Search Posts
It was a pleasure being part of such an interesting and well thought out game, even if only for a short time. Thank you for your work, DM Omen. If I see you around on the boards, I know that will be a good game to try and throw my hat into the ring of. Those campaign secrets do sound particularly interesting. I would love to read such things as I am constantly looking for inspiration for my own games. I may borrow some of them outright and adapt them for my players, if that's okay with you.
Glad to see you back.
Take your time DM, as long as I don't forget this site exists I'll be around.
I'm in two very fast paced games right now and sometimes the quality of posts feels rushed to keep things moving but most other times it's great. We understand that real life comes first. So take care of that. I'm okay with a slower but consistently high quality game. Everything you've given us so far is gold, you obviously care about it so don't let it suffer by feeling obligated to push forward.
It's alright, busy days and all that. Beautiful day outside, gonna be doing some yard work myself. @Caitlyn, welcome to the game.
Throughout the experience of The Exhibition of Architecture, Benjamin was impressed by the experience of the whole thing. He took in the sights, the history, and the implications such craft had in making all of the city which was a monument unto itself. "Tell me, Favonia. You seem remarkably knowledgeable about all of this. Are you an avid scholar with a remarkable memory or is this your passion?"
Oops, completely got sidetracked yesterday. Yes let's move forward to the dinner with the High Cardinal.
Benjamin laughs lightly and then lets out a small sigh. "I think I've had my fill of religious iconography for a while now. It's very probable I'll visit it later anyway, so let's go the the Exhibition of Architecture. Given the context of our conversation, I think Master Ironhide will agree. After you, Ms. Gav-... Favonia." He finally seemed to have relaxed as though a weight was finally off his shoulders. Someone else is in charge.
"From my understanding, Thane has always been striving to be at the forefront of cutting edge technology ever since the separation." he says, his voice hinting admiration. "They've made great strides mostly in recent times and this place was one of the earlier settlements, it makes sense they would have had to make do without such inventions."
Benjamin chuckled inwardly at Favonia's continued level of enthusiasm. "That sounds like it's going to be a spectacular event come the time of opening!" One would think she was the one getting the tour, not us. "Well I do dabble a bit in history from time to time and have a passing knowledge of some architectural engineering, mostly from just studying written records though. Perhaps we could see these museums you spoke of, Ms. Gavrus. Tell us, what are the differences between the two museums? Does each have more focus in what it displays, or were they both created to simply show more history together? What do you say, Master Ironhide, shall we go to visit the museums?"
My, she must truly love this city to be so full of enthusiasm about it... not that she's wrong to be. I suppose I won't get anywhere if I'm only interested from afar. Despite what Benjamin was thinking clinically, Favonia's disposition was rather infectious and he couldn't deny that he was already in a better mood regarding the city overall. "Alright then Ms. Gavrus. Take us on your guided tour of your impressive city. Master Ironhide and I would enjoy hearing more, it seems. That zoo you mentioned, just how near completion is it?"
"Something in particular? I don't really know the city at all. But it sounded like the finer taverns are to the north side of the city, so if I had to ask, what lies to the southern side of the city, Ms. Gavrus?"
Benjamin clicked his tongue as he lost sight of the Thane representatives. He was certain now that they had a previously chosen meeting spot. "Strange, I wonder where they're going to in such a hurry?" Benjamin said aloud to himself and to Draegar. He shook his head. "We can't follow them without knowing the area. Let's fetch our guide."
Hey, sorry about that. I completely lost track of what I was doing. Felt like I was in charge of driving this particular scene too. Won't be able to post today either as it's my girlfriend's birthday and she has a full day planned out. I will update later tonight.
Benjamin nods ever so slightly to Favonia as she makes their acquaintance. As he spots the two Thane Diplomats Benjamin blinks neutrally. My, they're moving very fast after our arrival. No friends, no guides... he nodded to himself as he casually stepped away from the group, seeing that their guide, Favonia, was planning to tend to Lord Martalen. Almost like they know exactly where they are going.
"Guides to the city will do just fine, Captain Marcellun. I'd hate to think that we'd come to such a glorious city to only see one small piece of it." he looked at the other two. "Unless of course you two have other tasks or simply need rest? "
Had a rather busy weekend full of fun activities, work, friends from out of town, and who could forget, writer's block. Getting over all of that now but it not be until later today or early tomorrow that I will have time to post.
I'm ready to move forward.
Benjamin considered what he knew of the situation and Quint's contemplative nature while rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He could see the intensity at which the leader was "We're beginning to delve further into speculation territory now. If they are that cold, two prominent but minor figures and a handful of other nobles able to attend the cruise make for a compelling case that they are just as much victims as anyone else here. Unless..." "If we look at it from a different perspective, it was a bluff on Thane's part and sending those two for something very important and they Thane didn't want to make such a fuss about it. But if whoever sent the saboteurs saw through the bluff and didn't want them to succeed, then we have our current situation. There's no way the High Cardinal would tell me the contents of that meeting." He looked away from Quint. " but I might have another way to get it. Hmm, I'll have to sleep on it." then he chuckled. He sighed with a small smile turning to the serving table and grabbed a cup of wine. "Is it always this headache inducing to guess the motives of other nations? I think I'll be retiring to my room for a bit. My Lord Cantaber, I bid you a good evening."
Meaning: I'm interested. I have resources. But I'm not just going to tell you my secrets so easily. Make your choice.
Benjamin blinked at the man's sudden abruptness from Quint, recoiling from the mans cologne. Benjamin seemed to hesitate, as if deciding whether or not he should trust him with the information, but finally he nodded. "Well, perhaps it is not to be common knowledge, but there was a sabotage attempted on the engines of the boat here. If it hadn't been for the actions of Lord Martalen and a half-Skive engineer by the name Master Ironhide, we might very well be resting on the bottom of the ocean right now."
"Supplies are the lifeblood of any nation's endeavors." he found himself saying.
Benjamin frowned in thought, thinking back to the discussion that had been held in the High Cardinal's room after the incident. "Now who's being contradict-" He paused mid-sentence. The frown returning to a neutral expression. "Hmm, a matter of misdirection, now that counts for a lot. Get people to look one way while something else is happening at the same time. Killing one man, especially one so important to the church would be a financial burden as you said but by no means insurmountable. The trouble in the engine room, then? Killing an entire ship full of important nobles and knights, though... that's bound to cause quite a stir."
"I've learned a lot today. Part of what I've learned is that I know too little of the conflict that plagued the nations. Another is to not let my most recent teaching dictate my actions. You've heard of me as the Oracle of the Church, well for weeks before this I've been in meetings, talking with various people involved in the workings of Azgaar's worship around Brieca. Part of that was being involved with the most anti-war sect, the Evangelist. I won't bore you with the details." He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. His expression becoming humble.
But as I said, I don't come to you in any capacity involving the church. I speak as a Noble of Brieca. An attempt on the life of the second most important person in Brieca and possibly the lives of everyone on board this ship will affect the motion of our nation going forward. It could be Thane. But I don't want to do nothing and you have a perspective that I lack. The purpose of this ship was to meet with houses and other leaders. A correspondence between our houses may be just the thing needed to direct ourselves."
Alright, sorry about that.
Controlling the lineup of weapons may prove a crucial boon to the future of this game. Best to control the flow for now.
"Happenstance, mostly." Benjamin began. "But also curiosity. Rumors abound to what exactly happened, but one thing they all agree on is that what happened today was clearly an act of aggression. Although the intent of the High Cardinal's visit was to invite peace, there are those who intended it to begin war. I've spoken to many here today, the mask of serenity was barely kept in place, but now the mask has slipped. There are clearly those who do not want war, but there are also those who have lived it and do not forget. You and the Cantabers, from what I gather here, are not afraid to say what needs to be said. Which means that a number of those gathered here today will start wondering who to turn to when a declaration is made." he eyed the older man and rubbed at his signet ring. "Regardless of my official capacity as the Oracle of the Church. I am still a Briecan Noble. I don't take kindly to threats of war... Unless I miss my guess, you are still a weapons merchandiser, yes? Anyone who pretends that war is not on the horizon is just waiting for the axe to fall with their eyes closed. I intend to keep my eyes open now." he had more to say but he wanted to give the man a chance to respond.
That was absolutely a great read. Very cinematic and sure to draw out a great response. Unfortunately my response will have to wait till later. I was reminded of some things I have to do today.
We'll see where this particular discussion goes but Benjamin's goal is to shift gears from earlier. He's not coming to the Cantabers as a representative of the church but as a Briecan noble. Benjamin is interested in seeing just how serious they are about their stance as the difference between loudly grumbling about something and lining up to do something is very different.
Benjamin eyed the rather vocal group of men with their clothes marked in red.
Ah yes, the red of the Cantabers. Enough to stand out and get ones blood pumping. An old house of merchandising experts. I never could tell if father really considered them to be rivals or fools more recently in the trade business or not.
His face furrowed as he moved closer to them. But what was it I'd heard recently?
"Oh yes, they've been losing money for some time now. Ever since the end of the war, haven't they?" Benjamin thought about it and his other studies regarding merchant came back to him. An image of Draegar and Esdras entered his mind and something clicked. War.:
They'd been primarily invested in weapons and armor manufacture and trade. I see now. It makes sense. They were certainly doing very well for themselves right up until the end of the war. But when hostilities finally stopped, it would have been a huge loss for them to undo their entire infrastructure and change it to other manufacturing. Especially in the early stages right after the end, when it wasn't certain if things would escalate again or not. Benjamin's mind was running at this point. If they had changed their market and were wrong then they would have to have begun again changing everything back and play catch up with everyone else. Incurring another huge loss. But they gambled that hostilities would continue, which would give them a large advantage, and been a huge boon to whoever started things again. But things didn't go their way, the war ended and the market demands changed over the course of two years before reversing entirely. But even so, Quint has been betting on war, the Cantabers have been losing money since then. Would that mean... they were hoping for something like this to happen? Or are they simply fortunate in their positioning?
Benjmain considered where he was known to stand within the church and given his little show of church beliefs and altruism earlier, he doubted he would be received well by that particular group. He considered all that happened and what was going on right now. If I leave things as they are now, that won't change anything. I shouldn't be seen as just a spokesperson for one branch of the Church of Azgaar. The High Cardinal already showed me my folly of thinking there. And what would my fellow nobles think of me if I were to say nothing after what occurred? Benjamin was nervous at the thought of engaging them but he had to move beyond such things. He was outside of the Church and after nearly drowning to the ocean earlier this was a paltry thing. Perhaps by following a more open road he might learn something more of what they think. He walked up to the group. "Lord Quint of Cantaber, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Though I wish circumstances had perhaps been better. my name is Benjamin Abbey."
Gosh, so many things. Benjamin is really interested in sussing out who seems to know what exactly is going on. Is there just a general sense of anger that the pleasant and otherwise fairly important cruise got interrupted? Or are there circles talking of rather specifically what happened in regards to either the High Cardinal's "assassination" attempt, the engine sabotage, or both? In further clarification, does the engine sabotage seem to be common knowledge? Or is it all just rumors and speculation? Is there anyone who just seems to be blissfully trying to move past it all like other things were more important? Are there circles whispering to each other of possible acts of retaliation against Thane? What do the Nobles of Almor seem to think about all of this? Benjamin has no intention of letting anyone know he was in the room at the time of that. The only people who really know are the perpetrators and the High Cardinal.
So alright. That's 2 votes for the engineers. 1 vote for nobles, the press on for dinner.
I would be interested in conferring with some other nobles. As well as maybe the technologists. Now that the news of what happened and the aftermath has been spread around, it could be interesting to suss out how people will be reacting to all of this. Benjamin really doesn't have any war stories to tell and his most recent combat trouble ended when he fell out of a window within moments of it beginning. He's interested in listening in on such tales but the more he meets people who actually went through it all the more he's starting to curb his interest. That being said, if other people would rather press on, it has been a rather long day and simply resting in private quarters until later is an option too.
"I believe I'd already given my word I would meet you for supper later. I would be remiss if I were to change my mind now with such interesting guests."
Benjamin was shocked at the revelation of child smuggling activities as well. His respect was growing ever more for these two as he learned of them. Benjamin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Ah, I had no idea Thane ran institutes for Skive children. From the rumors I'd been hearing there seemed to be more pressing problems between the tribes and Thane's government. Seems as though there are good people all around, and like something we could take a lesson from." He then turned his attention to Lord Martalen.
Benjamin could only laugh at the nature of this surprisingly humble man. "Ha ha ha! Really! Well regardless of your whether it was your intention to save me or a happy circumstance, I'm alive because of your rather impromptu choice. You say you were planning to save the High Cardinal by jumping through the window but you took time to save a man who was drowning overboard. It would have been just as easy to decide you didn't have time to save me in favor of rescuing the High Cardinal and no one would have blamed you for it, not even me." He clapped the surprisingly large man on the shoulder. "You're a hero today. If there was any debts to be levied over lost equipment, the least, and I mean the absolute least I could do would be to pay for those." He nodded to the High Cardinal.
Benjamin felt fully aware of his surroundings as he was escorted back to his room by the Knights of Theveste. He did not speak to anyone and felt invigorated in a way he had not for as long as he could remember. The day could not have been any more exciting or dangerous but he thought about the problem he had faced in the ocean. He spent the hour in none-too-quiet contemplation pacing back and forth. The smell of ocean water still clung to him. He would have perished had he not been saved. "I have got to learn how to swim." When the Knights came for him and they arrived in back at the High Cardinal's cabin, he nodded to all of the knights as they showed their respect. In the room he was almost taken aback by the man's demeanor as the High Cardinal spoke with him first. Benjamin hung his mouth open for a moment but he recovered his composure and spoke. "No." he said, shaking his head. "There is nothing to forgive here. No one could have predicted what these men would do nor their capability. Not only that but you acted to save my life as well. I'm more upset I did nothing to assist you in the same manner." He then looked to the man who had save him from the ocean depths. "Dragar Ironhide. You may not be a noble, and a foreigner, but you saved my life and earned the High Cardinal's respect. Though my own resources are paltry compared to the High Cardinal's, I do owe you a debt of gratitude and will do what I can to repay you." he held out his hand to the man. Finally looking at the older man, Lord Martalen, he nodded impressed at his exploits.
Benjamin was tired from the physically taxing exertions of just hanging on from being completely drenched from the icy cold ocean water and wind whipped as he was pulled up. He was under no illusions as to what would have happened to him if he hadn't been rescued. Crushing, cold, choking death. Just like my nightmare. As he stood appraising the man who had just saved his life and catching his breath, he started to offer his thanks when the man clapped him on the shoulder and spoke first before he took off running. Wait, was that the Half-Skive Sir Edwin had mentioned? "Wait, your name!" he called after him. But the man was already on his way. Benjamin glanced back at the ocean and shook his head. Then decided to head back to the High Cardinal's cabin.
Benjamin clung to the rope and box, it was extremely uncomfortable for him but he supposed it was better than the alternative. That said, he wasn't going to just sit there and do nothing. He tried to cast a simple enchantment to help ward off the uncomfortable feeling of the ocean's waves. "Scleamshenn sephwem"
He almost had it but the rushing motion and biting cold caused him to stutter the last few moments of his spell, causing the gentle waves of divine light to fizzle out. As he consigned himself to simply be miserable he watched from below as the hooded figure of the assassin like man disappeared in a puff of smoke, mid-fall. His eyes widened and suddenly the warning his father had given him about never losing the ring he wore came back to him. 'A golden circle on the body halts teleportation.' He supposed he shouldn't have been surprised that people like them had something like that. After a moment of that realization his heart sank. "Oh no! Did they take the High Cardinal?!" Despite the interference of whoever was on the edge of the ship above, he felt foolish for abandoning the man the way he had. Maybe if he had stayed he could have altered things but he hadn't. Any one of his gifts would have been useful but he'd been a coward. He hoped he was wrong, but he would have no way of knowing until he would be pulled up the rope by somebody else.
As he had leaped out of the window, Benjsmin's eyes widened ad he'd been caught by surprise as it was not the deck a few feet below him bit a much longer drop down into the ocean. Not good!.. Fighting against the ocean's crushing waves proved very difficult but not impossible as he struggled to keep above the surface. As the boxes suddenly banged off the ship and landed in the water surrounding him, the young noble looked up and noticed a figure standing on the side of the ship. He silently thanked the man for the floating crates but then found himself half ducking, half sinking to avoid the box only then he sees the rope attached to it. He knew this was literally his only lifeline being given to him and he swam for it, desperately intending not to miss his chance.
Almost forgot one fairly large detail. In the room: "Benjamin" is rushing through the assassin and towards the window.
... of course it would be that one. How appropriate.
There's an open window leading to the outside right?
Clearly distracted.
Hope the visit was nice.
Fair enough, enjoy the visit with the parental units. Also, I hope Philius likes what I have planned.
And responded.
... Responded.
Well this should prove to be interesting at the least.
Bump.
|
