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The general nods. "Excellent. Thank you for accepting this task." "The merchant you will be escorting into Piren's Bluff is a man named Gaskar Drolp. He should arrive here tomorrow morning at first light, if you would meet with him then. He shouldn't be hard to identify - his cart has 'Gaskar's Goods' painted on the side." The general rises from his chair and nods to everyone seated at the table. "I shall take my leave if everyone is happy with what they have to do. Farewell, and good luck."
After a pause the general will clear his throat. "Any questions so far?"
"Of course, the less blood that is shed, the better," Dakovya replies to Meadow. "However, should it be necessary to remove him from power with lethal force, then do so - the death of one corrupt man would prevent a war that would kill countless more. You must be careful in the town - as leader of the town, Vendikon will have soldiers and guards under his command. Beware of who you trust too. There are some sympathisers to our cause within the town - look for a sprig of mistletoe tied with a yellow ribbon to find them."
The waitress that Anuk-Itan called to will nod and head off towards the bar. The general waits until she has left again before continuing. "I do not wish to take the town by force, as we know that there are still townsfolk there that are loyal to Andoran there. However, the Baron needs to be stopped." Dakovya then looks to Meadow. "A little of both. Your task would be to head into the town to gather information and, most importantly of all, to take Vendikon out of power without endangering the whole town." He then glances to Anuk. "As to why I chose you all, there were a number of reasons. The most important ones were that while most of you have ties to us in some way, I do not think that you are linked so strongly with the military that you will be easily recognised, even with your stature. The town lies on the border - it undoubtedly sees its fair share of strangers. I also believed that you would be skilled enough to carry out this task." The general pauses to take a drink before continuing. "In addition to your group within the town, I have also begun to mobilise the forces we have in Darkmoon Vale. They will head to the town and surround it, to give the Baron and his Chelish allies the appearance that his town is under siege. I have arranged with one of my agents to head to town as a merchant before the army arrives - you would enter the town as his guards. From there, you should be able to start your mission."
The general nods at Felicia. "It is. It lies on the Aspodell mountain pass to Cheliax, so as you can imagine, it's extremely important to our defenses." Dakovya pauses for a moment and frowns before continuing quietly. "However, we received word almost two weeks ago that Vendikon has betrayed Andoran and declared his support for Cheliax - he has vowed to hold the town for them instead! If we do not act, then it may not be long before the Chelish begin to pour over our border."
Felicia: Spoiler: You will know that Piren's Bluff is a small town on the western border of Andoran, next to Cheliax at the very furthest edge of Darkmoon Vale. It overlooks a pass across the Aspodell Mountains to Cheliax - the town's largest feature is its keep. Due to its nature as a border town, Piren's Bluff receives a lot of visitors travelling through - many merchants, miners, adventurers and hunters pass through (which the town depends on for its supplies - being located on rocky ground). The actual population of the town is pretty small though - only a couple of hundred. The current leader of Piren's Bluff is a man named Baron Vendikon.
The general turns to the elf. "Ah, I wasn't sure if you were going to arrive. I am glad you have. And yes. We are not quite at war yet." His voice takes on a slightly grimmer tone as he speaks the last sentence. Meadow then arrives at the table. The general nods at the half-elf. "Good. I believe we are all here now." He glances around the room for a moment and then turns back to the rest of the table, seeming satisfied. Most of the other activity in the room is now close to the bar and the warmth of the fireplace, away from the table that the party is sitting at. However, his voice is significantly quieter when he next speaks, now that the actual business of the evening is on the cards. "I say not quite yet at war. But it is on its way, I fear, unless we act quickly. Are any of you familar with the town of Piren's Bluff?"
Thrane:
Spoiler:
Your heightened hearing allows you to make out the conversation going on at the table where the three men are sitting. Two of the men, including the large hulking one, will refer to the other as 'general' at one point. As you enter, you see a small female halfling also approach the table.
The man will look at Merrick and then nods faintly before speaking quietly. "For what I am about to ask, it is best that we don't stand out too much. This inn sees its fair share of unusual travellers, but I felt a uniform may attract undue attention." He then looks at Anuk-Itan curiously for a moment. "No, I am not forcing anything. This is a request - one that I sincerely hope you will accept, for all our good, but a request nonetheless." The man then notices Felicia approach the table. "Ah, hello - Felicia, isn't it?" the man asks the halfling. "I had asked the serving girl to invite you over, but it seems you have found us first. Please - sit." The serving girl that Meadow is speaking to glances over in the direction that the half-elf is pointing. "Well, I was about to say to you, that he asked me to ask you if you'd like to join him. Said you'd know what it was about. I don't know him myself though, miss."
As Figgin makes his appearance, the gentleman turns his attention to the halfling before giving his letter a quick glance over. "Ah, yes. Indeed, I was. Please, sit down - I will explain all shortly." Moments later, Merrick arrives at the table. The gentleman nods to the paladin as he sits down. "Good to meet you Merrick. There are a few more to arrive yet." He pauses, looking around the room for a few moments. "There are two more in the room that I can see - the serving girl should be asking them over soon. But there still appears to be one more missing.." Felicia:
Spoiler:
You will be able to catch some snatches of the conversation, as the other halfling says something about 'expecting me', the newly-arrived human mentions 'Iomedae' and the hulking figure mentions 'associates'. The moustached gentleman seems to be talking about other people. Parts of the conversation are drowned out by the occasional roar of drunken laughter from a table further down the room. Meanwhile, the same serving girl that approached Merrick now moves over to Meadow, carrying a slightly emptier tray.
Figgin:
Spoiler:
You will have also noticed the eagle signet ring on the moustached gentleman's hand, and it is indeed one you will recognise from the letter that was sent to you by the general. You will also be able to easily overhear the conversation between the large hooded person and the moustached man.
As Anuk-Itan approaches the man's table, the gentleman glances up at him for a moment before his eyes move to the letter. He picks up the letter and opens it, as if he is briefly checking the contents. Seeming satisfied, he places the letter down again before looking back to the half-orc. "Ah, you must be Anuk-Itan. Please, take a seat. There are a few others who I hope will also be involved - once they have joined us I will explain what is going on in full." Meanwhile, one of the serving girls approaches Merrick, carrying a tray full of drinks in one hand.
Calling Durendal - are you still interested in playing? The main game thread is up and running now.
Anuk-Itan
Spoiler: As you look around, a man passes nearby to your table. You notice that he is wearing a signet ring with a stylised bird on it - perhaps an eagle. You think you've seen this symbol before - the letter that arrived at the prison signing your release had a seal with a similar design on it. The man is dressed simply in travelling clothes and is wearing a long cloak. His hair is short and dark and he has a slender moustache. As you watch, he catches the attention of one of the serving girls and speaks with her for a minute or two before moving over to an empty table in one of the less-occupied areas of the room.
The inside of the inn is pleasantly warm and cosy, and the hum of conversation can be heard from the busy taproom. In the taproom, tables are dotted around while a fire crackles in the large hearth. A few charcoal braziers provide additional warmth from the cool of the autumn evening. A bald, rather ruddy faced man wearing an apron works away behind the bar, chatting with customers jovially as they order their drinks. Several young girls rush from table to table, carrying platters of food and drink. From time to time, the door to the room swings open and another one or two customers enter. Most of the patrons here tonight appear to be either farmers or traders, gathering in groups to eat, drink, dice and chat. There does not appear to be anyone garbed in military uniform here - either the general has not yet arrived or is dressed plainly.
Fair enough :). I've started the actual play-by-post thread, however the forums have decided not to show it properly at the moment. :( I'll post a link once the thread re-appears. Edit: There we go. Game Thread
Prelude: The General's Request Last Oathday, Rova. The Travelers Stop Inn, Andoran The Travelers Stop Inn is situated next to the main trade route running along Arthfell Forest. Painted in bright, cheerful colours, the sturdy two-story inn stands so close to the nearby forest that it is shaded by the towering canopy of the trees behind it. A large red sign above the door reads "Travelers Stop Inn" in golden letters. A stable stands next to the main building, with several hitching posts located outside it. A few farm wagons sit in the yard near the stable, their owners busy securing them for the evening. The sun is just beginning to set over the land. Anuk-Itan:
Spoiler:
Having been imprisoned in Oregent for some time, your captors recently offered you a deal for your freedom in exchange for performing a task for the Andoran military. After agreeing to the deal, two soldiers dressed in common clothing led you out of the prison and escorted you several miles north, close to the dark and looming Arthfell Forest. As you travelled, they told you only a little more about the rest of the deal - that it was a man named 'General Dakovya' who had secured your release, but not the details of what he wanted. The soldiers accompanied you to the Travelers Stop Inn and informed you that the general would be waiting to meet you inside. Felicia:
Spoiler:
When you arrived at one of the soldier camps a few days ago, one of the Andoran captains approached you to give you a message that had been left with the camp. He didn't know the details of what the wax-sealed message contained, but passed the parchment on to you. The message read:
My soldiers have told me about the help you have given them on several occasions - you have my thanks for assisting them when they have needed it. You have shown yourself to be a skilled individual - I have a request to make of you that I hope you will accept, for the good of all of Andoran. Please meet me at dusk on the last Oathday in Rova in the Travelers Stop Inn on the trade route near Arthfell Forest to learn more. This is highly confidential - tell no-one. Gen. Dakovya
Figgin:
Spoiler:
One of the men you assisted against the worg attack, Captain Hollin, approached you several days ago with a wax-sealed message. All he knew about the message was that it came from higher up within the Andoran military, and that he had been ordered to deliver it to you as soon as he could. The message read:
It has been brought to my attention that you recently helped some of our soldiers against a potentially deadly attack. You have my deepest thanks and gratitude for your actions. You have proven yourself to be of great skill - I would have another request to make of you, one that this time would help to save the whole of Andoran. Please meet me in the Travelers Stop Inn near Arthfell at dusk on the last Oathday in Rova to learn more. This is highly confidential - tell no-one. Gen. Dakovya
Meadow:
Spoiler:
Your military contact, Capt. Conris, approached you with the offer of a new mission several days ago, one that came from higher up within the military this time. While he didn't know the details himself, he passed on a wax-sealed message to you. The message read:
Your skills and successes in working for Andoran has been highly commended to me - you have my deepest thanks for your past services. I would like to offer you a new mission that could use somebody with your abilities - one that would help to save the whole of Andoran. Please meet me at dusk on the last Oathday in Rova in the Travelers Stop Inn on the trade route near Arthfell Forest to learn more. This is highly confidential - tell no-one. Gen. Dakovya
Merrick:
Spoiler:
Recently, a wax-sealed letter was delivered to you by a young man in military livery. He told you that he had been asked to deliver the message to you as quickly as he could, but he did not know the details of the letter's contents - only that it had come from higher up in the Andoran military. The message read:
Thank you for the help you have given Andoran previously - you have my deepest thanks and gratitude. You have shown yourself to be a man of high skills - I have a request to you that I hope you will accept, for the good of all of Andoran. Please meet me at dusk on the last Oathday in Rova in the Travelers Stop Inn on the trade route near Arthfell Forest to learn more. This is highly confidential - tell no-one. Gen. Dakovya
Thrane:
Spoiler: Recently, a wax-sealed letter was delivered to you by a young woman in military livery. She informed you that she had been asked to bring an urgent message to you that had been sent from higher up within the Andoran military. The message read:
I know that much has been asked of you previously in the tensions between our country and Cheliax. However, I have a request that I hope you will at least hear out - there is an important mission for the country that requires people of your skill and calibre, and is one that you may be interested in. Please meet me at dusk on the last Oathday of Rova in the Travelers Stop Inn on the trade route near Arthfell Forest to learn more. This is highly confidential - tell no-one. Gen. Dakovya
Welcome to the Last Baron game discussion thread. :) Players:
Possibly:
The game premise: The game will take place in Andoran, near the border with Cheliax and at the edge of the Darkmoon Vale region. Tensions between Andoran and Cheliax are high, with Cheliax eager to regain its old empire, and Andoran anxious to protect its lands. The game will start with a member of the Andoran military contacting each of the PCs with a proposal. Character creation rules: 1. No evil characters
Dice rolls should use invisible castle. Any further questions, please ask :) |
