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The bishop nods thoughtfully to Mel, smiling. "That will be difficult. I cannot provide such a letter without great risk and I am not sure what it would mean to Count Aral. It will be difficult but you will need to find a way to convince him of your abilities and intentions..." He strokes his chin. "Showing him your receipt of bounty for the capture of Van Beem may make an impression..."
Claudius folds his hands on the table and looks around at all you. "I believe our business has been concluded. I look forward to hearing from you in the future."
Claudius nods with a smile and draws out an ornate mirror from his robes and whispers a few words while holding it. He gazes into the mirror for a few moments then replies "Your father and some dwarven friends of his are currently constructing a new barn. Things seem to be going well in Brookside."
Part of the problem for Brolin is the bishop is pretty dang high level and sense motive is far and away his best skill...
Claudius listens to Brolin's argument with a slight crinkle around his eyes. "Indeed, Captain Muse, I paid you a substantial bounty for the capture of Van Beem and you were also entitled to the salvage of her ship. You need not take your ship to Iustia if it is a difficulty for you to take your ship. Surely the Sonder can find other employment."
He continues "As for breaking the law, I did not ask you to break the laws of Iustia and certainly not those of my Bishopric. There could be a vast multitude of situations in which you provide legal but severe aid to Count Aral against criminal elements, for example. And I, sir, am not about to break my own laws." He strokes his chin thoughtfully. "Now I believe I could find a legitimate job for the Sonder along Helm's coast and I'm sure your crew would be quite qualified to complete the task."
The bishop chuckles slightly at Mel's advice. "Indeed you have the right of it on all counts. Rubius is not particularly well-suited to his post but I have certain... Constraints... regarding whom I appoint as captain of the watch. As to your suggestion for a competent second-in-command" his eyes twinkle "don't you agree it would be ideal if such a second drew little attention to him or herself?"
The bishop nods to Mel "Of course I would be happy to answer your questions. Elrin was sentenced to imprisonment for espionage and conspiracy to murder. Normally, his sentence would be death but since he is a citizen of the Concordat, that expedient was deemed unwise. He has nearly escaped several times but Colonel Smythe has barely managed to contain him. As for Mr. Donaldsson, he is serving probation as an apprentice forester under an old acquaintance of mine just north of the city. I believe he has found the work conducive to his rehabilitation. As for his connection with his wife and daughter, I cannot say whether or not he has sought them out." He grows quiet for a moment and rubs his forehead as if to relieve some stress. "As for Ms. Van Beem, I'm afraid she confirmed my worries that the Kingdom of Iustia would like nothing more than to swallow up the Bishopric on its way to war with the Concordat. After questioning, she revealed that she was hired in utmost secrecy by one Tyron Alabaster, a young, influential figure in King Stephen's court. Her directive was to increase attacks on Bishopric shipping in cooperation with the Reapers, who supplied her with shipping schedules. When the Iustian navy intervened, she was to decrease her attacks on Bishopric shipping and find other waters, likely of the Concordat, to ply. For her crimes, Gertrude Van Beem was hung. For her cooperation, she was allowed to will some personal holdings to an individual I will not name." When Turion offers to contact Mel's loved ones for her, the bishop nods respectfully to the elf. "That seems an excellent arrangement. As for your request Mr. Alagostor, I believe I can arrange access to one of the proprietary libraries at the University, if that will serve." At Kazador's brief speech, the bishop nods slowly, a slight twinkle in his eye. DC 20 sense motive:
The Bishop seems to have some favor in mind for Kazador. Then Claudius turns to Brolin. "Captain Muse, though I am sorry I cannot grant a large monetary request, I would like to grant you some quieter, less traceable favor, if I may."
Claudius nods to Fyrtor and turns to the rest of you. "And what of you? May I aid the rest of you in some similarly discreet manner?"
Claudius smiles and nods. "That is an excellent request and one that I will gladly meet. I'm sure that a contingent of guards can be sent to Woodsdale to deter goblin raids."
Claudius nods thoughtfully "Indeed. I expect that you will need to be ready to move quietly, perhaps in disguise, and speak persuasively whether you tell the truth or conceal it. Further, you may need to be ready to pick locks and make or decipher forgeries. It's also possible you will need to be able to incapacitate someone quickly or quietly..."
Claudius' eyes twinkle at Turion's response as he nods gravely to Melira and Fyrtor. "Indeed I wish more than a messenger's errand from you and can provide somewhat more than I have described. If Count Aral is half the man I think he is, he is striving quietly to bring Iustia's head around from its dangerous course. If you can convince him to trust you, then I expect he could find some quiet use for people of your power and discretion." Then he tilts his head slightly. "As for your incentive, I'm afraid I cannot offer much more in the way of funds without raising too many questions. I have very little in the way of discretionary funds that I can distribute without accountability. But perhaps I could do a favor for one or more of you." DC 20 K hist: That lack of discretionary funds is due to reforms implemented by Claudius II himself when he came to power. Across the board and starting from his own position, he greatly reduced discretionary spending, increasing transparency and accountability in the use of government funds.
Claudius smiles gently to Brolin. "I believe my payment for your capture of Gertrude van Beem covers the repairs of your ship. As for any payment for communication with Count Aral, any sort of official writ is explicitly out of the question. I will provide your group with one thousand gold pieces to undertake this mission to communicate with Count Aral but whether or not you outfit an entire merchant vessel for the task is up to you." He turns to Melira. "You may find Count Aral in his residence in the capital, Bannerhold, but he is also often in his country estate, a day's travel on horse south of the capital."
The Bishop nods slowly. "Indeed. I would appreciate discreet contact with the Count but I cannot send anyone officially in my employ without offending King Stephen. Such an offense could justify an invasion of Helm more easily than the pretext he attempted to create by sponsoring Van Beem's piracy."
When Fyrtor clarifies, the Bishop nods. "Ah yes. Count Aral. He was a very prominent regent for a very long time. He was a strong hand helping build the nation while developing peaceful ties for decades. Put as King Stephen grew a little older, he began favoring younger advisors over Count Aral, who no longer has the same degree of influence he used to."
Claudius nods to Mel and Fyrtor thoughtfully. "That might work... A benefit for everyone..." The elderly man chuckles gently. "Except perhaps those poor scorpions..." He then turns to Fyrtor to consider his question. "I do not know who you mean." He shrugs slightly. "My apologies."
The bishop nods thoughtfully "Indeed, that makes sense of what has happened on our end. It seems that the elves have re-evaluated their probability of success given their failure at Kazad Gravr. Now if only King Stephen were seeking less expansion... Perhaps we can build a bridge of diplomacy with the orcs... We'll need a way to supply things they need while they still have an outlet for their cultural violence..." DC 20 appraise & DC 20 K nat & DC 20 K geo, collaboration by PCs allowed: Giant scorpions, which are native to orcish lands, have very valuable venom that can be used in low doses to treat many ailments by the apothecaries of the Bishopric. Unsurprisingly, it is in short supply in the Bishopric, though the scorpions are a common hazard in orcish lands.
You head toward the imports office and a lower level official checks a list, asking for Mel's name. Once given, she ushers you into an office where you see an elderly man in a plain scribe's garb. But those of you who have met the Bishop before recognize his face and eyes. "Welcome back. It seems you have succeeded at your important goals. Van Beem is in custody and my sources have informed me that the Concordat Council has just recently become more diplomatic in its pushes for peace. If you would be so kind, I would appreciate a thorough account of your doings."
The bishop does indeed agree to meet with you and bears a look of heavy concern when he hears your news. "So, Iustia threatens our sovereignty as well, no doubt for similar reasons. No one wishes to launch an invasion that crosses a desert... But this may prove useful. If I can receive definte evidence that Iustia has done this, then I may be able to play the two great powers off of each other in order to slow this horrible downhill wagon ride to war." He looks to Kazador and Algric with heavy pain in his face. "I understand your longing, my friends. And I wish to see your wishes fulfilled for the good of us all. But the Bishopric needs these pirates dealt with. Capturing their leader should suffice. I doubt she has carefully deatroyed any evidence linking her to Iustia or has any great loyalty to remain silent if captured." Brolin:
This trip to the river will take you right through van Beem waters. From your past dealings with her and her crews, you know that she runs a loose network of ships that leaves her own ship often alone and guarded only by her loyal crew. Apparently, she is confident that no one would dare to attack her ship without a force large enough to be seen a long way off. You suspect her base of operations is hidden somewhere in the Serpent Isles. Kazador: You know that the clan's vaults held powerful weapons and artifacts. These pieces were so treasured the dwarves were reluctant to use them in defense against the orcs. By the time they became truly desperate, it was too late to retrieve them and only would have left them in orcish hands. But in the wrong, or right hands, these great tools could tip the balance of power.
Claudius nods at all of you. "Well if you are going to be in my employ, secret or otherwise, I will support you the best I can with subtlety." He hands you each 100 platinum. "If that is all, I should return to the prisoners." He sighs wearily. "I have the major pieces of information but they may still hold valuable details for me to learn." He turns to exit the room.
Perrin determines the fragments likely are human. Claudius shakes his head. "Be careful. This looks exceptionally dangerous." He lifts his golden symbol again.
He smiles at mention of Arla Fuller. "In a sense, she did. She is largely to thank for the rapidity with which I arrived here to verify her report. I will manage your legal status from here on out and ensure you have the means to procure the lodging you deem best."
Brookside:
He shrugs. "Unfortunately, I haven't explored the bowels of my own city very thoroughly." Mel:
Mel notices that the Halfling has some potion bottles, scrolls, provisions, and a small leather pack. She draws a bedroll out from her pack (reminding you of Perrin’s bag of holding) and sits on it. She also notices that the Halfling is in an enclosed rectangular brick chamber approximately 10 feet wide, 8 feet high, and 50 feet long. The Halfling is watching one end of the tunnel impatiently. Perrin:
Perrin does detect the runestone’s magic on the Halfling, as well as a headband of charisma and a belt of dexterity. The bag is also magical (handy haversack of course). The aura of a potion of cure light wounds disappears when she places it in the bag. Judging by the Halfling’s expression, she doesn’t appreciate the smell of where she is waiting. She also looks distastefully at the damp brick walls. Roet:
Roet notes that the brick wall at one end of the chamber the Halfling is staring at has a few fragments of what appear to be human bone lying in a corner. Something looks slightly suspicious about the bricks of the floor in that area.
Claudius nods. "Dangerous is right. Thankfully, most are not as dangerous as Alric though some, undoubtedly, are even more so." Claudius calls for a bowl of water to be brought to him and draws out a very fine silver mirror from his robes. He then grasps the bits of hair and skin Perrin extracts from the pouch and bows over the bowl while speaking some words, holding out a golden symbol. GM Screen:
He sighs with a slight smile of satisfaction. "Some basic divinations will function through this vision." You look over his shoulder into the pool and see a halfling who looks somewhat similar to the woman you met in the tavern in some kind of closed, underground chamber lit by glowing points on the wall around her. She appears to be waiting impatiently. You see a scroll lying discarded on the barrel in front of her. Read magic or DC 25 spellcraft combined with detect magic: Scroll of sending.
Claudius nods with a wry smile. "Yes those are very useful and I would be willing to cast this spell for you. However, I have an immense amount to do to keep this situation as under control as possible. Shall I cast the spell now?"
The elderly man considers. "I believe Melira is correct. Loyalty is not a consideration these criminals would have. I deeply hope this information does not reach the King or worse still his Cabinet of Peers. Can you do anything to prevent this?"
DC 18 K loc: The Cabinet of Peers is a newly formed advisory board for the King of Iustia composed of the king's young friends, aids, and sycophants. They greatly encourage his ambition.
Claudius sighs heavily at Perrin's description of their meeting with the halfling. "That is grave news indeed. How certain are you that this halfling will report her information to the Council and not Iustia? The fact that there have been orc attacks would be easy information to obtain."
Claudius nods. "Thank you, Melira. And thank you for your apology, though many of your race are completely innocent. But we have much to do. Thankfully, you halted Alric's desperate bid to free the prisoners. Now I must move carefully within my government to keep this information from reaching Iustia. Further, I am concerned about the Reapers' employment by the council. I believe there is something to this string of office break-ins. It would be a great favor to Helm were you to determine what that is for me."
The corners of the Bishop's eyes wrinkle in a smile. "No, no. I've seen enough of power for one life. I wouldn't be foolish enough to want that or think I could take it. But there are those who want that and the people of Helm can only be protected by preventing war. Our forces are too small to keep us neutral if Iustia and the Conclave go to war. The only thing that protects us is the possible intervention of the other great power." His face grows heavier and heavier as he describes the situation. Then he straightens up. "I propose to tell you some of what I know and ask for your information and your discretion. You have proved yourselves capable and could find more profitable employment or patronage than myself. But if you wish to save the lives of peaceful elven lads from the far west, conscripted farmers from Iustia's north, and the villagers of Helm, you'll find me your dedicated ally." He looks at you all closely.
You feel your hearts weighed in the balance as he looks past your eyes and into your selves.
Claudius looks gravely at Mel. "You've done far too much for me to wish you to leave. Where would my people be without your help? Those men, women, and children would be lying dead in the mud while a storm bigger than I could have imagined brewed just out it sight. You've been through too much for me to feel honorable asking you to do more but, for the sake of my flock, I must ask. Will you stay and hear me?" He nods with a kind smile to Kadado, acknolwedging the value of the word if the Dwarf. He glances to Perrin and Roet as well, wondering what the humans have to say.
The group takes a few minutes to collect themselves, catch their breath, and look around with a new sense of teamwork, having survived the brutal and sudden onslaught of the well-equipped assassin. But soon, they are interrupted by the reappearance of the older man. The lines on his face seem deeper than ever. "Colonel, forgive me for interrupting but I have obtained the preliminary information which I require from the prisoners. I now wish to speak with these brave friends of Helm and thank them properly. May we use another one of your rooms? I doubt that you will have further attempts to free the Elves in the mean time." Smythe agrees with a bow and ushers the four of your, the Bishop, and his accompanying guards into a private room. Once the door is shut, the Bishop sits and turns to you. "Thank you for your help. I fear there is worse to come for this land. But despite the Council's desperate and rather transparent efforts, I have the information I need first hand. That assassin was their last chance to get Elrin out before I could question him. Now I face many difficult decisions. For the time being, can I trust you to share this information with no one?"
"Helm thanks you." He then holds up a golden carving.
"Colonel, I will see the prisoners now. Please provide these good people with every courtesy until I can thank them more fully." He then walks away as several of his personal guard escort Elrin and the other elf into a private chamber.
Smythe talks aside quietly with the herald for a minute then orders his men to attention. Soon, the door opens again with knights in white armor emblazoned with the Golden Helm enter, followed by an elderly man in white robes with more knights following up behind. The man speaks in a soft voice that still carries to Smythe "Colonel, I received your message. We should speak in private." The procession enters a state room with Smythe then close the door with several of the Paladins of Helm waiting outside. The four of you are left near the entrance.
Several minutes later, an errand boy carrying a basket of sweetbreads enters the front door. He states that he has a delivery for an Elrin Weh and the guard at the desk begins looking through some papers. |
