Elara von Silbermond's page

I agree with Tenobia, it's been a fun game until now - thank you for running it for us. Do reach out if you ever want to give it another go.

Elara noda to Felix. "I agree, there seems to be too little to go on for us to plan anything different. At the very least, I guess we can search around the gnome's jewelry store, see if we find some kind of clue. Although that too seems unlikely, if she's been gone for a while"

Turning back to the Abbess, she continues "Was sister Agatha your most recent disappearance? Or were there others since then?"

"Information on the disappearances has been scarce at best, unfortunately. Anything you can share with us might prove helpful in putting a stop to them as swiftly as possible."

Diplomacy to aid another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Elara nods at Rayna's warning and looks carefully around and above them. Noticing several movements among the shadows surrounding the group, she reaches inside her cloak, gripping her dagger, and whispers to the others.

"Be alert, we're being watched and followed. I can spot several things moving in those alcoves around and above us, and they're clearly keeping up with us."

"Oh, nothing particular at the moment, don't worry." Elara replies with a smile. "Just wanted to understand the way things work around here. You show us a place with such a variety of goods available, we're bound to be curious of what we can find there. But as I said, shopping can wait - we should just keep on going towards St. Mara's."

Elara takes a quick look at the goods offered as they make their way through the Burrows.

Might be a good place for some specific supplies. Especially the ones we're unlikely to see offered in a typical store.

"It's not all just for small folk, right, Rayna? I mean, besides it being harder for us to get here, I'm guessing our gold's as good as anyone else's. Might be a good idea to come by later, take a look at the merchants' goods. But right now we have a mission to take care of."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25

Elara studies Rayna for a brief moment, considering her words as she looks to the narrow passage, searching for any sign of deception.

Can't say I like this particular idea. Could be a trap. But then again, if she was going to betray us, why make it obvious by leading us down this path, when she could just as likely lead us into a less obvious trap?

Elara looks back questioningly to the others, and nods to Nibs. "If we're going this way, probably best if you stick close to Rayna - the rest of us will be severely disadvantaged if something does happens."

Elara nods at her companions, whispering back. "Agreed. Even if it was just a failed ambush, we'd still be fighting them where and how they wanted. I'd much rather we'd be the ones setting the terms for any confrontation, when we can. Plus, our mission isn't to take down a bunch of thugs, or at least, not yet. Keeping a low profile seems best for now, and not picking fights that can be avoided should help bring less attention to ourselves."

Agree with Maxim, keep on going to St Mara's

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Elara narrows her eyes at the sight of the "beggars", sharing Maxim's concerns. Felix's warning is welcome, if not too surprising. She gives the perceptive lord a glance and whispers a reply, before turning her attention back to the threat in front of them, her hands disappearing inside her cloak as she clutches at her dagger and a flask of acid.

"I'm guessing no, considering what Rayna said about these violent gangs being on the rise. If they were going to do something, they would already be here trying to stop these types of fights. Probably just assume it was a fight between gangs, if they even come here at all." Elara says with a shrug, and then looks questioningly at Rayna. "But my friend is right - if they come for us, we can't really be expected to hold back, can we? This 'test' may very well be one they don't walk away from."

Perception vs DC 15: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 22

"That's quite an extensive and interesting list of occupations, I'll give you that" Elara replies with a small chuckle, as her eyes focus on her badge for a moment.

It's obviously a symbol of some sort, but what does it mean? And who is it intended for?

She looks at their surroundings, trying to spot anyone looking at them or that seems to react to Rayna's badge.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"But going back a bit to what you said, about gangs and rogues... Is that something that we should be on the lookout for? Is it likely we'll get targeted, especially as we get further and further from the city's center?"

"And that the ease with which you just parted with such a sum is a clear giveaway." Elara adds, with a teasing tone, as she eyes studies the halfling girl and her choice of gear.

As they make their way through the city, Elara gets near Rayna and asks her quietly with a knowing smile.

"That was quite an impressive amount you asked for, for a guide, I mean. Is there anything we should know, either about your abilities, or about the place were headed? Don't worry, I'm not going to press you for anything you don't want to share about yourself. But if this was a hazard fee, I think it would be best of we knew what the dangers were, so we could best prepare."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13

"And while your aversion to danger is understandable, our group is full of capable people. I'm sure you will have little to fear as our guide."

Diplomacy: Aid Another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

"Thank you for your help."Elara nods at the rotund halfling with a smile as she leaves the second coin on the counter, and turns to Rayna.

"A pleasure to meet you, Rayna. It's like my friend said, we need a guide to the city. The streets can be a bit confusing, when we're not as familiar with them. Can we count on you to help us?"

Diplomacy (aid another): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

"We'll be having the deluxe, then, might as well experience the best your stall has to offer." Elara replies with a smile, letting go of the coin.

"As for your question, though, I must say I wasn't expecting you to question someone just looking for a city guide!" Elara laughs as she fetches another coin from her purse. "The name's Sarah, and I know information has its own value. Would that be enough to satisfy your curiosity?"

Bluff (Studied target): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 = 23

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Elara looks to the others and shrugs, moving gracefully and quietly towards the stall. She swiftly takes a silver coin from her purse on the way, and puts it on the counter, keeping a finger firmly pressed on it as she speaks.

"Good morning. Me and my friends are here to buy one of your famous potato pies. And a bit of information, as well. We were told we could find someone here to serve as a guide through the city. Mind telling us who we should talk to?" Elara says with a smile as she studies the halfling manning the stall.

Having noticed the shift in Tenobia's expression at the sight of the halfling's girl bruise, Elara touches her gently on the arm and whispers. "Everyone else seems to be going, maybe we should join them as well."

Elara nods and follows along with the others, quietly studying the bartender and anyone else present while they wait.

"Sorry that took so long." Elara replies as she steps quietly out of her room, her new soft leather boots barely making a sound as she approaches the group. Her noble outfit has been changed to a much less ostentatious outfit - a black cloak, covering a fine chain shirt worn over a shirt and fitted pants, their dark colours matching her cloak and boots.

The cloak also helps conceal whatever else she might be carrying on herself - including her set of twin curved daggers, and pouches filled with her alchemical reagents, weapons and potions.

"Bower might be able to tag along as well, depending on how we approach." She says to Nibs, with a ponderous expression. "If it keeps its distance and sticks to the shadows, he might get by unnoticed. And even if it is seen, I am not sure how many would not simply disregard him as just an unusually large rat. Especially considering we are going to a place so close to alchemical waste - I would not be surprised if such things are a relatively common sight."

"Having Felix along might prove useful, as well, but with no idea where he is, perhaps the note might be the better choice. Shall we go then? And maybe discuss our options in how to approach our investigation on the way there?"

"Thank you. Although I am not as picky about whatever room I get as our knowledgeable but excitable companion." She replies to Maxim with a grin as she nods towards Felix rushing into every room.

She waits for Felix to make his choice, and then takes one of the still unchosen bedrooms for herself. She takes a small moment to inspect her room, before making her way back to the dining room as well, not having her luggage with her, either.

"I'm guessing we start by going to get our things from wherever each of us was staying, but we should start thinking of our next steps." She says to whomever is already present. "Should we follow Lady Vosk's suggestion and head for the church when we're ready?"

"Likewise, you can all feel free to use only my name when are by ourselves." She gives the group a smile, and then turns to Felix with an approving nod. "And I must say, I am rather surprised at your knowledge. Despite my father's efforts, I hold no illusions about how unknown our name is yet, at least outside the relatively minor circles we currently move in."

"Poor choice of words on my part, I am sorry." Elara replies with a smile to the masked man's words. "I think you are spot on in ascertaining her primary reasoning for picking a group like ours, however. But there is no shortage of lesser nobles which should fit the same requirements you listed. Between just the five of us, we could probably work out enough names for two or three such teams at the very least. I would like to believe, however, that from those options, she took some manner of care to select a team with a decent chance of success, based on our specific skills, and it was to that selection I was referring to."

"And at the very least, I wanted to give you all my name. I believe the lady Vosk only called Lord Zumstein by name during our meeting, so I am at a bit of a loss in how to refer to everyone else."

"As for our next steps." She turns to Lord Felix as he makes his suggestion. "I do agree that something a bit less conspicuous would probably be better."

"Thank you, my Lady. I hope we bring you good news the next time you hear from us." Elara stands up and gives the woman a respectful nod as she turned to leave.

Once the chamber door is shut, Felix claps his hands with determination.

"Well, Dames and Fellows! Let us find this predestined tavern, and hatch some plans, shall we?"

"Indeed." Elara responds with a smile. "Although I do believe some introductions are in order. Elara von Silbermond, it is a pleasure to be working with you all." She nods at each of the others with a smile. "As I mentioned earlier, I do have some knowledge of Alchemy, and I am guessing that was the primary reason for the Lady Vosk wanting me along."

Maxim replies: "A plan of last resort, I think, as we have no way of ensuring our enemies actually take the bait. As Lady Vosk mentions, we would have to take steps to fit in with their apparent selection criteria."

He turns back to Lady Vosk and continues "I mislike the coincidence ... how fervently have you pressed the gnomes about what they are looking for?"

Elara nods at Maxim's words. "Oh, definitely a plan of last resort, I just wanted to know if it was even possible. Even if it ends up being out only option, we would be able to try and capture one of them instead, with the same setup, which seems like a better approach. But I think even that only makes sense if we fail to turn up any information that we can act upon first."

She turns back to the Lady Vosk at his question about the gnomes. "I agree about the gnomes. The timing and their reluctance to talk is troubling. I am curious about the means by which you have already tried to get information from them, as well. There are numerous methods to get someone to talk, after all, some of which could prove more effective."

"Any lead you could provide us would be most welcome." Elara nods as she considers the information just shared. "Especially as it seems the more obvious reasons behind these nefarious acts have been ruled out already, which might make tracking down those responsible much harder."

She ponders on their options for a bit, and then chines in again. "Those badges you mentioned... You said they could be used to locate us. Could you use them to track one of us and share their location with everyone else? If so, getting one of us captured might be an option to find out where they are being taken. It is a risky option, to be sure, but it is always best to have all options on the table as we consider the best course of action. It might be our only choice if we fail to find out anything else."

Elara nods gravely at their task, narrowing her eyes as she considering the implications.

There's clearly something going on. The scale seems to be too great for these to be random occurrences.

She nods as she reaches for a key. "Grave matters, that definitely should be looked into as soon as possible. I am honoured you chose us for this task, my lady, but I am curious - or worried - that you felt the need to come to us. Should not the city guard be looking into this as well? The targets seem to have been purposely chosen to avoid making too much notice, but it has clearly come to a point where it cannot be ignored."

Elara raises her eyebrows as the Lady Vosk clarifies on the sum and additional perks.

That is indeed quite a sum. And being able to easily present ourselves as agents of the Vosk family is not something minor either.

She leans forward slightly in her chair, waiting eagerly for Emilia to answer Lord Zumstein's question.

Just to make it clear, I (as a player) was in no way disappointed or wanted to complain about the proposed reward, and I deeply apologise if it came across that way (and I can definitely see how it might have seemed so), and you felt the need to change it on my account.

I have no intention of derailing the game by refusing, and there was plenty on the table that would be enough to motivate Elara to join (Access to the labs and libraries, and being close to a powerful house being the main ones).

Feel free to ignore Elara's thoughts - they're mostly there to let me (and everyone else) get a feel for the character. You can trust me that I'll do my part to keep the game on track.

If something truly isn't working out for the character (and I very much doubt that will happen), I'll let you know and we'll work it out.

Elara raises an eyebrow as she suddenly hears Lord Zumstein whispered message. She gives him a slight nod and an approving smile in response as she sits down as well. As she notes some of the others take notice that something is going on, she refrains from whispering a reply back.

Attentive, knowledgeable and quick thinking, even if his idea seems to have brought a bit more attention than I imagine he wanted. The ratfolk at least seems to have picked up on it. Not that it changes much for our current discussion, I think.

She turns her attention back to their host, as she finally talks payment in more concrete terms.

So, two hundred gold pieces each, for a potential lethal job. With promises of future work, wealth and status, of course. Access to the Vosk alchemical lab and libraries are pretty enticing, though. But with the way the Lady Vosk has been avoiding saying exactly what she requires, I'm starting to wonder just how dangerous this will turn out to be.

She surpresses a chuckle as Tenobia calls the terms "fair", and waits for Nibs to voice his very valid concerns before adding her own thoughts as well.

"The terms are indeed... intriguing. I am sure everyone here will be crucial to the success of this mission, or you would not have invited them along. But perhaps filing us in on the details of what will be expected from us will help both set our minds at ease, and let us evaluate the terms fairly in light of the task you require."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9

"I see." Elara replies as neutrally as possible as the lady Vosk explains exactly why they were picked.

So, pick some skilled and eager nobles from insignificant families, and get them to work for favours and promises, rather than pay whatever a mercenary would ask for the same job. Shrewd, and effective. Telling us upfront was a bold move though, but it did its job in underscoring just how far below her family ours rank, I suppose. We're disposable pawns, and she wants us to know it.

She listens intently as the lady rambles on about magic and another hint at their task.

"Well, alchemy is an hobby of mine, as I am sure you know. I was merely expressing an appreciation for my craft. But as interesting a subject as it is, I am sure the others are just as curious as I am about these strange occurrences that have you worried so."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Elara smiles slightly as she sees the Propeta D'Oro woman rather obviously waiting to see if the food and tea are safe.

Cautious. I like the way she thinks. Could be a bit more subtle, though.

She takes her own cup to her mouth, but drinks nothing as she looks to the others for a reaction.

She listens intently as the lady finally hints at what brought them here, even if she remains elusive about the actual task.

So we're all nobles, and she picked us for our 'unique talents'... Hmmm. Wonder just how much she knows about my talents.

She holds her breath as the young lord Zumstein decides to politely imply their host is a vampire, and lets it out with a small chuckle as the lady Vosk seems to take it humourously.

She follows Tenobia and picks up a Candlerod as well, lighting it up. "Wondrous things, are they not? While not as flashy as magic" She gestures to the tray that was hovering just a few moments ago "There's quite a lot you can do with alchemy alone. It's quite an interesting subject."

As they descend after lady Vosk, Elara inquiries further.

"I am curious, my lady. You said our unique talents were but one of the two requirements for us to be in your employ. What would be the second one?"

"Some tea would be nice, thank you." Elara gives the halfling buttler a curt nod as she sits down, her eyes scanning the shadows for the source of the voice.

As the man with the iron mask poses his question, she turns her attention back to him and Lady Vosk, taking note of how she reacts to the man's words.

Rough, straight to the point, and with little love for social niceties. A mercenary, perhaps? Meant to escort us 'frail' nobles to whatever the Lady has planned for us?

Using studied target on Lady Vosk, for the +2 to Sense Motive checks.

Hello everyone! Glad to be here with you all.

As for the family information, below is what I had already written down on my backstory, but will be happy to come up with more details on anything you feel is missing.

Sigil:The family's crest is a silvery crescent moon against a blue background. Their sigil is the same crescent moon with an intricate S over it.

What is known about the family: Her family is still relatively unknown, but has been on the rise after a string of successes in the recent decades, which has mostly been attributed to the cunning mind of her father, Friedrich von Silbermond, a sharp witted diplomat who has continuously managed to outsmart and outmanoever his rivals through his sharp mind, shrewd negotiation skills and a good deal of luck.

Secrets: Her family's recent success is in a great part because of her mother, an half-elven assassin her father hired to deal with his opposition, and who he eventually married.

Location: Don't have any particular place in mind, wherever you think makes the most sense.

And details on the Vosk family would be welcome. Elara would have at least tried to get the basic details on the family before coming to the meeting.

Elara, an elegant noblewoman wearing a formal blue dress with silver accents and matching silver jewelry adorned with small saphires, gives a quick glance to each of the others in the room with a respectful smile before focusing on the lady of the house.

Nothing much to see about the other two nobles, at least not yet. Probably in a similar situation to mine? The man with the mask and the ratfolk, though... A bit... Unexpected. Wonder what the Lady Vosk needs, bringing us all together.

With an elegant curtsy, she addresses the Lady Vosk. "I am honoured by your invitation, my Lady. How can I be of service?"

Thanks for picking me as well! Ready to go as soon as you get everything set up!

I'd like to submit Elara. Still need to go over her normal equipment, but should be mostly finished - although given the frequent back and forth on her options as I was building her, might end up changing something later. But her basic concept is done.

Gold: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 2, 5, 2) = 18x10+900=1080. Is this right? Rich Parents sets your starting gold to 900, but the crunch post says "Starting wealth: Normal, but also everyone has Rich Parents Trait.". I figured the intent was to add 900 to our normal starting wealth.