Your Highness. We will surely endeavor to learn all we can from the masters, or at least as much as they are willing to teach us."
Jack grumbles quietly to himself. "I only said I thought you had learned all that I can teach you, not that you can't learn anything more. But I think you'll find that this old dog still has a few tricks in him, and I'll do my best to keep up with you, Ren."
"So the general seems to be war-mad, desperate, or both. All the more reason to not see him succeed. Can you tell us exactly what we can expect of this Kathann Zalar? And out of curiosity... how did the ocarina end up in the palace?
Malphene's eyes widen with surprise, matching Henrika's enthusiasm. "Ooo! The Kitharodian Academy! Oh, Trevor! What if I could learn an instrument! That would be wonderful! I could play lullabys to our children."
"There are a few bardic talents I've always wanted to pursue", Trevor nodded. "What a wonderful opportunity!"
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Oppara’s largest bard college, the Kitharodian Academy, is known for producing some of Taldor’s greatest musicians and actors. What few locals know is that the academy hosts a secret shadow school for the Lion Blades, who walk among the faculty and recruit heavily from the academy’s student body.
While the academy teaches the bardic arts to all its students, the most charming, innocent-seeming, and loyal are inducted into the Lion Blades and taught to listen, watch, and even kill for their country. Every lesson serves a dual purpose; dance classes teach the fundamentals of combat footwork and acting classes groom students to read and manipulate others. Students selected for special training by the Lion Blades see more advanced training building off these universal foundations.
Training? At the Kitharodian Academy?
“As I understand it, you’ll be infiltrating Zimar, a fortified city passionately loyal to Pythareus and wary of outsiders. The Lion Blades have done so many times before, and I presume they have insights unknown to the general public that may help you.”
”But the goal is not to attack Pythareus directly. I make no secret of my displeasure with the man, and he’s certainly overextended his internal defenses as he maneuvers forces to the border, but it’s not in my nature to settle disputes with assassination. Taldor is a nation of laws, and to stop Pythareus we need iron‑clad evidence of his crimes against the nation, not brutal violence.”
”And you may be thinking, why don’t we make the evidence we found in Yanmass public? But just because you have proof of a major figure’s wrongs, it doesn’t mean they’ll suffer the consequences. Defenders will claim the documents are faked, or more likely, that I am attempting to smear him. Some people, sadly, are entrenched enough that accusations require a mountain of evidence before decisive action can be taken.”
Can you tell us exactly what we can expect of this Kathann Zalar?
“Kathann is one of my few remaining contacts within the Lion Blades. She assisted me in my campaign to overturn primogeniture, and rushed to our defense during the Exaltation Massacre. I’ve quite literally trusted her with my life, though her sense of humor can be a bit... overbearing.”
“Though I enjoyed a number of supporters within the Lion Blades’ ranks during my crusade to overturn primogeniture—many in the organization felt advancing Taldor’s internal unity would strengthen our security as well—the organization refuses to act beyond being an internal security force. Even my closest allies among them have removed themselves from me since the War for the Crown began. It’s been frustrating, but I can appreciate their perspective; to ensure the nation’s safety, they must be loyal to that nation and its tenets, not any one politician.”
”While the organization has remained stubbornly neutral in the conflict so far, I hope we can at least work together to prevent a war.”
And out of curiosity... how did the ocarina end up in the palace?
“It seems one of my ancestors borrowed the piece from the Kitharodian Academy and it simply became part of the family collection. A troubling habit in Taldan history. I don’t think it is especially important, beyond serving as a gesture of trust.”
Princess Eutropia has a few items to give to you. The first is the ocarina. The ocarina itself is remarkable in that it is expertly crafted from porcelain and inlaid with silver details, but it’s small and has no magical properties.
The second item is a letter from the Lion Blades’ that requests only that you remain discreet in your association, and meet Kathann in the Academy’s gardens, on a bench under the administrator’s offices at sunset.
The last item is a package left by Martella Lotheed for you. Inside is a clockwork spy, built in the shape of a large beetle with a single, jeweled eye. The unique construct has a 10-foot climb speed in addition to its other abilities, and has been built to obey your commands, offering them the ability to surveil targets and record short audio clips.
Details of the clockwork spy is here: Link
Princess Eutropia has little additional information to share. She dismisses you and wishes you luck.
Here, I’m going to give you another Persona Phase that you can use while in Meratt. You’ll spend another week here and then you’ll depart for Oppara. Like when you went to Yanmass, expect to be gone for a while, so anything you might want to do while in Meratt, you should do before you leave.
Henrika makes a special effort to see that the house faeries are paid appropriately for the time they have spent looking after Sir Xallis's estates while the party has been gone. She spends some time shopping at the burgeoning markets in town, interacting with people and haggling over prices for excellent produce and other foodstuffs, especially butter and fresh cream. She also gossips, telling stories about her companions and asking others what they have heard as well. She does her best to be friendly and gracious to everyone, boosting her reputation somewhat as a charming figure in the local tales.
Persona Phase
Tychus holds a public rally in Meratt’s market square to mark the group’s accomplishments in Yanmass. He’s not comfortable being the center of attention, but he knows there’s purpose in it.
Tychus makes sure to espouse Eutropia's cause, for the benefit of any outsiders, rather than the villagers who probably already support her. His speech is brief and to the point. He speaks of justice, order, and progress. Things they would not have under the other pretenders to the Throne.
With any luck, those passing through Meratt will carry his words out into Taldor proper.
With lines being drawn and focusing on just a few members of the nobility, Icabhod decides that the people need to learn much more about the support or oppose. He gives several lectures to make sure people are aware of just what awaits them if they decide to side with one of the few remain powers that be.
While they are resting in Meratt before their next departure, Henrika makes a point of calling on Baron Okerra. She sends him a small handwritten card, explaining that she is back in town and that she would love to see him and his daughter again. When he responds with an invitation, she takes a carriage to the visit, so not to waste too much time on the road. Her visit is mostly social, though she also wants to bring the baron up to speed on events involving the succession and events in Meratt. "I suppose I could have just written a letter, but that always seems so impersonal to me. It makes me think of my mother-- I write her every chance I get, but I must be so careful about what I say. She is so mind-sick that she cannot comprehend much subtlety, and I am sure that my Uncle intercepts them and reads every word, addresses and seals be damned. I do see it as an opportunity for misinformation, but I wouldn't want to worry my mother, assuming she does read them, and I don't know exactly how involved he is with our enemies. He seems to me more the type to hedge his bets for his own benefit than to throw his support behind any one candidate. Our representative in the Senate supports Pythareus, though, as most of my family is affiliated with the military. Bah!" She sighs.
Another reason for her visit is that she wants to suggest something to Okerra. "We are soon departing again, returning to Oppara. We plan to spend some time at the Kitharodian Academy, though none of us are particularly inclined toward performing the bardic arts, and I wondered if Selli would like to come with me, and if you would be willing to entrust her to my care for the duration of our trip. A large number of Sir Xallis's friends and staff will be joining us, so there are plenty of worthy chaperones to watch her while my duties occasionally call me away from her side. But I think she would do well as part of our acquaintance, and meet many people of quality as well as influential figures at the school where we are staying. Who knows, perhaps she will impress them and they will invite her to study there for a time? What say you, sir? And you, Lady Selli? Consider, of course, and there is no reason for a hasty decision, for I can stay for a night at least before I must return."
Persona Phase
Henrika
As Henrika spends time in Stachys’ market, she receives a hero’s welcome. Children stop in the streets and gape in awe. A few men brazenly proposition her. When Henrika haggles over the prices with the vendors, they smile and wave her efforts away, offering her deep discounts or even giving away some goods for free. She notes that the statue of the group of heroes that stands in the center of the square has been well maintained and fresh flowers ring the base.
The house domovoi, Blunk, Nodd, and Wink are overjoyed by the gift of fresh food and wine. They invite the party to spend the night with them in their basement burrow and you share the feast while they incessantly ask for stories of your adventures until you run out. The next morning, all the windows of the estate seem to have an extra shine to them and fresh cut flora adorn all the rooms.
When Henrika asks if Selli can accompany her, Baron Okerra says he must think about it overnight. Henrika spends the night and in the morning he gives a reply. ”Selli can travel with you to Oppara. She has never been to the big city and it would broaden her horizons. However, I will send a servant to escort her. I’m sure you have important work to perform for Princess Eutropia and you don’t need to be babysitting my fiery daughter. After your business in Oppara, Selli is NOT to travel to Zimar. It is far too dangerous for her there. My servant will bring her back to Pensaris.” Okerra bends down and gives Selli a hug. ”Go back your things, my love. You be a good girl now and don’t cause the good Lady Karthis any trouble now, you hear. I look forward to lots of stories from you when you return.”
Selli replies joyfully. ”I will!” Although Henrika notices Selli’s fingers are crossed behind Nicolaus’ back while they hug. Then she runs off to get her things.
After Selli goes upstairs, Nicolaus moves close to Henrika. ”I’ve said it before. As much as I love my daughter, I cannot be the mother she lost. I am so glad that she has a female figure in her life again. Take good care of her.”
Icabhod
While the people of Meratt have fully thrown their support behind Princess Eutropia, the secluded people know little of the other claimants to the throne. More than half recognize the name Pythareus especially those amongst the soldiers. And news of the skirmishes between Taldor and Qadira have reached even their ears in this rural part of the country. However, the noble houses of Starborne, Nazezi, and Vort are relatively unknown.
Starborne: This gnome family manages the Wispel settlements within the Verduran Forest, supplying the majority of the worlds Darkwood.
Nazezi: This family of craftsman and tradesman control the corner on the fine jewelry market in Taldor.
Vort: Controlling the critical heartland country of Lionsmane, located next to Meratt and between both Cassomir and Oppara, the Vort family is responsible for securing much of the canals and highways between the two giant cities.
These three families’ claims to be among the royal bloodline are a stretch but their popularity in the counties they control is enough to keep their claim spoken amongst the Senate. And with no sitting Emperor, the Senate is still barely functioning and no resources are being directed to refute them.
Trevor
I don';t know what to do for a Persona Phase at this time. Trevor's had his first aid tent up several times, and none of the other Persona tasks seem to fit. I wish Trevor could mirror Henrika's Phase.
Trevor accompanies Henrika through town with Malphene at his side. He too receives a hero’s welcome. Although women look longingly at him from a distance out of fear of Malphene’s wrath. Gossip spreads about how lucky Malphene is to be the one to have caught the eye of such a handsome and famous noble. Knowing Trevor is a priest of Cayden Cailean, the men in town usher him in to the tavern and toast to him and keep the ale flowing.
Tychus
Tychus stands in front of the statue in the market square and draws a large crowd. The villagers are eager to hear of the group’s deeds in Yanmass and boo Pythareus’ name when they hear of his villainy. Some of the villagers set up impromptu targets and beg Tychus to demonstrate his skill with his crossbow. When Tychus scores a bullseye, the crowd whoops and hollers with delight.
Xallis
Amongst his other activities, Xallis busies himself with the paperwork for Bartelby’s release. The people of Lotheedar are not pleased for Bartelby to be let go but they trust in Xallis and Princess Eutropia’s judgement. However, as a minor act of defiance, the jailors force Xallis to navigate days’ worth of red tape.
Neth 26, 4718 (Moonday) (Opparat, Taldor)
The trip to Oppara proves a quiet week’s travel, though as you are traveling by carriage you pass the site of a recent battle between Loyalist and Imperialist forces that took place in southern Tandak while you were in Yanmass. By this point the bodies have been cleared from the impromptu battlefield, but the freshly turned soil of recent graves remains visible from the road, and the faint stink of death lingers.
Selli marvels slack-jawed as you approach the city. When you pass through Lionsgate and the animated stone lions roar, Selli yelps with surprise and gives Henrika’s hand a tight squeeze. You head to Canal Row to find a place to stay (unless you are staying at one of your family homes). You leave Selli and her escort there and wait until sundown. You’ll have time for other activities later.
You were instructed to meet Lion Blades’ representative discretely in the Academy’s gardens at sundown. The location is easy to find; the administrators’ windows are a stained glass affair, propped slightly open in the warm evening, with a large, stone bench below. Your representative is late in arriving, however. Soon after you arrive at your destination, two city guards approach you.
Two men wearing blue‑and‑green guard uniforms and armed with halberds approach. The taller of the two guards calls out, “Good evening. Stay where you are. We have a few questions for you.”
You can easily recognize these men as members of the Opparan city guard; the taller of the two wears the stripes of a sergeant.
”Who are you?”
”Why are you loitering on the Academy grounds?”
”Someone reported a break-in at the Academy. I’m sure you don’t mind if I have a quick look at your belongings?”
Henrika looks startled when the guards approach. She casts Hermean potential silently and without gestures on herself as she moves toward them, and she makes an anxious, hushing gesture. She looks around fearfully and tries to lead the two men away from the others, back towards the entrance of the gardens. (She does not go so far away that her companions cannot hear her whispers, she doesn't object if any of them come with her, and of course she has her trusty message spell to convey what she is saying to them in any case.)
She whispers urgently to the guards in a strange, sibilant tone, with an affected snootiness. "Please! Keep your voices down! The thaumic resonances are easily disturbed by loud voices and powerful emotions, especially by such heroic-looking figures as yourselves. Hmm, that's odd-- have either of you recently lost a loved one? I am sensing an agitated force that has followed you into the gardens, and it could disrupt our whole experiment. Who am I? I am called Quick Wit the Bard, or rather Bard-Soon-To-Be, if today's efforts go as planned. I apologize, but I left my calling cards in my other dress. (It has pockets.) I am conducting something of an experiment for the masters here at the Academy. A bit of a professional secret, you understand, but if you are really interested I can give you a brief précis... since psychic energies can be disturbed or summoned by powerful emotion, and since the quality of music can be heightened significantly through the judicious use of well-placed silence, I have theorized that extreme silence in the wake of a powerful experience can have an even greater effect. We are attempting to summon the latent psychic energies in some of our fellow students and acquaintances from outside the campus, you see. Would you be willing to participate in our study? It will only take a few hours. I am afraid I cannot compensate you for your time, but the experience itself is quite fulfilling. No? Very well." She frowns. "If you are determined to go through our things, I suppose I cannot object, but I warn you that it may put you at some risk. Some of the items we have brought are associated with famous legends and are rumored to be haunted. We have taken great care not to touch any of them, to ensure that we do not attract the ire of these restless spirits. I cannot guarantee your safety if you insist on handling them. I can assure you that we do not have any items with us that are not our own. Can you tell me who it was who reported this theft? I wonder if my, uh, colleague, "Dr. Hedgehog," is up to one of his famous pranks again. He is terribly jealous of my studies, you understand. He thinks he would like to be a Wit himself, but he is only halfway there. Ha!" She suddenly looks around fearfully. "Oh, I shouldn't joke. It could anger the spirits. Well, if you are going to join our little ensemble, you had better come over and join our meditation circle. Please try to be as quiet as you can!"
while they engage in studies, lectures or imbibing large quantities of ale, Icabhod ponders over past events. He was not very much aware of his difficulties in being able to be effective in melee. Their large group tended to create chokepoints in narrow areas and lacking in ranged options, Icabhod found himself rather frustrated.
So he decided to look into ways of increasing his options.
Looking through descriptions of magical items, he happened upon two expensive yet helpful items.
The Slippers of Spider Climbing would allow him to walk along walls and ceilings. If the way was blocked inside, scaling the walls would allow him to by pass battle lines and contribute.
The next was the Cape of the Montebank. The magic could only be used once a day but he would be able to vanish and reappear a distance. Useful for pincering a foe or a quick escape.
Icabhod already had a magical cloak that helped protect him from magic, but if it was possible to merge both it and the Montebank, he would have a strong tool.
Fortunately, he had been frugal with his purchases and could afford both.
”Who are you?”
Tychus performs an exaggerated bow.
"I am but a humble servant of Abadar."
”Why are you loitering on the Academy grounds?”
"Wit here has retained my services as a barrister in order to clear her of... liabilities... when her experiments go awry. Usually nothing too extreme. The occasional collateral damage. Mostly superficial. You know how it goes..."
He waves his arms as he speaks, as if dusting away their worries.
”Someone reported a break-in at the Academy. I’m sure you don’t mind if I have a quick look at your belongings?”
"Abadar would strike me down where I stood if I were to partake in thiefhood. You may peruse my things at your leasure."
Upon Arrival...
Xallis insists that he visit the Livara estate to say hellow to his parents, if only to leave his siblings with one less thing to tease him about not doing. Naturally, his companions are invited to tag along if they wish, but he does remind them that his modified form may mean a strange reunion.
His parents are happy to see him again, and Navia makes a few jokes about how the place 'seems smaller than it used to' thanks to her new size. Initially, Xallis' father is quite pleased to hear his son speak of the new spells he is capable of, and begins discussing plans on setting up a room to allow for easier arrivals via teleportation. However, that changes when Xallis accidentally reaches for his tea with one of his concealed extra limbs.
His father takes him into a side room for a discussion, and raised voices can be heard from time to time. After the discussion, Xallis politely apologizes for the interruption and does his best to ignore the rising tension among the servants, answering questions from his mother and his allies in ways that give little information but attempt to reassure them of his well being.
He's going to be so happy when he's out of here and...
...At the Academy
Xallis is thankful that the objective had been described as needing discretion, as a 10 foot tall eidolon was anything but. He nods and follows up with his fellows.
”Who are you?”
"Nathar, a traveler and scholar."
”Why are you loitering on the Academy grounds?”
"I've been looking into the result of a magical experiment gone, err... wrong isn't the word. Differently correct?" Xallis loosens part of his robe, allowing the hand of his third arm to poke out and wave to them before he tucks it back away. "Quick Wit's experiments might aid me in solving this conundrum."
”Someone reported a break-in at the Academy. I’m sure you don’t mind if I have a quick look at your belongings?”
"I wouldn't want to trouble you with such a thing. After all, I made the error of mishandling Wit's belongings and... well, you see what happened. Such things are meant to be handled by professionals."
Trevor and Malphene are stunned by whatever Henrika is trying to accomplish, so they remain silent; waiting to see what happens.
Can you tell me who it was who reported this theft?
The sergeant roughly pokes Henrika with his finger. ”Let’s get one thing straight. I’m the one asking the questions here.”
He looks over the group critically. ”Let’s see. A psychic, a lawyer, a scholar, and a few that seem to have lost their tongues. I’ve never seen such an unlikely gathering. You think we’ve never encountered a ghost or a man with three arms before? Open your bags!”
The second guard goes around to each of your and rummages through your belongings, throwing things on the ground and not bothering to pick them back up again. Eventually, he comes upon the ocarina and holds it up for the sergeant to see. ”Sergeant, it looks like we found our thieves.”
The sergeant frowns, ”I’m going to have to take you in for questioning. We’ll sort this out in the morning.”
After a brief moment of panic that you might be arrested, the two guards break into laughter. The sergeant pulls at his neck, peeling off a disguise and revealing the face of a Vudrani woman. You recognize her as the “guard” who waved you through the search of the senate before the Exaltation Gala. The other guard likewise removes his disguise, revealing a familiar purple-skinned companion, Liraela.
”My apologies for having a bit of fun at your expense. We needed to test your ability to deflect nosy authorities. Welcome to the Kitharodian Academy, agents. My name is Kathann Zalar. Please follow me inside for coffee and a brief tour.” While you are walking, Kathann and Liraela offer a few notes about playing to your strengths. Liraela praises Henrika for the way she attempted to confuse curious guards by taking control of the conversation and asking leading questions.
I’ll give Henrika a Hero Point for her entertaining deception.
When the guards approach and his companions give their explinations, Icabhod steps up.
I must confirm that my friends are indeed suffering from misfortune. Due to their conditions I have been assigned as a caregiver in order to moniter their condition and render aid as needed.
Icabhod produces some alchemist vials. Xallis is enduring a conditiona such as morphagenic field flux. His material form has become more free flowing due to the magical incident and so he has some extra limbs. These concoctions are administered regularly so he does not undergo any additional fluxes that would end with him having feet on his head.
Henrika exchanges a look with Jack, and both of them are just beginning to put their hands on their blades to start a fight when the false guards reveal their ruse. She breathes a sign of relief. "Why, Dame Liraela, how fine to see you again! You and your friend here had quite a merry time at our expense. And what excellent disguises you have!" She squints at Kathann. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but now that I see you in this persona, I feel that we have met before. How do you do?"
Jack grumbles quietly, "I almost sliced their heads off. They must really like their pranks." When Henrika relaxes and begins bantering friendly words with their hosts, Jack still keeps his hand on the hilt of his blade.
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Thank goodness they didn't find the large quantity of drugs and poison I have hidden
When the guards say that they're going to take them in, Xallis' mind rapidly races through a checklist of the monsters at his command. He considers his options as...
....it turns out to be fine. He's just as surprised to see a familiar face. "Li- Dame Liraela, you've completely caught me off guard! My, it's a pleasure to see a familiar face."
"How have you been? What have you been up to? If you work for these fine people, I'm sure you've heard of our recent endeavors. Things have been developing quite nicely." He shows off his extra limbs. "...and quite strangely. That last trick of mine wasn't actually a trick. Oh, when we find a moment I'll bring out Navia, she'd be delighted to see you again."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but now that I see you in this persona, I feel that we have met before. How do you do?"
”Your memory is correct. We did meet once before when you were just fledgling aids to Lady Lotheed. I did her a favor by expediting your entry into the Exaltation Gala.”
"...and quite strangely. That last trick of mine wasn't actually a trick. Oh, when we find a moment I'll bring out Navia, she'd be delighted to see you again."
Liraela examines Xallis. ”I’m all too familiar with getting strange looks for one’s appearance. I hope you are prepared for that. But I would love to see Navia again. She’s a delight.”
Kathann gives you a quick tour around the campus and introduces you to the various professors and curious attendees as “visiting scholars.” She says, ”When you have free time, you will be allowed to sit in on any classes as you wish.”
Once you’ve seen the area, she escorts you to the faculty lounge where another familiar face awaits: Cassaranda Florint, who you discovered and saved from a cell beneath the Encircling Bower in Yanmass. She rises from her seat and greets you warmly like old friends. ”Well met! I wasn’t expecting to see your faces here. Kathann, why didn’t you tell me they were coming?”
Kathann replies, ”Apologies, I didn’t know you were acquainted.”
”Some spy you are.” Cassaranda jokes. Then she gets back to the paperwork she is working on at her desk.
Kathann waves Cassaranda off and has you sit on a pair of comfortable couches. She pours each of you your choice of either fresh cups of coffee, tea, or wine.
Kathann sits opposite you and speaks. “Lady Lotheed seemed optimistic about your group back during the Exaltation Gala. I’m pleased to meet you in a more formal setting, and I’m quite pleased you didn’t die. So please do tell me: what is your purpose in working for our princess?”