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Here is my half-giant soul-knife/vitalist. He will be a capable combatant with limited armor, sort of a glass cannon. But his healing and defensive skills will be extensive. I am finishing up his skills and equipment. With a good array of skills, he should fit two roles(melee/healer) well. With his synesthete ability he should have an uncanny perception (+13).
Derrick looks a little concerned, "The objective is to get the supplies and military equipment. A raid is the ultimate objective, but scouting out the place first is probably indicated."
Derrick brings his advisors and son in and shows the elves a map of an old immense fortress on a hill surrounded on three sides by a river. It is the site of the old imperial depot. He speaks to Talon. "This is the source of the stockpile of all goods for distribution to the military. Although it may seem somewhat belligerent to seize these strategic goods and possibly harm the Central Kingdom people, it greatly increases our chances to defend ourselves and decreases their ability to wage war against us. I do not wish to do anything without thorough scouting and planning. Nothing compares to an actual first-hand survey of the operation." "Let me know what you require. I did not find out if you asked Ferret and Bore to accompany you or not, but I am sure you have a team up to the job. Any more specific questions?"
Day 3 of the Ceremony - Theme is the Future The human ministers outline an agenda of distancing themselves from the chaotic and undependable Coastal Kingdoms and aligning themselves closely with the elves. To some extent they mention making a decisive move that will have long term consequences. To that effect, they ask for a firm commitment of a full defensive alliance with the elves as a cornerstone of future success. Derrick than asks for Elorin to step forward and presents her a gift. It is a bow that is masterfully crafted and has greater power when wielded by an elf. The bow is an intelligent item, and Derrick warns it has a sworn duty to kill all goblinoids. He hands it to Elorin as a gift to her and describes its powers.
(1) This bow is a longbow with no proficiency penalty to use. Any class may fire this bow without penalty.
After Elorin accepts the gift there is applause. Then Derrick is coronated by the two priests. They present the signed approval of the elven queen and announce the Talmanes line as the new hereditary line of the city-state of Seaview. After the coronation Derrick holds a closed council of war. Only three ministers join him in his discussions with the elves. Derrick outlines a bold plan. The armory and depot maintained in the capital city is known to contain materials of war that have been stored in the event of conflict. He plans to send a raiding force to recover all the valuable material using stealth and guile. They have produced colors, insignias, and standards of a mercenary band hired by a distant ruler. It should cast all suspicion from his group as long as no one is captured. Derrick looks toward Elorin, "You are invited to take the lead on this raid--as a joint venture I ask we split things down the middle. I will make sure that you have all the support to get there and back. Please consider the bow a deposit of good will to make up for a lack of direct participation in this raid."
Derrick informs you that the former capital city is the largest city in the area and worth visiting. He suggests a visit there to gather information and look for opportunities. The humans cannot commit to much without assessing the capabilities of the coastal kingdom.
Kalthos leaves to follow the Ferret. He left alone and does not return for the second day of the cermony. Day two Theme is the present. Derrick lists the extensive resources the kingdom has--mainly the best natural harbor for miles and miles. The new friends the kingdom has made. But the peril that they face as they are no longer a part of the "Coastal Kingdoms". He mentions the guilds and the trades that will now flourish as the fuedal society of old is replaced with a mercantile society. The day closes with a parade of the guildmasters and nobles of the area. Very long, and very boring. Kalthos has not returned.
Day One of the Festivities Begins. Theme= The Past
The theme is the past. Previous subjects speak of the oppression under the previous king. Ties to the Coastal Kingdoms that left Seaview and the surrounding kingdom solely responsible for containing the elves on the island. Three political prisoners speak of intolerance at the hands of the old king. Derrick gives a short speech "We are not here to relive the past but to learn from it. We need to become a healthy community again and move past our hatreds and prejudices." At the end of the day the Ferret appears. He gives a short speech where he speaks of taking orders from a despot and doing things he did not agree with. The people in the crowd do not like to hear from him and many yell for him to be arrested or harmed. Finally, the Ferret has two court bards play the Mandolin and drums while he sings in a coarse, but compelling voice. His song is about the choices between going along and making a stand. At the end he talks about just finding a way out. His performance leaves the entire hall quiet and he makes a quick exit. Grabbing a travel bag he gives a quick bow and salute to Derrick and hurries out the door.
"My lady, he is much healed. He was in very poor condition when we found him. I have a large container of very good soup our healer had made for him, he gained over 10 pounds already." A large kettle of soup is brought out. "Anyway, we have two things on our social calendar. I have a document that shows as monarch I have the support of the elves for Lady Elorin's signature should she wish to give it. I also have to arrange a three day coronation and would like your attendance. I do understand that returning one of your own to Elfhome may not wait another day." "After the coronation we can discuss any joint ventures, but we are putting the pieces back together here. We had our own set of prisoners we are bringing home too from the dungeons."
"Ferret, I promise your offer will be seriously considered; please allow my herald to show you to your chambers. You will find the hospitality there up to any standards." As Ferret departs, Derrick's face turns grave. "I was advised not to let you see this, but I am freeing many prisoners kept in the dungeons. This spy was caught well more than a hundred years ago. He is now released back to you. He is not in the same condition as he was when captured. I found out about him only recently." An elf is carried out in a large chair. He has lost his sight and the ability to walk due to extreme maltreatment. He has patches over both eyes and the bones in his legs are twisted beyond repair. "He can only take strong broth as I fear it has been a long time since he was fed properly. He is not very lucid and I fear his mistreatment has caused extreme dementia." "Now, let's talk about this Ferret from the Society of Secrets. The Society of Secrets is a closed society that exacts a vow of extreme secrecy in those joining. Only after being selected and passing a series of test are you allowed to swear a secret oath and join. The human 'O' is often represented by a rectangle, and the sides of this 'O' with snakes twisted in them represent the two 'S' letters. This is the common sign for the Society of Secrets. I suspect they are spies and assassins--some joke they claim to be assassins to cover up more sinister business." "The Ferret has acted against many of my people in the past, so giving him a position myself is out of the question. I immediately thought you might put him to use. He seems to be keen on adventuring again rather than resuming what he calls 'The State Dance of Shadows'. I do know the Ferret recently returned from the Serpent Barbarians shortly before you did." |
