Francis Wallington's page

I do love the attention that comes from a grand introduction, but it also spoils the chance to see the half second of true reaction to my presence on the faces of those that arrived before me ...

Wallington walks in with a stern but otherwise blank expression, doing all he can to prevent himself from being read by the three formidable presences in the room.

Bluff to contest any attempts to Sense Motive on him: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

He takes half a second each to study the two men, and then focuses on Palasthinias. When he speaks, he adopts a grave tone, and he keeps an eye out for the reactions that his words cause in the three before him."The Supreme Elect has come to learn that Lord Junsar has betrayed Andoran, and the Iron Keep has been invested with Chelaxian forces. If extreme measures are not taken with all haste, it is expected that, within a month, a full scale Chelaxian invasion will begin, and Ascension will be the first settlement to be tested by the full strength of the invading force. The Supreme Elect and the people of Andoran simply will not tolerate this Chelaxian aggression, and military plans are underway to reclaim the Iron Keep. However, the Supreme Elect feels that it is absolutely essential, in order to ensure the continued sovereignty and freedom of Ascension and all of Andoran people, that plans be made in case the Iron Keep is not reclaimed as swiftly as is hoped. To that end, I have come here at the behest of the Supreme Elect to ask you to join with the other settlements in this region to form a unified defensive military coalition to augment and operate in tandem with the regular forces of Andoran. This would allow the regular forces, including the Eagle Knights, to focus their efforts on retaking any ground the Chelaxians have gained, and hammering the invading force so hard that the memory of their defeat will last for generations in Chelax. The whole of Andoran is beset by enemies on all sides, an invading force bolstered by infernal demons is marching toward this most holy site, your home, and the Supreme Elect of Andoran is asking you to take up arms and join with your neighbors to help defend your country. What say you to the Supreme Elect?"

Using Rogue Talent "Charmer" a second time today to roll Diplomacy Twice and take the better result.
Dipolomacy to Convince the Council to Agree to Join the Proposed Coalition: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37
Dipolomacy to Convince the Council to Agree to Join the Proposed Coalition: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

Using Rogue Talent "Hard to Fool" for a first time today to roll Sense Motive Twice and take the better result.
Sense Motive to Assess the Response to the Information Provided and the Proposal Proffered: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Sense Motive to Assess the Response to the Information Provided and the Proposal Proffered: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Wallington stops before the small door, as implicitly instructed, and smiles genuinely, "That will do nicely. The sergeant's name is Rebecca Graystone." Wallington glaces back to the Sergeant and flashes a little more tooth, while he awaits their announcement.

Wallington relaxes ever so slightly when there are no claims of fraudulence regarding the letters of mark, and again when his guards are permitted entry. He understands that if what the temple guards have claimed is true, that they are indeed on a heightened state of alert, and the credibility of everyone will be questioned to some degree. Francis replies warmly to the inquiry, "The Sergeant will be sufficient. If it pleases you, Sir Karsk, I would ask that the other four remain close by the council chamber to help secure it against gods'-know-what the Chelaxians might send."

Francis nods, "Of course, Sir ...? Francis lets the half question hang in the air as he unshoulders his pack, kneels to one knee, unbuckles the primary compartment, and pulls forth the letters of mark that the Lady Thanasia provided him less than an hour ago. After he hands them to the guard, he takes the opportunity to look about the room for anything out of place or worrying.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Francis gives the smallest of nods to Graystone, and then follows the knight, saying, "Certainly, sir. But once I provide my credentials, I will have to insist on my guard being brought in out of this weather, and the Sergeant is under strict orders from the office of the Supreme Elect to accompany me during my meetings."

Bluff to make the minor addition to the truth seem honest: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Wallington weighs the truth in the knight's words.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Wallington nods, walking forward slowly. "Of course, is there any chance that we could do that indoors somewhere? I would simply love to be out of this rain, sleet, and ice."

Wallington moves to the front of the group as they approach the guards and slow their run into a jog. At fifteen feet or so, he comes to a stop and calls to men, "I am Lord Francis Wallington, Official Envoy of the Supreme Elect of Andoran, on a diplomatic mission of the greatest importance. Please escort me and my guards to Palasthinia with all haste."
Using a first application of the "Charmer" Rogue Talent; rolling two sets of Diplomacy Checks, taking the higher of the two
Diplomacy to imply legitimacy as well as urgency: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26
Diplomacy to imply legitimacy as well as urgency: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Francis keeps an eye on the raven as keeps step with Graystone and his honor guard.

Francis returns his blade to it's place on his hip, again disguised as a pouch, and then pulls the hood of his cloak up to keep the rain off his head. Francis also takes a good long look outside and then simply replies, "Ready."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Francis replies, "With the lot of you, there is simply no way to travel through Ascension discretely. That's part of the reason you're here. I assume that you would object to me sneaking out the back door alone while you five keep your heads down here. So, I suggest that we try to find any back or side entrance that we can, and try to leave with as little fuss as possible. The spies will learn that we're here fast enough. But if we can make it to the Temple at the highest point in the town before they know that we've arrived, we might be able to get at least part of our mission completed before opposition forces have time to react."

Francis contemplates whether or not he knows how to get to the Temple of Iomedae in Ascension.

Knowledge:Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

stupid dice are stupid

Francis, noting the door's excellent camouflage, replies, "I think they were trying to destroy this room, so that we couldn't come here, but they didn't find it. The old man didn't give us up. Which means, that the entrance of this place may be being watched. It also means that someone knew about these teleportation rooms, and they knew that we'd be using them. So ... Lady Thanasia has a spy in her company."

Fancis watches the guards in view carefully as he makes the declaration, trying to tell if any of them become nervous or twitchy at the mention of a spy related to the mission.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

As Francis inspects the outer side of the door to the 'teleportation chamber,' he asks in a whisper, "Any idea what kind of being caused those wounds?"

Francis nods to Graystone and reflexively pulls a belt pouch free of his belt, and as he does so, the pouch shimmers slightly as its true form is revealed. He listens carefully, trying to discern if there is anyone waiting for them in the adjacent room.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Wallington adopts a practiced impresonal smile and nods to each of the guards as they're introduced in turn. After Ward is introduced, he replies, "As I said before, I am grateful to each of you for your service. I have every intention of doing what I can to help you succeed in your mission of protecting my person, and I look forward to learning more about each of you over the course of our shared journey. But at present, our mission is pressing and I believe that we should depart immediately. So, if you'll all gather round and take hold of some, preferably polite, portion of my person, I will activate these boots and we will be off."

Wallington nods in response to her statement and then responds to her question, "Of course. My experience in forming coalitions has taught me that no one likes to be the first to join. It makes them look weak and more in need of the others' assistance. So, in general, the more members that have joined a coalition, the easier it is to convince another group to join, as there's a lower percentage of the overall burden for them to shoulder, and they get to look like they're coming in as a savior, instead of needing the coalition to survive. Ascension is likely to be the first settlement to be overrun by an invading Chelaxian force. Thus, the situation provides the greatest incentive for Ascension to join a defensive coalition, because if they don't then they will likely die. So, when we secure their offer to join with the others, the other settlements get to play the part of the hero, saving the nation from an invading hoard. Egotistical politicians like be able to look like they're playing that role; so, hopefully it will be easier, faster, and less expensive to persuade the rest to do what they have to do anyway after we've secured Ascension the first member of the group."

Wallington smiles as he pulls on the second boot. "Now that I'm dressed for the occasion, I think we can set out. He takes a moment to stow his own boots in the central compartment of his pack, and then places it back into position. Looking back to Graystone, Wallignton asks, "You've seen these boots used before, and you and your men will come with me to the desired destination?"

Wallingon nods with a smile, while he dexterously dons the left boot that was provided to him, and then begins peeling off his own right boot. "Excellent, Sergeant. Do you have any objection to beginning our mission in Ascension?"

Wallington sets the boots down next to him on the floor as he looks to Graystone. "Sergeant, have you and your men been briefed regarding the details of our mission?" As he awaits an answer, Walling brings his left knee to his chest, as he begins peeling off his boot, while balancing on his right foot.

Wallington returns Grayston's nod with air of practiced courtesy, subtly implying a sense of respect, without implying that either is above the station of the other. As he speaks, he unshoulders his pack, and begins filing the scroll tube, minus one canvas, into the primary compartment, which may look like a tight fit. Next, he places the sizable bag of coins into a side pocket of his pack that definitely should not be able to accommodate the load. Finally, he replaces his pack on his shoulders and adjusts the boots to fit in his left hand, while he holds the loose canvas in his right hand, at the exact moment that he finishes his statement. "Sergeant, I am Lord Wallington. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I wish you to know that your assistance, and the that of your soldiers, is greatly appreciated. There is a good deal that I wish to discuss with you at our first opportunity. However, at the moment, I believe we have a nation that sorely needs our attention, and an invasion to avert; so, I shall have to postpone the enjoyment of our discussion until after we have made our way to our first destination."

He then returns his attention to Lady Thanasia. "My Lady, if you have nothing further for me, I will take my leave, in the company of this fine unit of soldiers, so that we may precipitously secure Andoran's boarders on behalf of the Supreme Elect and the Andoran people."

If Thanasia has nothing more to add, Wallington bows deeply to Thanasia, backs several steps away from her, and then turns sharply to leave via the door through which he entered, still carrying the boots in one hand and the loose canvas in the other, and presumably now trailing a beautiful sergeant and a unit of five soldiers in polished and lacquered plate mail behind him.

Wallington nods, "I believe we have an understanding, my Lady. I stand at the ready; as soon as Greystone assembles her guards, we will depart."

Wallington nods subconsciously as he takes in Thanasia's words and finally replies, "The resources should be sufficient to get the job done. Thorn will most likely want some sort of increased political sway; if pressed, can I offer him increased access to the Supreme Elect, or at least a promise that the Supreme Elect will support his position as the Head of the Council of Alastor?"
"Likewise, Sinaiva may request that the Supreme Elect drag his feet when it comes to combating corruption in Granthelm; might I be able to agree to such a promise?"
"I ask these questions, not only because I anticipate these requests being made, but also, because it has been my experience that the only time that diplomacy fails is when one or more parties flatly demands what another party is not willing to give. All of these cities, towns, and settlements have motivation to band together and fight the approaching Cheliaxian hoard. So, the only way I see this mission failing is if you have hard boundaries that you are not willing to cross, or if one or more of these settlements has already allied itself with Cheliax."

Wallington contemplates what he knows about those that are in charge of each of the settlements.

Know. Nobility re:Thorn: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Know. Local re:Sinaiva: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Know. Local re:Hekkus: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Know. Local re:Palasthinia: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Know. Local re:Golmer: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Know. Local re:Ilyumar: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Wallington furrows his brow and sighs before replying. "Yes, I have several questions. The first ones that come to mind are what resources are being placed at my disposal, and what am I authorized to offer on behalf of the Supreme Elect in return for the rapid and forthcoming assistance of these settlements to unify?

Surely there has to be something they can offer the leaders of these places as incentive to fall into line ...

Wallington nods gravely, "Of course, my Lady. The gate we have relied on to keep our enemies at bay, has just been thrown wide, almost welcoming them into the heart of our nation."

Wallington considers even as he speaks, Why would Lord Junsar betray Andoran? There must be a reason.

Knowledge: Nobility for information on Lord Junsar: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Wallington continues, "You obviously have a specific task for me to complete. As I am but a diplomat, and not an army, I can only assume that you wish for me to undertake a mission to convince a wayward ally to come to our aid, and bring their forces to bear to retake the Iron Keep?"

Having some little information regarding Eregina, Wallington makes his way to the People's Council. Using the letter to gain entrance to the building, Wallington immediately begins keeping a careful eye out for anything that looks out of place or something to indicate that he's walking into a trap, and he tries as best he can to remember the series of doors, hallways, and rooms he's led into to so that he can make a quick escape should he need to.

Sense Motive on the escort leading him: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Knowledge: Dungeoneering to keep track of the route out: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Perception to look for anything out of place: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Upon reaching the Hall of Reliquaries, Wallington stops for a moment just inside the doorway, as it is presumably closed behind him. He takes in the scene, and looks twice to see if there are any hidden observers or guards.

Perception to look & listen for hiding creatures: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Regardless of what he finds, he takes slow deliberate steps toward the kneeling figure. Although he's not taking any deliberate action to sneak up on whom he presumes to be Thasania Eregina, his armor-cum-clothing drinks up his footsteps, making his movement virtually silent.

Unless otherwise interrupted, Wallington stops a mere five feet from the kneeling figure and introduces himself with a formal bow, saying, "I have come as requested, my lady. How may I be of service to you and Andoran?

Wallington thanks the messenger with a curt nod, a smile, and a silver coin for his trouble. Then, after locking the front door, he retires to his study to examine the missive. He pulls a set of spectacles from his desk drawer and reads the letter over carefully.

Linguistics to Verify the Letter's Authenticity: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
+6 for linguistics, +5 to identify a forgery with Spectacles of Understanding

Wallington takes a moment to think. What do I know about Thanasia Eregina?

Knowledge: Nobility: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

While he tries to recall all that he can regarding Eregina, he begins packing his gear, as he knows that acting in all haste suggests that he may need to leave directly from the meeting. After ten minutes or so of donning his armor, and placing his weapons on his belt, and in a hidden pocket in his sleave, Wallington activates that glamours on both his armor and dagger, so that he appears to be unarmed and dressed in the fashionable clothes of a noble.