Bearik's page

The other council members agree too. Bearik adds, ¨finding and securing the hostages is priority, though you are going there to find intel. If that intel is actionable bring it to your Lord Commander who will be in the field with you or staying at an escape point. I doubt he will heed our warnings of being in the thick of it, but he is well defended. Watch out for magic.¨

With the prayers settled and a motion from Quince he offers up, "Our first item is that of Kisandra Numesti. Please come forth and give witness."

Kisandra walks forward from the hallway. Dressed in her soldierly attire including a sheathed sword and a chain shirt. She further explains about the recent developments in the Drelev Demesne, including the imprisonment of her father and the taking of her sister as a hostage by Armag.
She pleads for your help, praising your skill and renown for problem-solving while also urging them to overthrow Drelev and save her people from the Tiger Lords. She asks you to repay Drelev for his treachery by forcing him cede control of the kingdom—Baron Drelev is a craven bully
who, if left in charge of the Drelev Demesne, will cause the death of hundreds. Furthermore, she asks for you to save her father from the dungeons of Drelev Keep and her sister from the clutches of the Tiger Lords.
Kisandra has little in the way of personal wealth to offer in payment for these requests, but she does pledge her family’s loyalty to the Greenwatch if they accept her quests. She also points out that if you can liberate Fort Drelev, its beleaguered citizens will certainly treat you as heroes and join their nation.
She can certainly sketch a map of the town, but she doesn’t want to return there until the baron has been dealt with and her family rescued. She does, however, have one more thing to offer the name of a possibly ally in the town: Satinder Morne, the proprietor of Fort Drelev’s gaming hall and brothel. Kisandra puts a jade ring worth 200 gp on the table which can prove to Satinder they’re friends. While Kisandra is hesitant to admit how she knows Satinder, she tells the you that Satinder is no friend of Baron Drelev despite the fact that the mercenary guards who now serve as the city watch are among her best customers. If they’re looking for a safe place to hide in Fort Drelev, they should mention Kisandra’s name to Satinder and give her the jade ring with a long-stemmed flower of any kind threaded through the ring itself.

A message spell links up with everyone in the room, he states, "There are no other plans tonight. Feel free to act as you wish. The next few days will be leisurely for the mercenary brigade but once our reports come back from Delev we will form the Council."

Please post what you do for the night, where you sleep, any shopping you wish to do or activities for the next two days. Meanwhile we will jump to the Council meeting with many guests invited to listen.

☆☆☆ The Council Meeting ☆☆☆
Once all have had a seat Bearik states, "Lord Commander would you please bless this meeting with a prayer before we begin."

Ulricha the Unkillable wrote:

Ulricha simply nods as Vandomir comments that they served wherever they were directed. It seemed the discussions among the realm's officers had little to do with the group, though Zsófia seems desperate to try to get herself included among those in power.

That's where takeovers begin. ^^

Since we're all walking together, and Zsofia and Lord Baerik speaking about the round table...

During a moment where she is not chatting with a craftsperson or fellow Desnite, she overhears part of the conversation.

Hmm, something is up, i can practically smell it.
Passive result of 20 without rolling. She's not interested in prying from the two here, but she'll roll just to satisfy her curiosity.

Reading between the fine lines, guidance: 39

Though she is quite happy to comply, Zsófia cannot let an opening like that go unanswered. "No objections here," she says with a shake of her head, causing the ribbons in her hair to shine brightly and the plume in her cap to wobble amusingly. "Thank you for meeting us again, Bearik," she says with what sounds like genuine affection. "I look forward to seeing the delights your capital city offers, and perhaps to meet the other members of the governing council?"

He replies with his smile wrinkles showing, "Lady Zsofia! Yes always a pleasure. I am sure you will be impressed. If that is what you would like, I am sure you can take a guest chair at the round table. It would be prudent knowing your ambition!" He winks as she likely knows what he is speaking about.

---

Jorrast lands near Bearik and gets his attention while the group is going through. "We do have scouts out toward Drelev right? Watching in case they launch a more serious army this way? Or should some of us stay out here?"

He replies sagely to the kitsume, "I am not in charge of said things, though Stalker has been quickly making arrangements with Kevros who is in charge of such forces, the Reaves. No, there is no reason to stay behind as we can quickly return and we have not seen any such armies. I am sure the next step will be to reward your group for a fine job accomplished, and set you out to your next one of taking care of Delrev."DM may have forgotten if they are actually called the Reaves or something else.

---

Quince greets his father-in-law warmly. "How fairs Elkheart?" He squares up with the big man to speak, "Do we know of political ties beyond getting a charter that Drelev has in Brevoy. If we unleash the beast on him. What will we have to smooth over diplomatically? Ties to a noble house, or to a noble house's profits."

His smile broadens at seeing his son-in-law and his demeanor quickly changes to that of a cat holding a mouse, "Elkheart is wonderful, especially with so many more workers to fill some roles we needed filled. Ah yes, those documents are being searched for presently in our great library and in several in Brevoy. The preliminary report is very positive, Drelev gained the Stolenlands slot due to cashing in his last few favors before leaving Brevoy. We do not think there is any house that will be affected by his removal. Also once we see who he is connected to more we will make sure presents are suitable for their loss as we have done before."

Within a days march by foot through forest and such, you see Tazylewyrm along the river.

You are greeting by Bearik and a platoon of soldiers in fine uniform armor. An aasimar is upon the back of a riding dragon at attention with the soldiers.

He quickly offers, "I have already spoken with Lord Commander Quince and Jorne. We know of the travesities of Drelev and welcome all those who aided us to come back to Elkheart. Tazylewyrm is not as settled as Elkheart so we shall take our guests there and see to their needs before anything is decided. Unless someone objects?"

If no one objects a squad with the mounted riding dragon, goes through the waypoint crystal first. Followed by the 'civilians', then the rest of the platoon of soldiers, followed by the barbarians, followed by your group.

He asks of his Lord Commander, "Quince you have this handled? Anything else you need from me?"

He looks at those assembled and asks, "Shall we then? Those who would like uniforms come with me. I will collect the badges once you decide on a form for it." Bearik leads the few who want uniforms out of the dining hall and down stairs. You see guards stationed every 30 feet. At the base of the stairs you see three doorways. To the right and left are standard seven foot doors but the ones before you are at least 30 feet tall and 40 feet wide. As he makes a few arcane sigils in the air before him the doors unlock and open.

Beyond in the next room is a 60 foot obelisk that appears black like obsidian except for some swirling colors. Bearik leads you down and touches the obelisk with the back of his hand. "Just touch the obelisk after me and you will be sent to Elkheart." He then says Elkheart and touches the obelisk with his palm. He vanishes from sight. The guards around the room seem ready but don't leave their stations.

Jorrast finishes his wine and sets the glass on the table. "I always say quality over quantity. The enemy will likely have 'the mostest swords'. But ours will cut through them like a scythe through grain.!"

"How long does it take to get to Tatzlford and who will be with us so they know we are there to help? Or how will we identify ourselves?"

I had thought Quince would have addressed this, no worries.

He sits up a bit straighter which doesn't seem possible but he does. He nods with agreement, "Ours will cut through them like a scythe through grain! With our transport system you could easily be in Tazylford within the hour. Also any outpost or town of our fair kingdom. Quince will be leading the brigade until a suitable leader arises. Jorne his Sworn Protector will be there as well."

Sorry folks I just crashed last night!

At two points Eris does raise her hand to ask a question. When the contents of the letter from Mayor Loy Rezbin are disclosed she asks "the mayor seems to harbor some doubt about the woman's claims. Has the presence of this army been verified independently, by direct sightings of it by reliable sources, or perhaps through scrying?"

"If so, is anything known about its disposition? Is it massed together in one place like a grand army? Dispersed over the area in smaller groupings? Is it stationary or in camp, or on the move?"

When uniforms are mentioned she asks "Can we just wear our own clothes instead?"

At this mention of the coming army the main doors fly open with a burst of wind, then close just as abruptly then the large chair at the other end moves back and Bearik seems to just appear sitting down in it.

"Some preliminary scouting has been made though your group will be the ones to verify it. It is dispersed over the area in smaller groupings and on the move. A group of mercenaries, barbarians, and trolls are marching toward Tatzlford and are expected to arrive within three or four days. Some distractions have been put in place to delay them."

"Uniforms are not mandatory just an offering for joining service."

Vandomir bows again, "very well sir, the Mercenary Brigade it is. Does the Brigade have any uniforms or other emblems to demonstrate its esprit de corps? And if so, where is the quartermaster, so I can draw my issuance please?"

He calmly replies, "Uniforms yes, we had thought a of a few options but felt it would be better for the brigade to decide. The dark grey suits with Green and white tassels will be provided to you in at most a week's time. The maids in the castle await our arrival."

He interviews each of you individually.

As you enter into the large conference room you see your host at the other end of the large table. An elderly man with white hair and beard. Now sitting close to him you realize that he is possibly a giant as he is eight feet tall sitting! He is looking over papers and once you sit down he begins in a deep voice:
Even if you submitted an application, you are surprised by how well informed the ambassador is in your history.

---

"Vandomir Jarvis is it? So you are wanting to sign on and demonstrate the prowess of hippogriffs in combat as general support or did you plan to join the Air Corp Squadron?"

---

"Lady Zsófia Dobós, let's start with the hard questions first, what hereditary claim do you have to the Stolen Lands? In what capacity did you serve the Swordlords? What were the specifics around your interactions with the Regeant? What skills do you bring to our country? Will you be joining the mercenary brigade first, or was there another occupation you were planning on pursing?"

---

"Xandarian Quartermain, I see you are a devout Cayden follower. A palading of Cayden actually. With this in mind were you planning on joining the mercenary brigade?"

---

"Eris Northanger, I see you have been doing wonderful things for the people of Galt. It is too bad that you needed to leave for the time being. Ah yes, you are wonderful at woodcraft, scouting, and skirmishing. Mostly as a guide. You are also a 'doctor' with knowledge of alchemy and non-magical healing. And I see here you are well educated in the old Galtan classical tradition. With this in mind were you planning on joining the mercenary brigade?"

---
Then Jorrast Feorte will you be coming to Greenwatch another way or by Restov like the others?

"Jorrast Feorte, ah another kitsune! How interesting! I see that you worked with a merchant company, hauling trade items back and forth over the Path of Aganhei to Avistan. What were they called again? Your main skills are in linguistics and Stealth. A Sylvan Rogue no less. So were you planning on joining the mercenary brigade?"

I would be happy enough to reside as a supportive role to anyone wanting to take over being the Grand Diplomat.

You would have the resources for the walls but the questions are,
"Is the wall wood or stone?
How tall do you want the walls to be?
How thick?"

Bearik chuckles a bit and says, "With prototypes, anything could happen. The stone has a point one percent chance of doing something weird. It is much more stable than the box. So you want to try out the stone?" If Quince says yes he tosses it to him. Sulvanii uses mage hand to grab it and float it to Quince.

"As long as they have the spell, any arcane caster could create it."

At the mention of the items he raises his hands one holding a box and the other holding a swirling stone. "These do the same thing but they can only be activated once per day. Though they are magical wondrous items that are not consumed with use. There is a 1% chance that the box explodes when used. They are the first prototypes."

Quince thinks a moment. "So its a full network of locations, each location has one of the obelisks I saw outside. You use the scroll and part of the casting ritual picks which obelisk." He looks over one of the scrolls. "Its a lengthy ritual. Probably about 10 minutes to cast. How many of these scrolls do we have. That seems like a powerful spell. Expensive to make. I think these would sell for what 1,100 . . .1,200 at market." He taps the scroll to his chin and chuckles. "If we have enough of these for . . . looks like up to 5 people could go through. That effectively means even when we are ranging or exploring camping is unnecessary, we could be home every night. If we have enough of these. But that price."

"Yes its a full network of locations. I have about a dozen scrolls left, yes they are worth about 1,200. Yes you can be home every night. These items both work once per day, so after 10 uses it will have paid for itself."

Sulvanii wrote:

Donuts with the Duke

He agrees with Bearik, then adds, "Which would you like established first, Restov or Varnhold? The system does have some security measures in place only someone with an activated ring of the kingdom may access it without permission. We have built an information house nearby to each of the waypoints where anyone without a ring can get permission though only for the trip."

Quince thinks a moment. "So its a full network of locations, each location has one of the obelisks I saw outside. You use the scroll and part of the casting ritual picks which obelisk." He looks over one of the scrolls. "Its a lengthy ritual. Probably about 10 minutes to cast. How many of these scrolls do we have. That seems like a powerful spell. Expensive to make. I think these would sell for what 1,100 . . .1,200 at market." He taps the scroll to his chin and chuckles. "If we have enough of these for . . . looks like up to 5 people could go through. That effectively means even when we are ranging or exploring camping is unnecessary, we could be home every night. If we have enough of these. But that price."

"Well there are two experimental magical devices. A box and a simple stone. The stone is much more stable as the box let's you take more people. Interested?"

Donuts with the Duke

With Quinces affirmation, he states, "Good we will start in Restov tomorrow, then in a week head to Varnhold."

Donuts with the Duke, all are welcome to join, some are requested, notes are taken and the notes can be found with a Scribbler, the library and center building of Elkheart, or the Castle Library.

He replies to the property question, "I have purchased a few safe houses and a sizeable plot of ground for the embassy. One of the new requests is authorization for the creation of the embassy in Restov. Between Sulvanii and I we can have it built in a week."

Bearik would tell you, "Restov has plenty of their own problems and no one else is going to help Varnhold. Brevoy is actually closer to civil war again. Mostly due to the Stolenlands being claimed by us and our ties to Restov. That is why Restov and Southern Brevoy has been distancing themselves. Oh sorry I have not been keeping you appraised of diplomatic situations in our neighboring countries."

Before Elizabeth has a chance to respond Bearik emerges from the stables with one of the elks, saddled and ready. "Here daughter, I prepared this one for you. His name is Donner."

"Oh that must have got lost in... well you had best go and get her. I will go prepare Sunshine." He points out with a bit of uneasiness.

He says in his sagely manner, "Well enough Quince. Elizabeth is thrilled with you. I was commissioned by her to make sure you returned in one piece. Like she needed to say so."

He produces three scrolls and lays then rolled up upon the table. "These scrolls are keyed to Elkheart. Should you need to quickly come back you can cast it to create a sort of gate. I call it a town portal. Simply casting it you will be able to go through and then it will close. If you also use a 1st level spell slot it will stay open for you to go back through. If you use a 2nd level spell slot you can take up to your level in additional allies through the portal. Once Varnhold is secure I will come and plant a town portal stone. If it wasn't evident enough, yes, use the elks for the jump."

"No, that is not what I said. But they will be safer in Greenwatch." he simply states with a reassuring smile.

Spellcarft is for active spells, k arcane is for effects of those spells. Roughly.

Bearik and Sulvanii look at each other. Bearik answers, "Its not that simple. It is as Cleonor says severe emotions can easily be felt between two that are entwined. One can die from shock but it is not very likely."

Then he speaks positively, "As long as Cleonora and Elizabeth stay in Greenwatch they will be safe. We have precautions set in place. Elizabeth is doing better but the more rest she can get the faster she will recover. "

"I found out that the Red Spider was well connected, peddling the vices to the wealthy. His stent in the afterlife has lessened these connections, may of them don't know he is even back. Their shouldn't be any significant reprisals. At least from the royals or nobles."

"The time they feel each others emotions most is in their dreams."

However, the question as to why send their gathering to investigate Varnhold and not going themselves made Ike speak up. It was about looks... and this was something he knew about quite well. "It's about appearances, isn't it? Greenwatch is one of the colonies started by the Swordlords of Rostland, along with Varnhold, right? If Varnhold goes quiet and the leaders of Greenwatch march to Varnhold, even to investigate, it could be seen as a power grab, couldn't it? Sounds an awful lot like the sudden disapperance of House Rogarvia in 4699, and the claim to the throne by House Surtova has left a lot of political tension in Brevoy, right? If Rostland thought Greenwatch was making a land grab, Rostland would be forced to act, dragging Issia into the conflict out of another suspected power move, and all of Brevoy becomes embroiled in a civil war for power, right? In order to maintain an appearance of neutrality, it would be better if Greenwatch sent an independent group to investigate and report back, wouldn't it?"

He begins to nod as you point out at least the obvious of which he is thinking about, "You are right my friend. Though this meeting was made so that we could all hear what you know. We have not had any interactions with those that started Varnhold and not many direct dealings either. Some of us in this room may have even heard of Varnhold before. We have been busy settling our own neck of the neighborhood. It would be better if an independent group investigated and perchance had a token of support with you from Greenwatch. We will sanction your investigation into Varnhold, with the blessing of the Baron and a vote. We will also be watching closely to what happens to you. Baron?" As he wraps up what he says and looks to Quince. With his acknoledgment Bearik looks to the gathered Wardens and asks, "All those in support of the motion, please say, 'Aye'... Those opposed... and with that the motion moves. If you would all be so kind as to wait in the courtyard we will determine who will be joining you on your venture."

A very tall old man, some might say a giant sits back and watches all like an elder absorbing all the chatter. His hair is obviously white from age though he looks strong and healthy rather than frail and weak.

Having been subdued by the three heroes and not really wanting to fight them he stops. The bear form leaves him and it looks like all the blood had drained from his face and he spoke one word before collapsing, "Cleonora."

He then walked into the room and said, "I am sorry my fellow Wardens, Elizabeth has been so weak and sick. I have never seen her so..." He stops mid sentence seeing the heart and he clutches his own heart. Then he casts a few spells and groans out loud. He turns into a bear and begins to tear at the walls in rage....

"I don't know." he simply said. "Maybe she isn't a viable candidate."

"The vision I had, said Cleo was the key. As you said Sulvanii Selena is a wild card we thought she might work but we don't know. Journe or Cleo, were the only close candidates that I can think of." he replies.

"Suggestions are good, they give perspective. And then we run the numbers based on our experience." He says solemnly.

"I hate the way you skew things but I agree, it is how it is." He agrees.

"She was a spoiled royal brat who slept with a slew of partiers, she was frivolous with gold and possessions, ill intent well more like no intent she did what she wanted not caring who it affected, at least that is how I remember it. You could ask her. She would throw carnal balls and let all sorts of miscreants into our houses. She would open our stores and let vermin take that which is ours. Such a waste as the soldiers slew them on my command." He seems to wake from his memory and looks aghast, sobbing he stands up and runs from the room.

"Yes we did know of the hatred, we caused most of it on purpose. Don't the powerful like to the weak squirm? Yes we all knew of the infighting as nobles and royals know it well. No in truth it was my pious nature and feeling invincible that brought us to that point. To blame her for it all would be to blame the weight of a waterskin that broke a camels back after several overladen chests were on the camel's back. It was my fault, well my family's. She added her fair share to the weight but we all added it together over the years." He points out.

"I can answer that one, Cleonora. Mostly it was my fault. In my hubris I made enemies when I lived in Taldor. We lived as royalty and this was even before Saren. Living gods among the mortals as they would call it. Well my daughter in her actions tipped the scale in the wrong direction. Calistra took the side of the other gods we angered. In her wrath, my entire family was lost to me. I was cursed to roam with my power stripped, to live without my family." He replies in humility. "My daughter was carefree and lived a royal's life and you know how the youth can be... she slept with the wrong person and all the mud ran down the hill at our family."

Using wishes as spells, no chance of failure!

You said in the next couple of days, at least the next day.

He nods but then says, "Saren has been putting on a good front. Katrina sees him each day using all her spells just to keep him awake. I think he gave too much. That is my boy. He never had enough in his past life and always took care of others before himself, still here. Elizabeth is mending in her own way, hopefully she gets what she wants but with your lack of drive we will see what happens. You do know you are the only kitsune for leagues. Anyways, if you want to offer some more help she is sleeping in my chambers, just holding her hand might be enough. The problem is we don't know. The prison is gone. Likely folded in on itself or shot back up into the sky for all we know. I can tell you lots about kitsune. I loved one until she died protecting her daughter and I love her still. What do you want to know?" He keeps level throughout the conversation even though he said some words that could have practically been punches.

He is willing to spend a few hours with you telling of your kin. To make things easier he shifts his appearance to that of an anthromorphic bear.

Quince Medvyed wrote:

In the days that followed Quince visited the various wardens that he closely worked with often. Spending time when he could with Bearik at first it was an attempt to smooth any issues over but he had in the last few weeks wanted to learn more about the mysterious man. He enjoyed the company and he wanted to reconcile his mind with how Bearik could both bless the wardens with power but also consider a coup. His fear was growing less but he wished if he could get a better sense of the man. Why had things changed?

Earlier I had posted this in light of things that did and didn't happen was Quince able to find Bearik?

Yes you would be able to find Bearik. He is normally in his office. Walking in you notice that everything seems to have been enlarged or just, no enlarged. As it as the same chair and desk.

He waits after he stops laughing, waiting for the sign that the meeting is over, then he nods to Journe and Cleo before solemnly leaving.

He lets the magic wash over him and enjoys the laughter to his hearts content especially after Cleo's statement.

"Well yes we could have chosen those options but as you accept Journe, there is no need of it. Well, call me a pickled sea crumpet, I didn't even see that option. Nice one Cleonora!" he says and gives you a thumbs up.