Faenia Jarlborn's page

Faenia has spent her time largely speaking to Grand Princess Eutropia and Carrius about certain things. She takes her meals with other people from time to time, but has been keeping to herself for the most part. It's not clear exactly what precipitates this behavior, but she doesn't appear to have any ill intent - simply a wish for privacy. She never openly speaks about support for Eutropia or the schism, seemingly acting as a chronicler of the surroundings more than anything, and a guardian to the royal family.

Let's all make sure we have hats of disguise, except Elmar, who gets the mask.

After some time, Faenia announces that she's returning to her father, and bids everyone a gracious goodbye, noting that she has other matters to attend to.

Faenia Stuff
HP: 4 (base) + 2 (con) = 6 HP
BAB: +0 (still at +7)
Saves: Base Reflex +1
Skills: +4 (Base) +1 (Int) +1 (Skilled) = +6 points (added various places)
Spells Known: +1 FCB 2nd level, +1 3rd level. Not sure yet
Spells/Day: +1 1st, +1 3rd
Rage Power: Internal Fortitude
Class Features: DAMAGE REDUCTION 1/- GRAHHHH

Faenia looks like she’s about to argue in the way she does, and in some ways her dulcet voice’s velveteen cadence, while not soporific, would be a welcome sound in the forest trail for the weary travelers. Finally an opinion that made sense, her erstwhile companions brains start telling them as she opens her mouth to try to convince Martella that, of course, Martella’s very own opinion is that the Grand Princess should meet her brother, and that what she said moments ago was mistaken.

But the moment never comes. Eutropia appears and Faenia is surprised for a moment, reflexively bowing to her mistress.

Faenia definitely does not look, for the barest of moments, like she was smirking at Martella. For if they did see the smirk, they realize quickly that they must have been imagining the large woman being smug. Her earnest demeanor would be spoiled by such an expression, and despite her underbite and physicality, her handsomeness would be marred as well. So any such undignified expressions would obviously be unbecoming. So it must not have happened.

The woman moves to Eutropia’s side and scans the forest, alert and attentive. She is at rest, but wary, and seems immediately ready to protect the Grand Princess with her life. She reaches down to the dog and scratches it behind its ears, but it’s clear that the woman takes her charge seriously.

Faenia listens to the others as they recount their adventures, writing down notes all the while. She asks few questions and nods along quietly.

When introduced to Carrius, she confidently approaches the young man, though she bows deeply, and says, ”good day to you, young man. My name is Faenia. I am a storyteller and bodyguard - of a sort.” She hesitantly asks, ”I was made to understand that you believe, that all of you believe this to be Prince Carrius, returned?” She asks the questions to the group, and then turns to Martella.

”While I understand your inclination towards caution, it sounds to me like he’s been er, ‘vetted’ as much as one can be in the circumstances.” She seems apologetic to Carrius. ”In whatever capacity I can, I serve Queen Eutropia. Grabd Princess Eutropia.” The honorific is deliberate, for other PCs benefit and to signal whatever to the NPCs.

She clears her throat, and while she does not quite appear strident, she does seem to deeply believe what she says next, ”the Queen should be informed immediately when we get to the Birdsong. She can make the decision about what to do with the information - you don’t need to protect her feelings. Unless we for some reason our collective estimation of her wisdom has for some reason dropped?” She looks around questioningly, then turns back to Martella, ”explain the situation; explain the risks, explain that he has a … guardian of a sort. Let her decide. She deserves to know.”

Faenia waves at Barcos and nods quietly, "indeed. It's been a little while. I hope you have fared well."

Faenia spurs her horse on, and falls inline beside Marius. She cracks open one of her many ledgers, and asks... "yes, I am curious for what happened." She hesitates, and says, "I had matters to attend to for my father." Glancing towards Elmar and the prisoner, quite obviously so Marius can see she adds, "he's always fighting giants or something, I mean, I guess you don't know him very well, but he is." She waves her hand, "it's sort of... adjacent to the ... Princess' matters." She taps her books, "I've collected all sorts of useful information, and he needed some of it, that's all."

I assume the warning from Marius about Carrius (lol) is telepathic or quiet.

It doesn’t take very long before Kela has started to say goodbye to everyone in Marius’ and Rose’s troupe. She especially pays care and thanks to the service people who guarded their prisoners, through this process, though, she watches the new “companion” carefully for any signs of aggression towards Carrius. Within a few days, Kela augmenting herself with glibness, rides north on a horse, if possible, also glamered, using spell kenning away from the group, with strength of purpose.

The next day, Faenia appears again, just before they return to the palace. She greets Marius, Rose, and Barcos merrily, and then sizes up Elmar, ”who is this you picked up in Yanmass?” and with an even more surprised reaction, says ”and is that the… Prince? Please - tell me everything.” She smiles cheerfully, and though she is on edge a little, she seems eager for someone to tell her a story.

1d20 ⇒ 3
1d20 ⇒ 7
1d20 ⇒ 19

planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Kela isn't sure what is going on, but she notes ably that the others have made a persuasive argument, even if it might not be enough to stop the outsider from attacking.

will save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

She doesn't appear to be particularly afraid as the monster approaches. She quietly interposes herself between the boy and the psychopomp, but does not yet draw a weapon, nor does she threaten them. She simply says, "please, listen to my companions, I believe in them" earnestly, without judgement.

perform oratory check to disguise casting: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

Sense motive or perception can pick up that she cast good hope on everyone.

Kela will spend the vast majority of her time drinking the green tea, and impressing upon the watch how important and valuable they have been to Yanmass, and musters up many real stories of lives they’ve saved or changed due to their bravery or courage. She also listens to their own stories, collecting their experiences to retell to others. Learning their lessons so they can also be taught.

She points out they don’t get enough recognition, and that while she intends to make on from the city, she will do so with the goal of helping Taldor as much as she can, as she’s got specialized skills (magic, sword fighting, etc) that are unique, and she thinks she can serve Taldor and Yanmass best by helping the country as a whole.

If pressed, she explains she makes it clear that she’s going to help Eutropia, specifically.

Take 10 on diplomancy, influence crowds (if applicable) for 35 if possible

She looks a little skeptical, but after a moment nods and assents, though she withdraws her hands quickly.

Kela spends some time alone setting her affairs in order around the city, finally summoning the courage to visit a Firewatch station in the poorest neighborhood. There, she grabs the attention of one of the watch and explains. Before she gets there, glibness.

She looks nervous as she glances down at her hand, ”half of a lifetime in the past, I grew up in this neighborhood.” She gestures at the plaque on the wall of the station, commemorating the fallen. ”my story would have ended, had it not been for the courage and dedication of the watch. Yanmass would not stand.” She seems to hold back some deep emotion, as she rummages through her bag, and retrieves a pouch, ”this is for you all. The girl you saved grew up to be a powerful mercenary. For a time, I was embittered - the burn scars never healed quite perfectly, until they became a badge of a sort, and I did not seek to remove them any longer. I remembered where I came from and what your forbears did.” She removes her mail and extends the scarred hand towards one of the watch, holding the pouch.

Once they accept it, ”my bitterness has faded. I no longer see despair, nor destruction in every face I meet. I have found a purpose and this is the least I could do in thanks for your opportunity to find the purpose. I thought this country was doomed, but now, I think we have hope. Thank you for giving me the chance to find this within myself. I will not waste your gift.” She will give them an opportunity to inquire about what she’s talking about, if they want.

The pouch has gems and such worth about 450 gold pieces, for use by this watch house or others if they want to share them.

As a bodyguard, Kela stand behind Marius while he eats, looming and considering carefully what the others say.

Kela looks towards Marius briefly, as if waiting for his assent, and begins to explain what happened, ”Your Lordship, we had one additional task we sought to deal with in Yanmass, and that was to investigate the twilight prince.” Her eyes flit towards Marius, ”we were successful. Surprisingly, nobody was badly hurt in this investigation, other than an extraplanar creature that was sent back from whence it came.” She considers carefully, ”it appears that this Vaddrigan character was a charlatan of a sort, but an effective one, as he was able to convince many decent people that the twilight prince was the returned Carrius. It is not clear whether or not he is. So, at Lord Marius’ direction, I believe they intend to return to Queen Eutropia for her council on the matter. For my part, my contract ends soon, and my time here has brought back memories best left in the past.” She flexes her hand idly, and rubs it. ”What is perhaps most of interest is that Vaddrigan had his own motives, unrelated to the struggle between Lord Pythareus and Queen Eutropia. They intend to take him with us for imprisonment. He is quite dangerous. Perhaps over time they may find a way to uncover something else he knows.”

Kela nods, ”even if you do not remember her, your sister is a kind woman. From what I know, she loved you very much, and she would love to take care of you if you would assent to go to her.” She moves into the room, ”Marius, I understand the need for caution, but my mother is gone. Gone so long enough I struggle to remember her face sometimes.” She seems completely sincere, though obviously she remains in her alias. Though Carrius is in the room, she seems open to speaking in front of him, ”I would give much to see her again. Everything. And life is not fair; I made peace with the idea that it would never happen, but - if somehow she was brought here? To Yanmass? I would want to see her. Even if it was a trap, I would overcome it, such is the strength of love for family.” She seems very emotional and defiant somehow, as if the conversation struck some deep thread of purpose which runs through her, as if the thread - pulled taught, and struck, resonates with a noise that drives the woman before you with unassailable purpose. The loss of her mother seems to have affected Kela deeply, and she is expressing that emotion without artifice. She believes profoundly that at minimum, Eutropia should have the choice to decide.

The fiery woman moves gently towards Carrius and kneels before him, saying, ”may we take you to the Birdsong? You will be safe there.”

Kela shakes her head, arms folded, "no, young man. She is unaware. You do not have any memory of her? At all?" She adds, "of your time before your death?"

Kela listens to the explanation, and can't think of any other questions. When she's separated from the mental manipulator, in a separate room, she responds to Marius. "Pythareus and this 'Circle' are not on the same 'side'" she accentuates a few words in her speech for emphasis. "That much is clear. There may be a more dangerous foe than the general." She glances towards a door, "these conversations - they would be best served in private, if we could manage such a thing."

She shakes her head at the insinuation that Carrius is not who he is, or that he is a trap, "he is her brother. I can tell. I have a feeling." She opens her mouth and thinks for a moment, "he may be a trap, but if he truly is the prince, Queen Eutropia will have to have the opportunity to make the decision once we explain what we found. Yes?"

Lastly, she stands in the doorway as Marius speaks to the young prince, watching his responses.

Kela speaks deliberately about her life growing up in Yanmass, though it seems as if the revelation of the twilight prince has lifted some of the cloud that had been hanging over her head since she joined the party. The scars on her hands seemed to bother her less, and she explained to the dwarf about her upbringing and what brought her to work for Eutropia. She notes she used to work for less legitimate mercenary companies in the past, but that she grew disillusioned with how incompetent and useless they tended to be. She will spend some time during their trip explaining that the party had slowly come to convince her that they could actually help the country, and that by acting as agents of Eutropia, get the best possible head of state to institute real reforms. She’ll subtly drop in references to dwarves being treated as little more than guards, and how Eutropia was also the best chance for economic and scientific progress, though she’s careful in her speech not to pretend to be an expert on ‘natural philosophy’. She does this by explaining her own pseudo-conversion, and notes that while she may not always work for Marius, she has become a firm supporter of who she already calls the Queen. Notably, she does not try to criticize Huldrigga nor does she directly say the woman should reform, instead she answers questions about her own experiences to let the dwarf infer things. Working on making her an ally? diplomancy change attitude, can’t buff it: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24

When given a few moments to speak with Vaddrigan, before doing anything she separates herself and for good measure, hides her spellcasting through an oratorical performance, protecting her mind even more than usual from compulsion. Magic circle against evil will prevent all mind control, using spell kenning. She also throws on a glibness, moment of greatness, and good hope for good measure. When she talks to him, she’s using her performance. Then, either in other company or together, she brings Vaddrigan into a room with a table and chair, and sits across from him. The man’s been ungagged, but his feet and hands remain shackled, for all the good that does for a psychic caster. Resting her mailed and plated fists on the table, she opens the conversation. ”So, Vaddrigan. Let’s have a conversation.” Her heterochromic eyes shine. ”We do not need much, we have many of your notes. We know that you kept the prince drugged, and that you had audience plants. The confidence game - it was good. And you managed to avoid my ruse - few do; you are to be commended. But.” She leans forward, ”this being you recovered is the prince. Somehow you or someone else brought him back when the finest priests could not.” She leans back in her chair, ”we have some ideas. ” She opens her hands and spreads them a little, ”your notes were quite extensive… but the skill to pull this off - impressive.”

With the plumped up diplomancy, it’s +21 base, +2 from court poet performance, +2 from good hope, +2 from moment of greatness, so +27. duplomacy change attitude, buffs: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (12) + 27 = 39

Kela looks like she’s pondering Marius’ question, as he asks about the dwarves, ”maybe they will, but there is nothing we can do about this I think.” She considers, ”it may be appropriate for my training to… express itself.” She thinks to Shendra, for communicating to Marius, storytelling. Instead of telling an old one, make a new one to explain what happened to the Prince.

She raises her eyebrows to her ‘boss’, then turns to Vaddrigan. ”You will tell us how you found the Prince - what we wish to know, or things will end poorly. Mark. My. Words.” She glares at him, but says to the wererats ”as the boss says, you are free to go.” Hopefully we’ve looted every other goon.

Lastly, to Hulldrigga, Kela turns and asks, ”I believe this to be the Prince, but if you truly wish for what is best for him, I think we owe it to him to let him return to his family.” She opens her hands and says, ”his sister will be queen sooner than later. I think this is to all of our benefits, as she will have the resources to protect him. I bring this up because… I do not wish for you to feel as if we are taking something from you. I you are a woman of science, yes? I am in awe of His Royal Highness, as well, but there may be some explanation for this matter.” She smiles at the Prince, and turns back to Huldrigga, ”it may be a miracle … but it may also be something more mundane. Let us all decamp from this place and try to figure it out together.”

Take 10 on diplomancy for 31 etc.

sense motive: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

At the moment, Kela seems baffled. Cassaranda gets the distinct impression that the tall woman is growning weary of the subterfuge. "Fine. And you were captured? These - fellows" she gestures towards the wererats, "are they with the cult or something? We came in, intending to rescue the young man if we could."

She turns towards the wererats, "okay, we have nothing against you all - I know the life of a mercenary," and then turns back to Marius, "have any of these people other than Vaddrigan done any... crime? I think they should all be allowed to go, yes? And if this Cassaranda is really an ally, we should head away from this place soon and have a real discussion."

sense motive: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36

Kela watches the woman, and asks, "test?"

linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 File it away to explain to everyone later.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Kela glares at Vaddrigan, and looks ready to strike the presumptuous goon in the face when the Prince emerges from the room, and she breaks off the attack.

When she sees the Prince and drops to one knee, bowing her head, then meets his eye, "Your Royal Highness, we work for your sister, indirectly, I assume Lord Marius filled you in on the matter." She gestures towards Vaddrigan, "whatever he had you doing here - we found evidence that it was not for your benefit. We would ask for your permission to escort you to her side where she has the resources to help you further." Her smile is genuine and guileless.

Diplomancy: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (11) + 23 = 34

Hesitantly, she adds, "Taldor has become more complicated over the last years, and I do not believe Vaddrigan has told you everything."

will save, miscellaneous bonus against compulsions, rage: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 2 = 25

Kela's nostrils flare, and she shouts, "enough!" and the large woman, standing next to Barcos, violently swings her sword at the enemy, though at the last moment she turns the blade. Her muscles bulge out of her clothes and she seems to grow in stature for a moment as she looms over the foe.To be nonlethal.

falchion, gmw, haste, rage, amplified rage, pa: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 16
damage, gmw, rage, amplified rage, pa: 2d4 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 6 = 23
falchion, gmw, haste, rage, amplified rage (haste attack), pa: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 35
damage, gmw, rage, amplified rage, pa: 2d4 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 6 = 22
falchion iterative, gmw, haste, rage, amplified rage, pa: 1d20 + 11 - 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 16
damage, gmw, rage, amplified rage, pa: 2d4 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 6 = 26
falchion confirm, gmw, haste, rage, amplified rage (haste attack), pa: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 18
damage, gmw, rage, amplified rage, pa: 2d4 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 6 = 23

Some other than the crit threat might hit if it's grappled/blind.

Kela rushes in, and says... nothing. She just looms near the rubbery tentacles and glares at Vaddrigan.

intimidate to demoralize, GH: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 21 + 2 = 24

SM: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (17) + 23 = 40

Kela peeks around the corner, and growls ”sounds like we should arrest this Vaddrigan igan, at least. He is a loose end, boss. Let us get it over with.” She juts her chin out at the dwarf, ”nice gear - you want to help or… just stay out of our way? We do not kill anyone if we do not have to.”

stealth, in case it's a good roll, GH, DEXTERITY DRAIN: 1d20 - 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 + 2 - 1 = 9 Best so far!

Kela has not been subtle since her time at the Kith, and is happy that way. Despite Marius' best efforts, her heavy footfalls likely alert every enemy of their approach.

Kela glances at Marius as she flexes her jaw, opening it and closing it. She seems annoyed, but not at the man, ”stories show that these beings are endlessly enigmatic.” She pauses, ”perhaps the fog will clear in time, but until then - to the lower levels, yes?”

She heads towards the door and as she does so, conjures some mirror images of herself. mirror image: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Cool.

history, ha, gh: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 27

Kela notes a little of the backstory of the dagger, explaining it quietly in a short ‘narrative’ manner.

She flexes her hand as if testing it, ”son of… a motherless goat. That stung.” Frowning, she prepares to move on.

FYI when Barcos did his trip, he could’ve strength surged for +8. Anything else on this floor? I think there were a few more of these dressing room-like spaces behind the stage right?

Kela mutters a grumbling curse to herself, in Kelish, and her fist moves back towards the weird humanoid’s face. After that she swings with her falchion +2 at the moment and steps into the room.

cmb savage dirty trick, gh, amplified rage, strength surge: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 2 + 2 + 8 = 31

Probably hits, use savage dirty trick initial penalty blinded, additional penalty staggered, hopefully to minimize that drain. Fort Save DC 19 to avoid the staggering effect. Takes 5 damage no matter what. Initial effect cannot be removed while additional effect is in place, otherwise the additional effect can be removed with a move action. Duration of the initial effect is equal to 1+(31-CMD)/5 rounds, rounded down.

attack falchion, iterative, gh, amplified rage, versatile weapon, Pa: 1d20 + 11 - 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 - 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 10
damage falchion, gh, amplified rage, versatile weapon, pa: 2d4 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 6 = 21

Attack is a miss Kela then steps into the room, to give room to Marius. 5’ step northeast. If it’s blind and has no blindsight, no provoking, so other allies can move in.

will save, rage, good hope, penalty: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 30

Kela makes it look like she’s about to take the egg, but instead, swiftly balls her gauntleted fist and moves to punch the creature in the nose. ”let’s see how your weird anatomy works.”

Kela hesitates a moment, before responding, ”civilized. Certainly. We want the prince, and we’ll consider not killing you if you tell us where he is in… let’s say the next six seconds. How’s that for civilized?” She looks ready to get into it the minute anything other than I won’t stop you or sounds good is uttered.

knowledge check (GM’s choice), add 4 from HA and GH: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Marius had accepted the benefits of the spell that Kela had cast, and Barksley had little comment, but when he and Kela were in the middle of fighting, it became clear that what the woman had given him was a a portion of a long-simmering anger that she seemingly had been holding in herself in the entire short time they’ve known each other. The rage seemed to bleed from her, into him, and as they engaged in the fight, Marius noticed that he remembered all of the indignities he had suffered.

All of the slights.

Her oratory brought to his mind every instance where some crook won. Some charlatan who preyed on the weak.

He found himself barely able to pull back on his blows enough to keep the sentries alive, and while Kela was clearly in the same situation, the woman caught his eye and it became clear that she was almost relishing it. She fought dirty, twisting arms, punching the enemies in the gut, scratching their eyes, all with abandon and supernatural strength.

She breathed heavily as the effects of the inspiration dissipated and raised her eyebrows as if to say do you feel it? Do you understand?

But only for a moment.

It isn’t long before the same canny expression returned to her face and the same odd, scheming, disguised face is back, and she’s kneeling, grabbing what gear she can find as she ties up the sentries before patting them on their bearded faces. ”Sleep well; may your next waking hours be more pleasant than your encounter with us,” she whispers, and turns to the others, ”ready.”

Can’t charge them yet, so 5’ step and start insightful contemplation.

Kela moves the curtain aside with the broad blade of her falchion and gestures towards the dwarves, ”we mean you no specific harm but if you want to avoid a headache, surrender.” Not rolling a skill check, just using oratory.

As a reminder, insightful contemplation provides a +4 bonus to intelligence and charisma, which increases the effective modifier by 2. In addition, it boosts will saves by 2. Finally, because Kela used shared training, which can only be cast on two people, targeting Marius and BB (if they’re there, Rose if they’re not), if Marius and BB accept the effect, when adjacent to each other or Kela, or flanking with Kela or each other, they benefit from an additional stat boost. In this case, their strength and constitution both go up by 4, increasing associated modifiers by 2, and notably adding 18 more HP.

Kela’s speech is somewhat measured, but the look in her eyes makes it clear that she is ready to go off on these dwarves should they choose not to surrender. The already thick muscles under her loose, desert clothes, bulge even more. For this instance of insightful contemplation, Kela will be replacing the above bonuses with standard rage bonuses. Said bonuses will stack with amplified rage where applicable, and will be tracked by me as a player. Her AC is down by 3 in general because she’s raging, and she’s chosen Marius as her bodyguard, who receives a +1 to AC. Lastly, due to handling the crowd, once she engages and is adjacent to at least two other creatures, her AC goes up by 1. So at the moment I believe it is a total of 19. Please don’t forget dirty tricks and combat maneuvers, everyone has strength surge once per rage and can execute dirty tricks if they can get close to the enemies.

If there are no objections...

Kela summons some flickering lights to illuminate their path.

Kela does some preparatory spells.

Extended good hope for all, 16 minutes, spell kenning into shared training and share amplified rage for 80 minutes, use rage rounds (6) to cast versatile weapon from a scroll targeting falchion making it +2 and count as silvered (it’s already cold iron) and extending it (16 minutes), cast heightened awareness from wand, cast moment of greatness (8 mins). If I’m allowed to reroll my scroll roll (per discord) and I can actually get a scroll of shared training, will use 6 rounds of rage instead of spell kenning.

Kela chuckles to herself at the common room of the Gilded Baldachin, ”well, it appears that more direct measures must be employed. Boss, we have to take the fight to them tonight, before that bird man does something or they move the boy.”

will save, +2 vs charms and compulsions: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (13) + 21 = 34

Waiting to see what happens.

‘Almestri’ nods at her ‘guards’ admitting the deception. ”my apologies for the subterfuge. We had to be certain of the purity of Carrius and your intentions. There are many who would harm me to get at my family.” She blinks slowly, ”this Vaddrigan, when would we be permitted to meet them, if you do not mind my asking?”

Before they’re shoved out into the street Kela holds up a hand, ”wait! Before we go, I admit that we have not been honest with you. My name is Almestri al-Dazeem, and I come to you with a proposal. Please hear me out.” Assuming they don’t immediately throw her out, she continues ”I am a princess of Qadira, and I come bearing an offer. The rumors of the power of Carrius travel far. This man,” she points at Marius, ”asked the question on my behalf. We seek to meet the prince up close. May we meet him in person? My man-at-arms was merely trying to ask important questions on my behalf.” She smiles gently and says, ”even an audience, would be enough for now, in return you would have the undying gratitude of my family as well as the considerable resources we have at our disposal. Considerable. A mere few moments in his presence is all I ask. If he truly is the prince, I will let my countrymen know of the glory of the Twilight Prince.”

She nods her head and says, ”in addition we could explore further relationships - I am ambitious, and I seek to explore how to cement ties between Qadira and Taldor. If this truly is the Twilight Prince, Carrius, our two nations could end a thousand years of bloodshed if we join together in peace and prosperity, under his divine protection.” She says this sheepishly, as if a little shy, and she adds ”I also admit that upon spying the young man, I found myself struck by his handsomeness.”

Take 10 on bluff, glibness, no penalties for outlandish lies = 10+34 =44

Sense motive auto succeed but I guess roll anyway: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32
Perception, HA has expired (10 min duration): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Sense motive auto succeed but I guess roll anyway: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22

Impossible to hit DC 38 perception.

Kela watches and listens carefully at the event, and claps politely as the prince emerges, smiling pleasantly throughout. She seems somewhat awed by the events, in general.

Kela just sits and watches carefully, looking at the guards, looking for plants in the audience, watching for any sort of manipulation or spellcasting, and watching the mannerisms of the aasimar woman. This woman is just some person, right? Not the supposed Carrius/Twilight Prince?

Kela goes into the theater a little bit later, passing over her weapons. She’d already left her greatsword back at the wagon or with the Baron they trust, to ensure that the only weapons she wields are Kelish.

Before entering she does seem to do her best to heighten her own awareness heightened awareness, which might run out, from wand, and an extended glibness.

Kela turns to Rose, ”the hour grows late and whomever it was that we spoke with - we do not know what this ‘Aeon’ is - are likely to take matters into their own hands, and it seems without mercy. We need to investigate, now.” She turns her head to Marius, ”I should be perfectly clear, if this is not a simulacrum; if someone managed to raise Carrius after all this time, Eutropia will want her brother back, of this I am certain.” She hesitates a moment, ” I do not wish for us to be at odds, but if somehow this did happen, my… oaths would require I protect the prince. Is that clear? Said oaths would supersede any I made to you, boss.”

Kela raises her eyebrows and shrugs at his look. ”So, you wish for us to infiltrate the back rooms? To what end?”

She opens her hands, ”I suppose what I’m asking is, when you say dismantle the cult, you mean find proof this is not Carrius, Eutropia’s brother, right?”

She folds her arms, frowning, ”that was our plan an hour ago - it seemed more likely than not that this cult is all a con to get rich, but now something in your manner makes me think something else is going on” she stares back at the man, curiously. ”The boy at the center of the cult … is not a boy, but an abomination? A shapeshifter, then? A demon? If they are impersonating Carrius we will need to know what we are up against if we have to fight them.”

Start a song of inspiration (forgot I had it): At 6th level, a court poet can use raging song to inspire her allies to greater mental clarity. Once each round while the court poet uses this performance, allies within 60 feet who can hear her can add 1/2 the court poet’s skald level (+4) to a single Wisdom check or Wisdom-based skill check.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Mense Sotive: 1d20 + 21 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 21 + 4 = 37

Would have started before when Kela started talking.

Kela pays attention to the fellow when the others are conversing, finally adding, ”look, for my part, I would not mind any information you have already gathered.”

Kela appraises the birdish fellow, taking a moment before interposing herself between the man and Marius, ”huh.” She doesn’t draw her weapon, but holds up her gauntleted hand, wrapped in silk, and looks back over her shoulder at the others, saying, ”I told you your crew was being watched,” She turns back to the thrushly man, her hand still raised, ”if you know us so well, you know by now we are cautious by nature, yes? So, if you would not mind, please tell a little of your interest in… this matter,” she lowers her hand. diplomancy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32

Kela listens to Rose’s various options, ”I would prefer to go to the bower and see what the presentations are all about. The church here did not seem to be affected, and I trust in my own willpower to avoid compulsions.” She shrugs, ”if you are worried, I can go alone. I know what Carrius looks like.”

Kela’s brow furrows, and she moves to leave, ”many thanks. May your house be blessed.” She gives a short, militaristic bow. No more questions for him.

**********

Once they are outside.

Kela collects her thoughts and says, ”I believe it would be best if we were to spend some time in Yanmass, talking to regular people about their experiences i.e. gather information..” She will wait for a lack of objection, and when they are traveling about the city, she will ask about their cult of the twilight child.

Take 10 diplo for 31 for gather info.

Kela says only, ”huh.”

Then waits a moment, then a moment longer, finally asking, ”did anyone use, you know, a spell to try to figure out what was happening? Something with divination?” I.e. detect evil/undead/fiendish presence?

Kela looks confused, ”a positive outcome is not necessarily death - our hope should be that a miracle occurred and that a small measure of peace be brought to a family riven with tragedy.” she closes her eyes and says a prayer in Kelish, making a warding sign ” الله يرزقهم هذا السلام والنعمة” she whispers and inhales, exhaling, ”but should the worst come to pass I suppose we should be prepared.”

1d20 ⇒ 20

Kela has an obvious look of relief, ”thanks boss. You pay my bills but uh, my loyalties really are to a higher authority. I’ll be honest, part of my motivation is to impress them, and if we can get a positive outcome from this kid - I think it will go a long way.” She cracks a strained smile.