Aubrin adds. Cobb has requested a war council for when you return. We will make preparations here for tomorrow. Safe travels!
You bow and agree and the party heads west.
---
The first stop is to track the lair of the chimera slain by the Zen Archer's distant arrows. The cave is found midmorning by smell and skattered bones. Using detecting magic, the party uncovers a few valuables.
Restarting at noon, knowing the beast had no mate or offspring, the next stop is the edge of the Fangwood to spy the Nesmian Plains and Hallow Hills.
Aeliexes hears the sounds of laughter and lyre music from the north, near where you are passing.
Walking towards the noise you can now clearly hear. A massive tree stump rises from the center of this clearing. Its surface is polished smooth and set with cups, plates, and pitchers all carved from wood. Fruits, roasted meats, cheeses, and red wine overflow the serving dishes.
Four half naked and exhausted dwarves sit around the table. A beautiful woman dances around the table playing a lyre and exhorting the dwarves to feast to their heart's content.
Lubella taps the furry paladin again with her wand to try and revive him before the knight regains his consciousness.
clw:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
This is almost enough...does Kenji get any bonus hp from other people's cures? Will need to resolve before the wyvern acts...oh and Arcos needs a stabilize roll
Sorry the week was crazy. Just getting caught up. BTW have a band trip and two graduating seniors next week...so another busy week.
Molly nods.
Hei-Fen has been an enemy of mine for years. And part of the reason for my loss of those deeds you found. I am sorry you all are now involved with her. She is not very nice, and that says alot.
Back in Kintargo, you should be safe from her. I am sure you will all do fine. Watch your backs. I will see if I can find out anything more.
Molly is choked up and just nods, unable to say much else without losing her composure.
She takes Lubella's hands into her own. You take care of yourself, girl. The big men of the world are more than happy to step on the little people every chance they get. Cheliax's rulers are worse than most.
You are all able to regroup at the Seven Apples by early morning. Some having had more rest than others.
Molly smiles for those who arrive for breakfast. I suspect that you will be leaving soon, now that you have secured what you came for.
She wipes a tear. But I also know I cannot thank you enough for what kindness you brought to me for no reason or thought of reward. I freely give what I have, and only wish I could offer more. Thank you and know you have my wishes for your success.
If you are not invited and accepting the extracurricular activities in the study, you are ushered from the manor along with Molly and the other guests.
Molly walks with you.
”Well that went exceptionally well. Better than I expected even. I hope your friends can take care of themselves getting back…if they need to find their way before morning.“
Molly thoughtfully pauses and says ”Racism. Definitely.”
Xoshak Zabrinni, an elderly male Keleshite human smiles. "Why what other than Fraud?
Strephian, a male half-elf businessman. This wine is divine. It would be a sin to wasting booze of any sort. He downs another full glass of the Queen's wine. His fourth of the night.
Sefuri Dendru, a male Garundi human businessman nods in agreement. Wasting of food of any sort. Especially the fine dishes your excellency has served here tonight!
Kekza Zenk, a female gnome dancer smiles again at Arcos. You have such lovely eyes.
Perhaps you could find time tonight after dinner to help me find my chastity. I seem to have lost it.
Elitu Rosewinter snorts in disgust. I find resurrections a sin. Once a person is dead. They should stay dead!
The bickering between the two other women has subsided for now. You notice that they (and other guests) had been paying close attention to your interaction with the Queen.
Some guests immediately excused themselves, more than likely from the painful effects of the spices.
Molly asks Kenji and Arcos
”You two need to finish your meal. It would be rude not to try it. “ she winks.
Meanwhile Elitu Rosewinter gets distracted by the mention of pain.
Yes, Anca Verezzian sometimes pain and death are necessary for growth. she glares at the female Varisian human seated on her other side.
The woman scowls back at the halfling, with an obvious history between the two.
Sometimes it is best to keep silent and be assumed a fool, then to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
To which Elitu nearly stands and twirls one of the knives expertly in her fingers with practiced skill and malice. Maybe we can determine who is the bigger fool?
The woman grins back. You best not play with knives, dear. You may get hurt.
You watch as Talvek is able to properly eat this meal. He
scoops a fish out of the bowl, drops it into the boiling soup,
spears it with the fork, and then cuts the flesh of the freshly
poached minnow away with the knife. Once the fish have
been consumed, the candles are extinguished, and the
soup is allowed to cool, the regular spoon is used to sip
the broth and eat the vegetables in the soup.
Talvek is able to successfully perform this maneuver all five times, to which Molly and the other guests smile in a congratulatory manner.
Bravo! states Elitu Rosewinter, the other halfling. She then turns to Lubella.
If the traditions include the enslavement of our people, then those traditions I am happy to see die. she grumbles.
Lubella and Sidius are able to repeat this feat three times each, after their first two minnows escape.
Will need an attempt or pass from Kenji and Arcos to continue to the next course. Also, there was a question for Kenji but I did not see a response.
Molly, while standing for the initial ovation, motions for the entire party to stand and clap politely. Following the lead of the others.
Banquet Courses & Etiquette:
Each of the courses requires specific
and proper etiquette to consume. At the start of each
course, ask each PC if they want to immediately begin
or if they want to wait and watch other guests to learn
the proper etiquette through observation. A character
who starts at once must succeed at Knowledge
(geography or local) or Profession (cook) check to
know the proper way to eat the meal
2d8 ⇒ (7, 3) = 10
This first course consists of quicksoup—a strange and
unusual delicacy first pioneered in the Iobarian city of
Orlov. Each guest is given a tureen of heady, boiling-hot
soup sitting atop a nest of five short candles, a smaller
bowl in which swim five live minnows, and a set of utensils
that include a two-tined fork, a sharp, slender knife, and
a spoonlike sieve.
Elitu Rosewinter, the halfling woman mentioned earlier, calls to Molly.
I see you brought guests with you, Miss Molly. Are these new friends or bodyguards? I have not seen them in Vyre before today.
An elderly male Keleshite human speaks to Kenji
Xoshak Zabrinni is happy to be attending. Xoshak has never seen one of your race before. Dare he ask from whence you travel? Are you here on business or pleasure?
You approach the Queen of Delights home
as an ancient and decrepit-looking estate.
Located on the fringe of the Opal Market,
a building known as Cobweb Manor
for the unusual number of dusty-gray, fist-sized
spiders that scurry among its eaves
and across its foundation stones.
DC25 kn:nobility:
rumor has it the Queen of Delights is a witch with an uncanny knack for whispering to spiders
Molly pulls you into line behind some other guest.
This will be our best spot in line. Just follow my lead until we get inside. These events usually last all night, so figure from 4-5 hours until midnight. Dinner and social opportunities will be in multiple courses.
She pauses and nods to the people ahead and behind as she waves politely.
In a hushed voice she states...
You may see thing that affect your morale code or the like, so be prepared. Many of these people are not good. Behind us, yes the female halfling in gray dress, is Elitu Rosewinter. Just entering now, ironically enough is the human Asmerru Krupt, he is a Chelish aristocrat visiting from Hinji. Oh here we are. Pay attention.
You are able to find just about any gift desired in Vyre. Rare items could be 100-200gp and very rare 250-400gp with unique items being 500gp or more on short notice.
Once your choices are made, Molly tugs the arms of her strong escorts.
”Ok, we are at the optimal time to stroll to the party. “
Molly suggests Waiting until the last moment before arriving—not quite late,
but certainly not early enough to appear too eager, as
the Queen of Delights has little patience for beggars. We have time for a bit of walking, talking and shopping before our arrival.
She chuckles as she takes one of Sidius's arms and Talvek's other.
If you men are to gain the queen’s favor, you must be on
your best behavior during the banquet. I am warning you
to be respectful of the queen and her
guests, even in the, quite likely, eventuality that some
of those guests might not deserve respect.
Furthermore, stay away from the topic of religion
during dinner!
She frowns at this point.
Oh, and as a last-minute word of advice, I should probably
mention that the queen’s husband shall “be in
attendance,” but you are not to speak of him.
Acquiring a small gift for the
queen is also a good idea—anything more expensive than
500 gp is generally viewed as bribery and looked down
upon, but anything less expensive than 10 gp is thought
of as cheap. Gifts can be anything. but Molly points
out The queen is particularly fond of spiders, onyx
jewelry, and fine mead.
Characters who spend some time
gathering information during the hour or two before
can attempt to learn more of the
queen’s tastes. One roll, open any you meet...
DC 20 Diplomacy/Gather:
you learn of one of the following
less commonly known preferences of the queen:salacious works
of art, lacy gloves
DC 25 Diplomacy/Gather:
you learn of one of the following
less commonly known preferences of the queen:fancy potion vials, flowers with black petals.
DC 30 Diplomacy/Gather:
you learn of one of the following
less commonly known preferences of the queen: Ustalavic novels, or exquisite banquet utensils.
”Pretty simple actually. Small one handed blades are fine. Don’t you be going in with a halberd or crossbow. Makes people right uncomfortable it does. 5 rules? One:Honor all coins helps travelers such as your self an promotes trade without need for money changers. A silver is a silver. Two: don’t challenge if an alias is given. People come to Vyre to escape their life elsewhere. Three: you can defend yourself but leave them alive. If you worry about revenge then don’t hurt anyone. Four: you are not any better than anyone else. Respect all from slave to Queen. Five: Don’t go snooping in other peoples business.“
She smiles with a bit more teeth than she intended.
”I am sure some legal clerk has them written somewhere nicer, but you get the idea. Are we ready?“
Once all of the outfits are purchased and ready, you are able to return to the Seven Apples
Molly comments.
”Oh yes! Excellent choices! You will be the talk of the town. Remember this is a party where diplomatic skill is paramount and blades and armor will be frowned upon. Remember also to keep the 5 rules of Vyre:
“I Shall Honor All Coin”,
“I Shall Speak Many Names”,
“I May Wound Yet Shall Not Kill”,
“I Know None Are Below Me”,
“I Shall Let Closed Doors Remain Closed”,
Wait! you hear the voice, now stronger and more composed.
Molly returns back in control of her emotions,
I do not know where or how you found these deeds.
But I cannot begin to thank you enough.
You have brought me hope. From the bottom of
my heart in gratitude, please accept this
reward for your kindness to an old woman.
She hands you the keys to nicer rooms.
You can have accommodations at the Seven Apples
gratis for as long and as often as you
wish to visit Vyre. But this I give you as well.
She is handing you a magical haversack, and inside is 800 platinum coins.
These will help you buy suitable garments.
I have heard of what’s been going on in
Kintargo and the rest of Cheliax, and I understand that
Vyre should secure an ally against House Thrune, just to
be safe. Kintargo is an excellent option, but as long as
Barzillai remains in power there, Vyre’s primary point of
contact on the mainland remains in flux.
Molly continues I happen to be on relatively
good terms with the current Queen of Delights
she muttering, more to herself a nice change after the last
few were “such disappointments.”
I am sorry, where was I? Oh, yes.
the Queen of Delights holds monthly banquets
where those she favors are allowed to share a
meal, air grievances, and jockey for her favor.
The next banquet is tonight, and
it’s no big deal for me to arrange for you to
accompany me as my honored guests. There’s no better
way to approach a leader of Vyre about setting
up an alliance. Molly points out, Especially
since the city’s other four leaders are “not
the type of folks you’ll want to make
friends with, by and large.”
Molly smiles politely Ah yes, two nights. Wonderful. What's this? For me?
She begins to read the ledger and deeds. What...where did...how? she steadies herself, almost dropping the legal documents.
Molly tears up and quietly excuses
herself, I am so sorry... I am..must be leaving you with
Happly Grunn and Letticia Moll for a few
minutes while I collect myself in the
back room. They will take care of the details of your stay. she nods to them and staggers to the back room.
Lubella can easily tell the woman is overcome with emotions of gladness and disbelief.
The human agents, Happy and Letticia, take your bags and hand you keys to the two rooms.
Yes, right. I am sure she will return...shortly. Will any of you be needing any extra linens for the evening? No? Tailors and clothing? Why yes. I can highly recommend a couple. Here are the directions to the 'Dandyman' and 'Leather and Lace' shops. Both with the latest fashions.
Oh aren't you just precious. You remind me of me when I was a younger me. And you have such dashing friends. I cater to adventurers and the like. We are nearly full with all the events going on tonight. You arrived just in time. I have two rooms left. How long will you be staying?
She takes down your names.
Well, regarding clothing, first you will need a ticket. The Kings and QUeens of Masks do not just let anyone into their parties you know. Invitation Only...to keep out the riffraff. But silly me. What am I thinking? You would not have traveled all this way from Kintargo if you did not have a ticket already.
Indeed, when you enter, you see Molly behind the front desk. The elderly halfling woman seems frail and weak, yet the glitter in her eyes reveals the force of her will and suggests at hidden, secret reserves of strength within. She carries herself with confidence and greets you with a grin.
”Welcome to The Seven Apples, Vyre's foremost hostel for visiting adventurers. If you're looking for a place to stay or a guide to the hottest spots in town, you've come to the right place! How can I help you?"
Zachrin Vhast defers to Laria as she stands on a chair to speak.
Greetings all. Especially nice to meet you, Sergio.
The Bellflowers have access to more information outside Kintargo, in the country and around the region.
The Glorious Reclamation continues its march through
the rest of Cheliax. However, they lost control of Kantaria, where
Thrune agents recently won a decisive victory over the
Iomedaeans.
The halfling continues after a brief look around the room.
However, larger cities, such as Senara, are falling
to the Glorious Reclamation, forcing House Thrune to
mobilize their armies to defend the Chelish heartland
and southern coast, which incidentally leaves less and
less direct support for Barzillai Thrune and his rule
here in Kintargo.
If done quickly, there is an opportunity in cities like Vyre to find allies willing to provide help.
The overcast evening arrives for the Silver Council and Setrona is rushing around while pretending not to be nervous. The rain pouring outside helps conceal the visitors and the city patrols at the same time.
She welcomes you and your guests and ushers to the back room before hoods and cloaks are pulled back to reveal who arrived
”Welcome to the Tooth and Nail. Please bring your wet cloaks back here to dry. “
Once everyone arrived who you invited, she closes the door and nods to Lubella.
assuming you all will facilitate and introduce invited speakers you invited…assume if you invited, they are here.
”Well, I would say good progress. Next week somewhere else? Sounds great.
Thanks for coming. Try not to be too obvious on the way out. I don’t want the dottari knocking on my doors…again. “ Laria chimes in with her best ‘bye bye now’ voice
The elves would be the closest and you at least have some recent information from their scouts. Assuming you do not wait too long.
While...the Gap and Vyre are less well known, and would take some scouting to understand loyalties to the Thrunes.
"Now is also the time to gather more regional support," Laria Longroad says. "It would be foolish to launch a full-scale attack on Barzillai and his minions when he could reach out to Cheliax itself for support, or even to his own support here in the city. By taking steps to counter or minimize the ways Cheliax can lend support to Thrune, we bolster our chances for a successful revolution when the time to strike comes.
”That bridge tax is a low blow. That will cut my business traffic for sure. And the bakery goods will have to stick to my own. Have you heard anything new? Are we still on for today? “
Laria is pulled from her planning by Talvek comments
What? Oh no. Well we have hosted meetings with Bell flowers here, but nothing with someone of Lady Docur's stature. Rexus was a frequent visitor but ... A council? Not so much.
Lubella gets the impression the concern Laria has is about making a good impression on the elite Lady. The halfling woman is self conscious of her limited schooling.
Let me know if any other preps otherwise will jump to next day...
”Ok, well tomorrow it is. Midafternoon is best. Between lunch and dinner and enough traffic that people will not draw too much attention in small groups. Disguised is a good idea. “
LOL. Even with the nat-1s you can tell she is worried but knows it is the right thing to do.
Laria hides her feelings well, or you are unaccustomed to seeing her this side of her.
”Yes you are welcome to this place. Downstairs is probably best. Just let me know the time. The dottari have not been watching here as much since you moved out all those teams. All the traffic has subsided. How does tomorrow or the next day sound? How many are you expecting?“
