Quintessa was not expecting Graham to go down like that. As he collapses, she sucks in a quick breath and does her best to remain focused on finishing this woman before she finished them.
Hold on, Graham!
Calling the last of her powerful magics for the day, she repeats the same steps she did moments ago. Heating up her hands, she calls forth another powerful blast of superh-heated magic onto the woman that just like she had done moments before. She follows that with another casting of her shield, hoping she would not need it.
Boss Fight - Round 3 - concluded
25 Selina
20 Graham (dying 2, runic weapon 8 rds)
19 Alvis
10 Teela (lingering composition 1 rd)
9 Quintessa
26 Volodmyra (24hp dmg)
9 Jaethal
Teela continues to inspire the group even after seeing Graham fall. She then conjures and hurls icy projectiles at the remaining Black Tear, but the leader sees them coming soon enough to pirouette out of the way, taking no damage.
Trying to end the fight right now, Quintessa goes back to her most powerful magics, and sends another blast of super-heated air at Volodmyra. Again the assassin chief does not combust, but merely smolders, taking fire damage, but not going down. Quintessa finishes her turn by putting up the glass sphere to try to protect herself.
"Ve are not done yet!" shouts Volodmyra moving to a position where her sweeping axe attack can hit both Alvis and Quintessa. The blow is just warded off by Alvis, even though he is shield-less, but Quintessa is not so lucky. Though her glass shield protects her from worse damage, she still gets hit, blood staining her attire. The glass shield does burst, small pieces of shrapnel cutting the face of the fierce Black Tear leader.
Jaethal gasps as Graham is cut down and lunges across the room to his side, administering a Heal spell that brings the half-elf back from the brink of death.
Lady Jamandi is grabbed by the wounded frost giant, and lifted off her feet. She is able to keep her sword arm free however, and is not done fighting...
half damage, so 7
miss
hit
1 dmg
Boss Fight - Round 4
25 Selina
20 Graham (5/19hp remain, wounded 1, runic weapon 8 rds)
19 Alvis
10 Teela (lingering composition 1 rd)
9 Quintessa (10/15hp)
26 Volodmyra (32hp dmg)
9 Jaethal
The seamstress creates another shard of ice to hurl at the axe-wielding woman, launches it, then immediately sprints closer to the giant.
❖❖ Telekinetic Projectile, ❖ Stride
Alvis feels a second of triumph as his opponent falls but his elation turns to horror, as the Axe-wielding maiden brings down Graham and slashes at both him and Quintessa. He awkwardly succeeds in bending backwards so the swing that would have taken his head glances off the smooth scales of his armor, leaving him unharmed, but the same cannot be said for Tessa. As he recovers his balance the strange half-elf heals Graham who stirs clearly still weak with wounds. Despite the risk Alvis calls upon his faith to turn the tide.
With his recently freed hand he grasps his key and calls on his patron for aid. "May Justice manifest for the true warrior, again for the honor of this domicile."
Heal as 2 actions. Range 30 feet. On Graham.
Round 4: Selina
Seeing Graham down, Selina reaches for her dueling sword, only to remember that she dropped it on the floor in the other room. Cursing herself, she says a small prayer to Desna, drops her crossbow, draws her dagger, steps in to flank, and strikes at Volodmyra's kidneys.
Drop crossbow - free ❖Draw dagger ❖Step to flank ❖Strike
Quintessa lets out an involuntary cry as Volodmyra's axe slices into her, the pain searing through her side despite the glass shield absorbing the brunt of the blow. She stumbles backward, clutching her wound, blood staining her once-pristine attire. She had never been injured so badly with a weapon like the wound she just sustained.
With no time to wonder whether Teela would be able to fix her dress or not, she remains focused on the woman intent on killing her. Her face twists in a mix of pain and fury as the Black Tear leader smirks at the apparent upper hand.
"You’ll regret that." Quintessa growls as she steps backwards.
Her hands begin to tremble as she energizes shards of jagged metal with her will. "We are done!" she spits, sending the energized shards hurtling toward Volodmyra.
Boss Fight - Round 4 - concluded
Alvis uses the last of his healing magic on Graham, revitalizing the fallen half-elf even more.
The rest of the party lays into the axe-wielding leader of the Black Tear assassins. Selina moves up to flank, and stabs her in the back while Teela and Quintessa sends shards of ice and metal at her. All the spells and the dagger strike home, and the fierce warrior folds, falling to the ground in a bloody heap, dead before she hits the ground.
At the same moment, Lady Jamandi makes a ferocious side-cut with her dueling sword and lops the head clean off the frost giant that held her off the ground. As the large fist unclenches, the Lady lands gracefully on the dueling pit floor, as if she were getting out of bed. Sheathing her blade, she strides towards the group, taking not of Graham lying prone on the ground.
"Well done then, and fortunate timing for me. Those two brutes were no cake-walk, but add in all of these thugs and the axe-wielding boss, and I would've been in bad shape. How fares the rest of the house?"
Selina pumps her fist at the leader's death. She searches the woman for valuables and gear and shares it with the party. She will then pick up her crossbow and dueling sword.
The fallen leader of the Black Tear assault wears chain mail armor, the greataxe, 4 lesser healing potions, a jade and pearl necklace, a silver ring, and a set of goggles with lenses of forest-green glass bound in rough leather stitched with crude twine.
Once all threats in the room are disposed of, Teela sits down to take a breather. She ponders something for a moment before being pulled out of it by Jamandi's question. "Huh?" her head perks up. "Oh, umm... Well, there's some fire down that area," she points "and not the pleasant sconce light kind. Your people..." she pauses for a moment and snaps her fingers a few times to remember something. "Ivenzi's the person in charge. They guard access to the sleeping quarters. There are survivors there. Also, one giant like these two. An injured one. They may or may not have left the ground by now. Last we saw them they were leaving. I think."
She takes a second again. "The place probably saw better days." she picks up some broken furniture as she stands up, and puts it against a wall so that it's not in the middle of the room for someone to stub their toe on it.
Quintessa exhales deeply, gripping her side where Volodmyra’s axe had struck her moments earlier. She glances around to confirm that the battlefield has finally been cleared and forces herself to straighten up as Lady Jamandi approaches, doing her best to mask the lingering pain with a facade of poise.
"Lady Jamandi. The house is holding, though barely. We encountered another frost giant, severely injured but still dangerous. I managed to negotiate its retreat from the scullery, but it’s unclear if it has left the premises entirely. In hindsight were fortunate to do so, as we may not have had all of the resources at our disposal to win this battle here with you."
"We’ve also found survivors along the way, adventurers and guards alike. Some were gravely wounded, but we’ve done what we could to stabilize them. Others have retreated to regroup and recover."
She gestures toward the doorway they entered from. "As Teela said, Ivenzi is holding the sleeping quarters. There’s significant damage there as well, with fires still burning and casualties among the staff and guests. The Black Tears have left their mark on this place, but with their leader gone, their morale will likely falter."
Quintessa's eyes flick back to the dead giants and the pile of Black Tear corpses. "Your defense here was nothing short of remarkable, my lady, but the battle may not be over. What are your orders for securing the rest of the manor?"
Ooh, my head, Graham says staggering to his feet and looking about the room. We – they, I suppose, since I was napping – won.
He retrieves his rapier and sheaths it, saying nothing while Teela and Lady Orlovsky give their reports. He gingerly nudges the axe that brought him low with his foot, noting its fine construction and remaining silent.
Only when the discussion of Lady Jamandi's direction is complete does he approach Teela with a sheepish Thank you... and a similar remark to both Jaethal and Alvis.
Teela returns a nod of acknowledgement. "Well fought. Why the long face, though? You're standing. She's not." she nudges her head towards the other side of the hall, towards Black Tears commander "I call that a win."
For a second Alvis finds it hard to comprehend that the fight, for now at least, is over. Then the voice of his mentor plays in his head, Your battle will double after the fight is over, find the near dead, stabilize and heal, by our lord's grace or by your skill.
Alvis starts looking around quickly, seeking those nearing death, "I've no healing favor left but does anyone know of a dying person?" At the sight or word from anyone he will head in that direction and try to stabilize them. After that he continues with helping anyone with his mundane healing that he can, starting with Tessa, if she's not immune.
"M'lady, you are hurt let me aid you."
On Tessa if okay, or anyone.
As Graham gives his thanks, Alvis quietly replies, "Thank my master, I but did what he wills." He bows his head, "I'm sorry I stepped away from that fearsome axe-maiden, I was afraid of another deathly blow. I hope, one day, you can forgive me."
Selina picks up her sword, cursing herself internally that she dropped it, as she approaches her idol. "Lady Jamandi, I am a dueling sword trainee at one of your local schools in Restov. I must say it is an honor to meet you and I am glad that we could play a small role in the defense of your manor. Unfortunately, blood was spilled today, and some of your guards lost their lives. Can you tell us what you think happened here? Why attack someone of your renown and skill? What did they pretend to gain?"
Lady Jamandi nods at each of you as you report. "Well, I must thank you again. I will see to it that you receive a suitable reward for your risk and efforts on my behalf. But for now, I must go find Ivenzi and see to the securing of the manor and the safety of my people. We will need to chase off any remaining foes, extinguish the fires, and provide what aid we can to the wounded. Join me if you wish, but do not feel any obligation to do so."
To Selina's question, the lady merely shrugs. "Clearly someone doesn't like our plans to settle the Stolen Lands, but who that is, I cannot yet say. But I intend to find out sooner or later....Now, if you will excuse me -- or better yet, come along."
Jamandi turns and heads back the way you came, moving at brisk pace.
By a few hours after dawn (recall that attack started around 3am), the situation at the manor is more or less under control. Engineers from Restov have arrived and are busy surveying the fire-damaged parts of the manor to plan repairs. The dead have been gathered and are being prepared for funeral services. Servants are busy throughout the manor and grounds, making minor repairs, cleaning up bloodstains, or simply recovering from the attack.
Lady Jamandi makes it clear that she will host the survivors and other adventurers in the Great Hall at noon. Your group is expected to be there.
Teela returns a nod of acknowledgement. "Why the long face, though? You're standing. She's not." she nudges her head towards the other side of the hall, towards Black Tears commander "I call that a win."
Graham allows himself a wry smile. True enough...just unhappy with my own performance. My overconfidence got the best of me.
Alvis says, "You stood most bravely against their mightiest warriors, I'm not sure what more you could have done, Graham. I wonder if the Lady Quintessa will keep me in her service; I believe you already had a boon comrade with divine favor? Hope he survived, any news of him and the young lord?" Alvis keeps busy but will follow the group.
You don't see Thark or Fenric among those working in the manor but its still unclear what became of them so far.
Quintessa closes her eyes briefly and lets out a quiet breath, relieved to finally have a reprieve from the chaos. She places a hand over Alvis's as he moves to treat her.
"Thank you, Alvis. Your healing hands are a blessing, even in these tumultuous times. But please, see to the others first if they’re worse off. I can wait."
She waits her turn and when he finally patches her up, she takes a deep breath of relief. Seeing Graham walking around, she asks "Whoever knew breathing could hurt? You also felt the wrath of that wicked axe. Glad you are back on your feet."
As Lady Jamandi speaks, Quintessa listens attentively, nodding at the Lady's resolve. At the invitation to join her in securing the manor, she glances at her companions. Their party's exhaustion is evident, but so is their determination.
"I will come with you, Lady Jamandi. The fight may be over for now, but I cannot rest knowing others may still be in danger. If we can help stabilize the manor further, I believe we should."
She glances over her shoulder at the rest of the party, her tone softening. "But we should also be mindful of our limits. If you need rest, take it. There is no shame in recovering after what we’ve endured."
--
When the work is finished, she thanks all that stayed to help and hobbles back to her bed, at last. Quintessa is exhausted and collapses into be once. Before she passes out, she hopes there are no more assassins tonight as she likely will not awaken in time...
Teela is straightening her back on the stone floor, plucking a soft tune on her harp. She sees others leaving the room, and sighs.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." she stands up and looks around. "Hey! Got any buckets around here?" she shouts at Jamandi as she is about to walk out of the hall.
Selina definitely joined Lady Jamandi for a couple of hours. However, realizing it was almost dawn, she returned back to the room to get a few hours of sleep before the noon gathering.
Despite being wounded and weary, the group helps secure and scour the manor, helping return it to its original condition as much as possible on short notice. With wounds healed, but sleep-deprived, a few drift off for a few hours sleep before the noon meeting.
It is shocking how quickly Lady Jamandi's staff have restored the manor's Great Hall in the space of a few morning hours. Very few signs of the violence of the night before remain, and things have been mostly returned to normal. As the adventurers who survived the assault take seats at the tables, other adventurers who arrived just today settle in as well. Even withe newcomers, though, there are fewer heroes in the hall than there were the previous evening, and the atmosphere is serious and somber.
You see Jaethal (who gives warm wave), Linzi (she smiles cheerily at you), Amiri, Harrim, Valerie, and even Tartuccio(who sulks and pouts as you enter). The tall man, Maegar Varn, who left after the dinner the night before is also present, though it seems he did not get caught up in the nighttime assault.
Lady Jamandi steps up to speak, "I would like to thank those of you who helped defeat the Black Tears last night. It's obvious someone doesn't like our plans to settle the Stolen Lands. Well, we're not so easily dissuaded, are we? I say no, and this morning, I would like to issue formal charters to all of you to begin exploring the Stolen Lands and make them safe for tomorrow's settlers."
The first charter we would like to bequeath goes to the group called the Iron Wraiths," she states, with a wave towards a band of four well-armored adventurers. "The tales of your adventures have thrilled many Brevic nobles, and I'm excited to see what you can do with the exploration of the Glenebon Uplands. Your charter is to establish a base for Brevoy there after dealing with the Tiger Lords and then to open diplomatic relations with Pitax from a point of strength."
The four Iron Wraiths make their way to the Lady and receive their charter. As they leave the room, they appear arrogant but also experienced and confident. They make a few derogatory catcalls to the other adventurers present. "I bet 30 gold these don't even make it fortnight." and "Don't forget your teddy bears so you don't get scared out in the wild" and the like.
Lady Jamandi shakes her head in disapproval as the Iron Wraiths depart.
The Lady then continues: "Baron Hannis Drelev, as per our previous discussions, your charter is one of specific importance to Brevoy. Securing the southern trade routes along the East Sellen River and establishing a base for merchant caravans and barges alike is of utmost importance! Hooktongue Slough will be your base of operations."
A dour-looking nobleman takes his charter from Lady Jamandi with a crisp bow that barely more than a nod, then he walks from the room. You notice a slight sneer on his face but he leaves the room without a word.
Jamandi then calls forth a tall, dark-haired man familiar to most of you. "Maegar Varn, your father Androth has long been a faithful friend. Your charter assigns you to the Noman Heights to establish a town with Varnling Host. In time, we hope to establish an Aldori dueling school there, but in the more immediate future, we ask you to broker an alliance with the Noman centaurs who roam the region. I trust you and your fellows are up to the task!"
Maegar strides confidently forward to claim his charter. As he leaves the Great Hall he pauses by your table. "Once you get established, I would love to have you come visit so we can set up trade relations. Good luck!" With a swish of his cape, he turn and leaves.
Now only your table and a few of the others who survived the night remain.
"And last, but certainly not least, last night's heroes. First I want to thank you for risking your lives to help defend my manor. The courage, gumption, and skill you displayed will take you far, I suspect! For your charters, we're asking you to travel to the southwest into the region known as the Greenbelt, a swath of wildlands that includes the forest known as the Narlmarches and the hill country of the Kamelands. We've heard that the bandits have grown particularly aggressive in the Greenbelt, and they need to stopped before anyone safely settles in the region. A small trading post in the Rostland hinterlands has been particularly hard hit -- I suggest starting there. Once the bandits have been dealt with, we will be ready to bequeath you to you more permanent charters to settle the land and establish a government of your own."
She hands you a rolled up scroll sealed with wax. "I also promised you a gift for your aid. Here are two lesser healing potions and some seed money for your mission. You may also feel free to keep any rewards taken from the Black Tears, treasure or gear, but if you leave any behind, trust that it will be put to good use!"
"Good luck! We will be busy repairing the damage from last night, and investigating the root cause. I encourage you to leave as soon as you are able."
Graham looks on in mild dismay as Drelev's charter is issued, clearly longing for the opportunity to ply the Sellen again...even the East Sellen. But it is not to be.
Graham catches the nobleman's demeanor and remembers a thing or two about him.
Graham has some familiarity with the Sellen River, and knows (though he has not been in this part) that the East Sellen River runs through the swamps known as Hooktongue Slough. This territory is strategically important to Brevoy, so a cortege of soldiers and diplomats led by Baron Hannis Drelev, a younger scion of a famous household, is dispatched to this area to open and secure a trade route to the river traffic.
Drelev himself, seeing little opportunity for advancement given his birth order, volunteered to lead the mission to the Stolen Lands as means of making a name for himself, and perhaps carving out holdings of some kind. He fancies himself a swordsman, but does not have the renown of someone like Lady Jamandi. They say he is greedy, vain, and otherwise a mostly unpleasant sort.
Teela overhears the leaving Iron Wraiths' mocking everyone as they leave. She turns to them with a scoff before murmuring "I don't know what you're laughing about, darling. I bet you can't even last a minute."
"Iron Wraiths. What a joke." she chuckles under her breath. "Makes you wonder what they were doing last night." and turns back to listen to Jamandi.
Selina sneers at the catcalls and mutters under her breath, "I have a feeling we will be seeing your corpses soon, Iron Wraiths."
After completing his duties Alvis gets a bit of rest but mostly powers through to keep going. He listens quietly to Lady Jamandi, noting each leader awarded and trying to recall anything he may have heard about them, at the temple or otherwise. As the final charter is awards are made, he is a bit puzzled by it though not sure why. He comments, "Should have someone at the temple look at this, not too sure exactly what it implies."
He is a bit concerned about this venture because he is all too aware of the very high risk involved, even without a well-heeled adversary targeting them. With a dry nervousness he says, "'Only those willing to truly risk everything will gain everything. No person ever rose to greatness without the willingness to lose it all.' or so the holy works say. Become great or die trying is the task before us, there is little room for an error that leaves us alive.”
On that cheery note, he will either share what he knows of the others going to the Stolen Lands or go silent again.
Iron Wraiths
Baron Drelev
Maegar Varn
Before they depart, one of the Iron Wraiths whirls around after Teela's comment with a sneer, then laughs and follows the other three out of the manor and ostensibly into the Stolen Lands.
Selina knows the Iron Wraiths are an experienced band of adventurers who all wear heavy armor, including full helmets. The leader of the group is said to wield a powerful warhammer that discharges electrical bolts. The rest are humans or half-orcs of renown, dangerous as individuals but more deadly as a group. They were not in the manor for dinner last night, as far as you recall.
Several of you know about Maegar Varn. He did meet Quintessa at dinner, and is the scion of a Brevic family and a low-ranking sword lord. The centaurs of the Noman Heights are also known to be quite difficult and unruly, so perhaps Varn has he hands full if he is to settle in their area.
Alvis knows similar information that was already shared regarding Baron Drelev.
Not given a charter apparently, the other table of adventurers that includes Tartuccio, Jaethal, and the rest stirs restlessly. "No charter for us?" cries the gnome rudely. He stands and shouts pointing his small finger at the Lady Jamandi. "I will take my group to the Stolen Lands anyway. I don't need some feeble piece of paper from impotent sword-children to succeed. I'll have a kingdom carved out of before these others get done wrestling in the dirt with bandits." He directs this last comment at your group.
"Come on," he shouts at the others. "Let's get moving. We have our futures ahead of us. We will remember this day, Jamandi. You can count on that!" The others, Harrim and Amiri first, followed a bit more reluctantly by Valerie and Linzi move toward the door. Jaethal stays for a moment, coming over to your group. 'He's not always as bad as he seems," she says softly by way of apology. "If we see you in the Stolen Lands, we should rely on each other. Look me up if you need help." And then she turns to go with the others, leaving you - and the Jamandi household -- alone in the Great Hall.
After waving off the rest of the guests, Teela nonchalantly saunters over to the rest of this merry band of misfits. "So, guys... Quick question. Actually two questions. First of all," she looks about the empty hall. "where are Fenric and Thark? The halfling and the... uh Kellid. the ripped one... Yeah, they were here, and last time I saw Fenric he was with them. Thark... No idea. He just kind of disappeared in the chaos?"
She pokes her head around one more time, to make sure nobody uninvited is listening. "And... Quintessa, would you think it would be SUPER RUDE if we asked for permission to just, like, hm -facilitate- the gnome speaking with Pharasma if we stumble into each other?"
Alvis returns to an earlier idea, "We should return any items that we did not take from the invaders. They should go to heirs or the Lady of the Manor. Those that may not be the most important thing on Lady Jamandi's plate right now." However they respond Alvis moves on the a more personally pressing issue.
"Lady Quintesssa, earlier I offered immediate service, but without expectation that it would last longer than needed to resolve the crisis. I would like to continue with your company, I feel it is where my divine master has guided me to. Of course, I must put his needs first but that does not have to conflict with your goals. I will need to check in with my Supervisor, I would need a change of assignment to another role. Also, I need to get a new shield, I do not believe we have time to get this one repaired."
Assuming Lady Quintessa is amenable to Alvis' continued service, Alvis leaves to get a new shield (maybe get a discount for a trade in on a broken but repairable shield) and some winter clothes. And he will report to his superiors.
The Vault of Abadar in Restov is smaller than in some other cities. Erastil is the main deity worshipped in this community, but the coin purse of the Archbanker of Restov is an asset in high demand against the petty nobles and the finer houses of Brevoy. The church is careful to stay out of the politics of the land, always looking to turn a profit here or make the right loan there.
Alvis' immediate superior is Minor Banker Sebastiano, a tall thin man of Taldan descent, with a poorly growing mustache and sideburns who is clearly trying to make a name for himself in the Vault's rigid hierarchy. He always seems a bit impatient with Alvis...
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Alvis, though tired makes his way back through the mud-filled streets of Restov to where he bought his shield before. He tries to see if he can get a new wooden shield with a discount for trading in his broken but repairable shield. After that he goes to a clothing store and see if there is any winter clothes or cloak available in his size, if so he buys it.
Finally Alvis makes his way to the Restov temple to Abadar, failing to manage to keep mud from being splashed on his clothes and covering his boots. As he enters through the small door for the staff, fully intending to use his prestidigitation to make himself presentable, he is stopped by a minor servant friendly to him, Rolio by name. He says urgently, "Master Sebastiano is looking for you with less patience than usual. See him at once!" Alvis suppresses an oath and quickly magics away the mud from his boots, then marches swiftly to Sebastiano's office.
Alvis knocks politely at the office door, then hears a curt, "Come in." He open that door and walks to the desk and waits for Sebastiano's attention, then says quietly, "Road-warden Alvis, ready to report, Banker Sebastiano." Sebastiano looks at him balefully for a long moment, then barks, "Is that how you present yourself to a superior, or even to look so disheveled to anyone? As an ordained priest you should always represent us with flawless decorum. You are a low-born, impoverished, disgrace to me- this temple. I should kick you to the streets to sleep with the curs, but I have my orders, if you actually got the charter." Alvis, stiff-faced, hands over the charter saying, "Pardon me, Banker, I came as quick as I could at hearing your summons. Yes, I have the Swordlords's permission and use of a charter."
Grumpily, Sebastiano learns the contents of the charter. He remarks, "Typical of legal documents around here, badly written. With a dose of arrogance at the that, the Swordlord's power is gone for two centuries but they are still deluded that they matter. Waste though it is my order require that I change your posting."
He hands Alvis the Commission of Authority. "Now you are a missionary, send reports to me, not that I expect to get them for long. If the powerful armies of Taldor could not settle those land, nothing you could do is going to help. Go! Don't dawdle."
As Alvis moves to the door Sebastiano says, "May the God of Walls and Ditches, guide and protect you on your way." Alvis simply says, "Thank you for your blessing."
Alvis hurries to the room that is no longer his, no items of his are there of course, but is a convenient place to make himself presentable. He goes to the temple library, fortuitously empty. He kneels before an excellent Book of Numbers, reading a couple of passages, then praying before it. He repeats the ritual before the copy of the Manual of City Building. When he finishes his prayers, his fingertips brush lightly the tomes of the law on the shelves and whispers, "Sorry to leave so soon, hoped I could have studied more."
On his way out of the library he sees his old mentor. He greets her warmly. "Senior Priestess Caelga, I greet you Abadar's holy name."
She replies, "The old skinflint left you alive, I see. He was opposed to this venture, as was I but for different reasons. but the ArchBanker doesn't want our faith to suffer if that project succeeds, however unlikely." Alvis replies, "Yes, I live even after the night's terror, to many did not. Say the terms of the charter bothers me a bit, may I have your take on it? "
Caelga mulls over the terms and says, "It is an odd document, granted by Swordlords but not committing to anything. Grants by implication the low and high justice but is specific in targeting. Uphold Brevic law but don't have it claim the sovereignty. Many oddities will take more than a moment to work through. Be careful Alvis, this could become a trap. Be blessed by his divine grace, Alvis." And with that Alvis goes to meet up with Lady Quintessa.
Vault of Abadar
Market Ward of Restov
Commission of Authority
Alvis Naylamahal
The subject is removed from the position of Road-warden and ordered to the duty of Frontier Missionary. As such he is authorized to strive to bring civilization to the area known as The Stolen Lands. He is granted wide discretion in actions to achieve this arduous goal. Due to the risks involved, while he may request or receive support from persons or temples of our faith, none is guaranteed. He may take such duties in service to others as long as it serves the will of Our Lord Abadar, Master of the First Vault.
Ordered this day the 24th day of Calistril.
Sebastiano, Minor Banker
Supervisor of Roads
Director of Miscellaneous Ventures
Alvis is able to get another wooden shield for half the usual cost by giving up the wreck of his older one. He also finds a set of cold-weather clothing, including a fur-lined cloak that is not especially well made, but fits and should help keep the wind and weather off him.
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When it looks like the other mercenaries they encountered last night are about to leave with the gnome, she intercepts them. She rises to her feet, smoothing out her attire "I'm going to speak to them before they depart, one moment." before quickly to them.
"Wait. I know you’re all exhausted. I know you want your gear, your beds, and a moment of peace. I feel it too. We saved your lives last night, so you can at least give me a moment of your time before you depart." she pauses, taking a step forward, hands open and pleading. Her voice rises, not in desperation, but in sheer determination.
"Amiri. You told us about wrestling a bear with your bare hands. The way you told it—you didn’t give up when it fought back, did you? You finished that fight. You're a legend in the making, and I know you can see this isn't just another scuffle. This is about proving your strength, showing the world you're not someone who runs away from a challenge. This is your fight too."
Her eyes shift to Valerie. Her voice softens, growing more measured, more precise. "Valerie, you told us that you live your life according to a code. You said it yourself—it's not about what you believe in, it's about how you live. The Iron Wraiths mocked us just now, sneered as if they already claimed the glory of the Stolen Lands. Are you truly going to let them be the ones remembered while you walk away? Is this how you honor your code?" Her eyes narrow, not in anger, but in expectation. "You fight with sword and shield, you stand at the front so others don’t have to. You once called yourself a champion, and I know that champion still exists within you. Stand with us now, and we will all be remembered."
Her gaze turns to Harrim. She hesitates for a moment but finds her footing. "Harrim, you believe that all things devolve into chaos, that everything crumbles to dust in the end. But you’re still here. You’re still walking, still breathing, still holding on, despite all that despair you preach. If doom is inevitable, then let it be the doom by our hand that delivers it. If you really think it’s all meaningless, then you have nothing to lose. So, why not help us show them just how meaningless their ambitions are?"
She turns, addressing them all now, her arms wide. Her voice sharpens, driving each word like a blade into their hearts. "We’re all here because of Lady Jamandi’s call. She called for heroes, and you answered. Not scavengers. Not deserters. Heroes. Look at the bodies in this room!" She gestures at the fallen, her eyes fierce and unwavering. "These people fought for this cause and died for it. We are still standing. Are you really going to let them be braver than you? Will you let this be the story they tell about you? ‘They walked away when the fight got hard.’ That’s not your story. That’s not your legacy."
Quintessa takes one last step forward, head held high. Her voice is quieter now. "Your tribes, your families, your faith, your oaths. Everything you've ever fought for. Everything you’ve ever lost. It all led you here. Stand with us, and we’ll carve our own story into the bones of history. Or walk away, and let the tale be told without you."
"But you should know this: if you walk away, you'll never be part of the story that gets told."
She steps back, quiet now, letting them make their choice.
After leaving the group, she makes her way toward Fenric.
She moves quickly, weaving through the thinning crowd until she catches sight of Fenric standing with Maegar’s group. She knows this conversation isn’t just necessary — it’s right.
"Fenric." she calls out softly, not wanting to make a spectacle of the moment. Her voice carries the weight of unspoken things, and when he turns, she offers a small smile.
""Can we talk for a moment? Just... before you go." She glances toward Maegar’s crew and then back to Fenric. Her fingers fidget at the hem of her sleeve before she exhales, smoothing the nervous energy away.
"Look. I wanted to say..." She pauses, visibly searching for the words. "Back in the scullery, with the giant — I was out of line." Her eyes drop to the floor for a moment before she forces them back up to meet his. "I let the pressure get to me, and I lashed out at you when you were only trying to keep us safe. It wasn’t fair to you, and it wasn’t right of me." She shakes her head, a flicker of frustration at herself crossing her features. "I can be... stubborn sometimes. But I hope you know, it wasn’t about you. I just— I needed to feel like I had control of something, anything, in that moment. And I took it too far."
"You’ve always been the steady one, the one calling for patience when the rest of us are caught in the storm. We need that. I need that. I know I didn’t show it, but I respect you, Fenric. I always have." Her lips quirk into a faint smile. "I’m just terrible at showing it, apparently."
She tilts her head toward Maegar’s group. "They’re lucky to have you. Maegar’s lucky to have you. I wish you were staying with us, but I understand. I hope you know you’ll be missed. So... good luck, Fenric. Truly. May Cayden’s luck follow you, and if it doesn't, may your own skill be enough."
Quintessa returns from a quiet conversation with Fenric, her eyes betraying a quiet sadness. The sound of her companions speaking to her pulls her from her thoughts. She turns to face them, her posture straightening.
Quintessa raises an eyebrow at Teela’s suggestion, a slow, incredulous smile forming on her lips. She crosses her arms, leaning slightly toward Teela as if to get a better read on her expression. Her eyes narrow, searching for any sign that the bard is joking.
"Super rude? No, Teela. Murdering him would be a tad more than super rude. Pharasma might agree with you, though. I doubt she’d have much patience for his antics in the Boneyard." Her eyes flick toward the door the gnome left through, her lips pressing into a thin line before sighing.
"I won't lie to you. Tartuccio is insufferable. He's arrogant, reckless, and I’d wager his loyalty is worth less than the ink on that charter we just received. But if we start facilitating Pharasma's appointments for every nuisance we meet, we’ll be no better than the thugs we just fought off last night."
"Besides, I hear gnomes have a way of digging their own holes. All we have to do is sit back and watch. Aaaannd if we do run into him out there, well, we'll handle him with dignity, grace..." Her smile curls into something sly. "And maybe, just a pinch of karmic justice. Agreed?"
Quintessa notices Graham’s gaze linger on Baron Drelev as he walks away with his charter, the slight downturn of his face, the quiet sigh that follows. She tilts her head, studying him for a moment. She doesn't fully understand the reason for his disappointment, but she knows the look of unspoken longing when she sees it.
With a light step, she moves to his side, nudging him gently with her elbow. "Copper for your thoughts?" she asks, keeping her tone light but her eyes watchful.
When he doesn't answer immediately, she glances toward the doorway where Drelev disappeared, then back at Graham. "Is it the river or working with Drelev?" she asks.
Quintessa pauses, folding her arms and leaning slightly closer to him, dropping the playful air and letting her sincerity show. "We didn’t get the river, that’s true." She nods slowly. "But look at it this way — they sent Drelev to the swamps. Hooktongue Slough, full of biting insects, foul water, and things that would like to eat you whole. I’ve seen better fates for rats caught in kitchen traps." She smirks faintly, but her eyes stay on him. "Do you think he’s smiling under that sneer?"
She gives him a moment to let it sink in before she straightens up, brushing her hands against her cloak as if dusting them off. This garment needs some serious time with Teela once we get on the road.
"Don’t dwell on what we didn’t get, Graham. Focus on what’s ahead. The Sellen runs long, but it’s not the only waterway worth sailing. Besides, I’d wager you’ve got the skill to turn any river we encounter into your own."
Quintessa glances toward the retreating Iron Wraiths, her lips pressing into a thin line as she hears Selina's muttered words. Her eyes track them until they disappear from sight, then she turns back to Selina with a wry smile.
"If we do, I hope they’ve got something useful on them. They swagger like kings because they’ve been told they’re the best, but I’d bet my finest gown they haven’t faced a night like we just did. Bravado crumbles faster than a clay wall when it’s hit hard enough."
Quintessa gives Selina a knowing look, her tone cooling to a sharp but steady calm. "Let them crow. It’s the only time they’ll feel taller than us. People like that never see the fall coming until it’s too late. And when it does, well..." She lifts one shoulder in a half-shrug, her eyes twinkling with wicked amusement. "We’ll be there to help them pick up the pieces. Or claim them."
"Besides, Selina, there’s something sweet about winning without having to say a word. Watch them talk, boast, and stomp away. We’ll just work quietly, and when the tale is told, it’ll be our names they remember."
"Alvis, you've been a voice of reason and restraint when we needed it most. I can’t tell you how much that matters — not just to me, but to all of us. You’ve stood your ground against frost giants and assassins alike, and we would all be foolish not to recognize the value in that."
She clasps her hands in front of her, fingers interlocking with a quiet precision. "If your heart tells you that this path is where Abadar calls you, I would be honored to have you with us. And know that you will not be a servant here. You are a partner in this endeavor — an equal with the same voice and say as the rest of us. You bring with you not just the strength of your faith, but the wisdom and clarity of mind that we sometimes lose when fear and doubt take hold. That is a rare and precious thing, Alvis. We need that as much as we need your shield and your hammer."
Her eyes glance at his broken shield briefly before flicking back to his face. "As for your shield, I think it served you well, though it has more than earned its rest. If you need time to secure a new one, take it. And if the price is steep, speak to me. We’ve faced death together, and I’ll not have you walking into battle with anything less than what you need."
"Welcome to the Greenbelt Expedition, Alvis. May Abadar's law guide us, and may we be worthy of it."
"He's a little prick, is what he is." Teela confirms, no care if she is overheard. "Anyway - jokes aside. I hear you. I don't plan on murdering anyone just yet. Maybe in self defense. We'll see. But-" she dismisses the ethereal harp she was playing throughout the night, and interlaces her fingers behind her back to stretch her elbows a bit.
"I'm super tired, everyone. But before that happens, several questions. Organisation stuff." she clears her throat.
"Where do we sleep? If we don't sleep in the same spot, where and when do we meet up? Should we buy a wagon or something? Wagon, two horses for faster travel? Can anyone hunt, or should we get stacked up on rations? Water?"
She pauses and raises her hand. "And last, but not least - where is this trading station anyway? I think we could help them out and ask to establish a forward base of operations there. If they are having issues, I'm sure a group of EXPERIENCED" she makes air quotes "travelers would be a welcome addition?"
She smiles at everyone. "Huh?"
Oh, it's most certainly the Sellen, Graham replies to Tessa with a chuckle. I've no love for Drelev. Or like, even. The man's reputation is less appealing than the swamp to which he's been dispatched.
He gives a soft sigh. But the River is the most important trade road in the land. Holding it is a vital cog to any machine. I'm envious in more ways than one. He gazes off for a few seconds, then shrugs and gives his characteristic smile. Guess we'll have to find a way to relieve him of it in the future, no?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Graham ponders Teela's questions. I'm a fair shot with a bow, but I'm not the sort to live off the land, I'm afraid. As to the trading post, anyone have a map?
In response to Quintessa, several of those she spoke to respond. Harrim, the dwarven cleric of Groteus, says: "I shall welcome the end of days, but it will be on my own terms. I will follow Tartuccio, but we may yet meet again. The fates are strange like that."
Valerie walks off without meeting your eyes, wordlessly following the gnome out of the Great Hall. She does stop once at the door, and look back for a moment, but then continues out.
Amiri says, "All you say is true and I will show my strength in Stolen Lands, but it will be against you and not for you -- at least for now. We may not have earned a fancy charter, but we will carve out our own way, as the truly worthy do."
Lastly, Fenric seems taken aback by Quintessa's forthrightness. "No hard feelings, Tessa, but there can only be one "Princess" in a group. We will see you out there. If you need anything, call on us. Maegar and I will be at your service, as our birthright calls us. Erastil walk with you and the rest of the group!" He kisses her hand (if you allow it), and stalks out of the room with the rest of the Varnlings.
Selina stands serious as she sees Harrim, Valerie, and Amiri as they depart. She speaks strongly so that she is heard, "Know this, if we see you in the wilderness with or without Tartuccio and you mean us harm, I will not show any of you mercy and my dueling sword will find your heart. Ask around, and you will know my blade found many a Black Tear or its leaders last night. Stay clear of us if you value your life."
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Before leaving the manor:
Alvis bows his head humbly at the Lady Quintessa's words. "Thank you, Lady Quintessa. I hope I can continue and improve on your belief in me. I'm sure we can do much, with your charming guidance, to bring bounty and peace to a troubled land. I should have enough to get what I need for now but I thank you for the offer."
At Tessa's murderous commentary, Alvis just shakes his head but only responds to her barrage of questions with, "I'm tired and have much to do, I suggest we reconvene at the Lawmaker's Rest, a tavern at the caravanserai, just out of town. We can discuss everything over a meal that, with your indulgence, I will order."
To Graham he replies, "I can survive pretty well, and as to directions to the trading post, someone at the caravanserai or the businesses the serve it will know, I'm sure. Could you ask around there? I have other duties to attend to as soon as I leave here. Thank you.
To Selina, "Best not to threaten most of them, they made be misled but could prove friends in the future. And were I a gambling man I would wager that most unpleasant follow will lose his head to one of them in days at most. As to magic I can help, sort the items out and I will check." Alvis spends a couple of minutes checking each item for any magic aura.
Alvis will go to the Lawmaker's Rest where some of the less flush merchants and advocate or students thereof hangout, at midafternoon there shouldn't be a crowd.
Alvis meets the others and gets them a table, he orders a Lawmaker's Stack for five, after a bit a tray arrives with a curious stack of stale trenchers and bread, a greasy stew and various cheap vegetables and short thin cups with a very watered-down ale that is exactly 1 cu. foot in all.
At any look of discontent Alvis smiles and says, "May Abadar bless this meal between friends old and new. May he smile on our endeavors and ward our journeys. Enjoy his bounty and let it inspire ambition to even greater boons."
At that golden light streams from Alvis' hands and surrounds the stack of unappealing food transforming into a meal if not for royalty would not disgrace the plates of a noble. Alvis serves the portions out the plates before each, starting with Tessa, then Selina, then as one hand each at the same time to Teela and Graham, the finally to himself. Social hierarchy must be maintained after all.
"Please enjoy the sweetness of life while we can, it will be awhile before I can do this again, I will have to ask my patron lord for favor more suitable for an arduous journey than for luxury at least for a while."
Graham finds the Lawmaker's Stack much improved by Alvis' magic and digs in heartily. Almost worth devotion to a god if they can cook like this, he mumbles through a full mouth before swallowing. Almost.
Alvis says to Graham, "Glad you like it, life is meant to be savored. Abadar may be stern about the laws, but the intend is to allow all to prosper and live a sweet life. Oh, did you yet inquire of any merchants about the whereabouts of the Trading Post?" Alvis tries to give a pleasant time to a tired bunch, conversing and planning as needed.