Tyari Varvatos's page

He turns finally to Tyari and gently takes her hand. "Miss Varvatos. Tyari. I l..., I'll look after the others. And thank you. For everything."

"Thank you," she replies. "You've been the biggest part of our success in Trunau. If you don't find what you're looking for on the Kestrel, come back by on your way to the Esk. You'll be heading back into Lastwall then; you can carry some messages for us."

"Tyari, this is amazing. This is just what we need. Where did you get this?"

She smiles at his enthusiasm. "It's a copy of a map back in Vigil. It seemed appropriate to bring a reminder of Lastwall's record in Belkzen when we came to re-establish the church here." Her smile fades as she looks back at the map. "It's a reminder of why the people of Trunau were unlikely to trust us: a record of our losses. The Hordeline was supposed to protect Trunau. When it fell, the army retreated to safety, but the people of Trunau chose to stay and defend their homes. Why should they listen to us now, when we failed to help them then?"

She smiles at him again. "We've made great strides, however, thanks mostly to you and Brantos fighting alongside the Trunauans. Perhaps they'll really begin to see us as friends and neighbors instead of outsiders."

"Do we have any more records of this area?"

"I'll have a look through the library and see if there's anything else that could be helpful."

"Did crusaders kill Uskroth?"

"We're not really sure. The story was that he died in battle, but the crusaders never found his body. From what you've discovered, it sounds like his followers carried the body away and buried him, but there's no record of who might have had a hand in his death. Perhaps an arrow or a spell fired from a distance, or maybe just an accumulation of wounds which finally killed him. I'm sure someone would have claimed the title of giantslayer if there were any evidence for it."

"That shouldn't be necessary. We're not even sure where we're going. An old fort in the Mindspins is where we'll start. Do we have any maps of the area?"

"I'm sure we do," Tyari muses. "Let's check the library."

After a few moments of opening scroll cases, she pulls out a rolled parchment. "Here we are. This shows the positions of Lastwall's fortifications in Belkzen since the defeat of the Whispering Tyrant. They all ended in the Mindspins on the west." She points to the colored lines on the map. "Here is the Sunwall, Harchist's Blockade, and the Hordeline. There were forts every fifteen miles, which was how far an armored soldier could march in a day before needing a secure place to rest. If you're looking for a fort in the Mindspins, it would be at the western end of one of these lines."

"The westernmost fort in the Sunwall is known as Heliu's Folly, after the disgraced captain under whose command it burned. Lastwall abandoned the fort rather than rebuild, but the stone fortifications may still be standing and defensible enough for the orcs to occupy."

"The westernmost fort in Harchist's Blockade would be about here," she moves her finger down to the green line just south of the River Esk. "It was called Fort Redlake because a variety of crimson algae grew on the surface of its moat. It fell with the rest of the Blockade in 4482."

"And here would be the closest fort, at the western end of the Hordeline, just south of the source of the Kestrel." She points to the purple line a little north of Trunau. "It's certainly the quickest and safest journey. To travel to either of the northern lines, you'd have to cross the Skittermounds, which would be deadly this time of year, or take a ferry down the Esk, then up the Kestrel."

She thinks a moment. "You say you made the exchange with Gorewillow in a cave by the river? If he was heading to Harchist's Blockade or the Sunwall, he'd have to avoid the Skittermounds as well. He could have taken a boat down the Kestrel, then either a ferry up the Esk to Redlake or the Flood Road toward Heliu's Folly."

Map

"Marikel," Tyari answers, "you did all you could do. You saved a child's life. You kept your word. What else could you have done? You could have fought this Gorewillow instead of accepting his conditions, but whether you won or lost, the councilor's daughter would still have been in danger. Now she's safe and can no longer be used as a pawn. You did the right thing."

"Now, how can we help you? What do you need? Do you want me to send Brantos with you?"

"A villain? Who-? What-?" she responds. "What's going on, Marikel? Tell me everything."

Tyari's eyes widen, and her hand goes unconsciously to the hilt of her sword. "Marikel, what? What is it?"

Tyari frowns when Marikel asks about undead beetles and what can cause them. "Spontaneous reanimation in the absence of an active necromancer is very rare. I believe we have a book on necromancy in the mission library. Why don't you take a look at it?"

"Excellent," she replies cheerfully. "I know you'll represent the church admirably. The more helpful we can be to these people, the better."

Marikel finds Tyari back at her task in the crumbling storeroom. "Am I needed?" she asks.

Tyari looks down at her half-finished chore. "Marikel, go see what our visitor needs, please. If you can take care of it, I'll finish up in here. I believe Brantos is in the Upper Quarter with the Patrol Captain and Chief Defender."

"Many comradeships forged in battle prove to be enduring. The Inheritor willing, I trust that the citizens of Trunau and the residents of Sanctuary will fight side by side as allies for years to come."

"It is a pleasure when duty aligns with inclination, isn't it?" Tyari leaves her work and offers a hand to Dorn and Mahath, her eyes twinkling at the dwarf. "You are Councilor Staginsdar's apprentice, are you not?" she asks Mahath.

He pauses and calls loudly through the door. "Miss Varvatos?"

He calls again, not as loudly, "Brantos? Anyone?"

"Back here!" the priestess's voice echoes distantly from inside the mission. Following the sound, the party finds her in a storeroom at the far end of the building, normally a windowless room which is now open to the sky thanks to a crumbling hole where the wall meets the roofline. Inside the room with the priestess is a large rock, surrounded by shingles and broken shards of plaster, presumably thrown over the palisade by one of the Twisted Nail's siege engines.

Tyari is checking the scattered and overturned contents of shelves and crates, sorting that which is irretrievably broken from that which can be salvaged. "This is the main damage to the building," she informs Marikel cheerfully. "Fortunately, winter's almost over, so if we keep the door to the rest of the mission closed and pack the gaps well with rags, we shouldn't have to worry about Ruby and Alicia getting too cold at night. You and Brantos can climb up and attach a tarpaulin to keep the rain out until we can get it repaired. We'll wait until everyone else in Trunau has completed their own repairs, of course, and employ local labor."

"As Alicia says," she smiles at the girl, "I've had it easy up here: healing soldiers who could be sent back out into the fray, bandaging those more seriously injured, and trying to get a sense of the battle from the reports they brought back. Brantos has been able to inform me of the expedition's exploits; I hope that you can give me a fuller account of the combat on this side of the walls. But tomorrow," she insists, "after you've all had some rest."

The priestess joins the group. "You have both represented the mission admirably," she affirms Marikel and Brantos. "I have heard nothing but good things about your bravery in combat from the wounded I've had the privilege to treat. I believe that not only the citizens of Trunau won a victory this day, but the church of the Inheritor as well. There is no bond like that forged fighting side by side in common cause." She turns her attention to the others. "Alicia, you are well? And the rest of you, are you in need of any attention?"

Marikel encounters Tyari as they both depart Sanctuary. Most of the mission's healing supplies have already been moved up to the Longhouse, so she is carrying only a bag over one shoulder much like Marikel's own. She grasps Marikel's wrist briefly. "Inheritor guide you," she blesses him. "Keep a vigilant eye on Alicia. You're more likely to be in the fray than I am, unless it comes to the steps of the Longhouse. If you meet up with Brantos, tell him to fight alongside you; look out for each other."

"All good parents wish to protect their children," Tyari reasons. "We shouldn't judge Councilor Sawyer harshly because he uses the resources he has to keep his daughter from danger."

"That's not necessary, Chief Defender," Tyari demurs. "We're here to do our part. We'll be honored to fight alongside the people of Trunau."

Tyari stifles a smile of amusement before confirming Marikel's words. "I would be honored to stay on the front lines and retreat with the brave men and women of the Patrol, should it come to that, Inheritor forbid. I think that moving what stockpiles of healing supplies we can muster up to the Longhouse ahead of the arrival of the attackers would be a wise move as well. I presume there will be no shortage of volunteers to serve as runners to deliver them where they may be needed, and we certainly don't wish to risk letting them fall into the hands of the enemy should the Lower Quarter be overrun."

"Chief Defender?" the priestess replies, with a puzzled frown.

As Marikel and Tyari head back toward Sanctuary, she is still dumbfounded. "I never would have thought that the color of our building could be taken as a challenge to the local authorities. Perhaps, once the crisis has passed, we really should consider repainting it. We could employ local labor and build more rapport with the common Trunauan." She looks up at the white walls of the mission wistfully.

Tyari is taken aback at the dwarf's revelation. "But ... that wasn't at all our intention," she protests. "The Inheritor's sacred colors are red and white."

"An excellent idea," Marikel nods thoughtfully.

"I'll speak to him now. Will you join me?"

"Of course."

Tyari and Marikel weave through the remains of the crowd toward the old dwarf. Omast Frum, suddenly the man of the hour, has a small crowd of well-wishers and armchair-advisors gathered around him. The priestess waits for an opening to claim the dwarf's attention.

"Captain Frum," she begins, "congratulations on your appointment. Speaking for the mission, I would like to pledge our support and offer any assistance that we may provide."

"Those who need help the most are often the least willing to accept it," Tyari responds. "Perhaps we should have a word with the interim Chief Defender: assure him that we intend fully to respect the lawful authorities and to act solely at his direction in case of need." She stretches her mouth into a wry grimace. "I admit to having had little interaction with former Patrol Captain Frum. I was mostly concerned with his exerting an unhealthful influence on Banny. Formally extending an offer of help might set the relationship on a more appropriate footing."

"Brantos is right," Tyari smiles. "This is the first real progress we've made toward winning the town's trust since reopening the mission."

Tyari seizes Marikel's arm from the other side. "Come, let's share a prayer for victory with Brantos before the soldiers depart." She heads toward Halgra, the Graths, and the rest of the expedition as well.

Tyari Varvatos is among the onlookers near Brantos. She sees Marikel arriving and begins to make her way politely through the intervening crowd to join him.

"The Council agreed to allow Brantos to join the expedition," she informs Marikel with a smile when she reaches his side. "I think you've done very well in building trust with the government of Trunau," she congratulates him. "This is a promising step toward closer cooperation."

Marikel smirks inwardly at the idea of Brantos being excluded from the proceedings and looks up as the Patrol officer approaches.

"Of course," he glances back to Alicia. "We'll come right away."

Tyari stops him a moment by laying her hand on his forearm. "Assure the Council that the mission stands ready to support them in whatever manner they wish. We're not making demands or interfering in their deliberation; we just want to help."

As the pyre burns, one by one, people begin to get quietly to their feet and move away. Tyari and Brantos remain respectfully until the crowd has thinned considerably.

"When we return to Sanctuary, I'll conduct a quiet memorial ceremony," Tyari intimates to Brantos and Marikel on either side of her. "He may not have been an explicit follower of the Inheritor, but his character and actions are certainly worthy of the goddess."

Tyari and Brantos are seated on the other side of Marikel. The priestess leans over and whispers in his ear, "I offered to conduct a religious funeral, or to solemnize their own ceremony in any part they'd have me for, but the Chief Defender turned me down quite firmly. Politely, of course, but without a bit of hesitation. I think they feel like they're doing just fine without the gods' help."

He also pulls out the jeweled cover that once held scripture and slant-headed proffers it. "Found this too... empty now though."

The priestess takes the book cover and turns it over in her hands. "The true treasure was the scripture inside," she tells him with a wry smile. "Keep it with my blessings."

She turns her attention to the vials, flasks, and scrolls. "These aren't magical," she informs the two, referring to the two glass vials. She uncorks one, sniffs it, and cautiously tastes it. "I believe ... yes, they're holy water."

She is able to identify the potions and scrolls.

See updated loot list in Campaign Info.

"I did. It has excellent balance and a fine edge. It may be blessed."

"Let me see." She intones a prayer and examines the sword as she holds it before her eyes. "It's not enchanted," she replies, "but that doesn't mean it's not blessed. A sword from the hands of Iomedae just when you needed it?" She hands it back to him with a smile. "Keep it. Use it in her service."

"We found some other holy articles as well. Scrolls and water."

"I can have a look at those as well," she offers, "and see if we can identify them."

Marikel shifts a bit, uncomfortably.

"We also had to use one of your potions. We... I got into trouble. We were attacked by a clear square of ooze. It trapped Vhailor and I managed to lure the thing away from him but couldn't escape myself. Banny saved me. Saved us all."

She nods calmly. "That's what they were for: people in need, particularly people putting themselves in harm's way for the sake of good." She smiles. "Banny may not have turned out exactly as we'd hoped, but it sounds like we can be proud of her."

"We also found some old church items, including this."

Marikel draws the masterwork longsword and offers the hilt to Tyari.
"It was being held by a likeness of the Inheritor but she served us well in our time of need. We also found some items that could date back to before the fall of Aroden."

Tyari takes the sword with interest. "Held by a statue of the Inheritor? Was it wielded or sheathed?" Given a quick description of the statue, she nods. "You'll see such likenesses in older churches in Lastwall. Iomedae offers a peaceful welcome to all who seek sanctuary in good will but stands ever-ready to draw her sword against the Whispering Tyrant if he arises once more. In her stead, of course, anyone present willing to strike a blow against evil had a blade at hand as well." She smiles. "Did you use it against the vermin in the old church?"

"Of course, ma'am," Tyari responds promptly, showing the party to a plain but serviceable room containing a long table set about with wooden chairs.

Halgra eyes the decorative sacred longsword on the wall behind her with amusement before seating herself at the head of the table and waiting for everyone else to take a place around it.

Halgra lets Marikel take the lead toward Sanctuary, then follows with the Graths and the rest of the party, leaving the trussed troll under the guard of the remainder of the Patrol.

Marikel ushers the group into the church, where the sudden influx of a handful of people makes enough of a stir to draw the attention of the priestess from another room.

"Marikel!" she greets him, before noting the distinguished personages in his company. "Ma'am," she bows her head with respect to Halgra Blackblade, "and Captain Grath, please accept our sympathy for your loss." Her condoling gaze includes Rodrick in the greeting.

Tyari nods. "We are in a sensitive position. If there are accusations to be made against the rulers of Trunau, they ought not to originate from us. It would only exacerbate the townsfolk's suspicion that we pose some sort of threat to their sovereignty." She turns back to Marikel. "Any and all information must be reported to the Chief Defender. She and the reliable members of the Council are in the position to mete out justice, in this instance." She smiles. "I'm sure you'll do the right thing. May the Inheritor guide your investigation. And, of course, if there is any help we can offer, you have only to ask."

"Hmm," Tyari responds non-committally. "Still, Brantos, from now on, we ought definitely to be on guard for any agents of evil in town. I suppose," she offers with a wry smile, "even if you were to spy an indisputably evil aura, your testimony wouldn't be admitted as evidence in a court of law in Trunau as it would back home."

"No enemies that we're aware of. But, with this half-orc skulking around, it's possible Kerst found out something that they didn't want him to know. We think there's others involved too. But don't worry. We'll get to the bottom of this and see justice done."

"Of course," Tyari nods, "with the Inheritor's backing. Don't berate yourself," she assures Brantos. "It was a celebration. There was no reason to suspect anyone there of evil intent. Now that we know, though, we should be on guard." She turns back to Marikel. "You said something about a half-orc at the Ramblehouse? Perhaps Brantos ought to go over there and have a look at the guests."

The pair of Iomedaeans react with shock to Marikel's revelation.

"I've spoken to Miss Blackblade and she'd rather believe there was a suicide in their midst than a murderer. She's aware of our investigation, but hasn't forbidden it."

Tyari nods reluctantly. "I can understand the Chief Defender's point of view. While suicide is sad, it is self-contained. If a murderer is at large, the whole populace is theoretically in danger. But why would anyone kill Kerst Grath? Has he any enemies?"

Marikel makes his way back down the corridor toward the head priestess's quarters. Her door is open (as it always is when its closure isn't necessary for modesty or safety), and she and Brantos are sitting inside on simple wooden chairs on either side of a bare wooden table, the opulence of Tyari's chasuble the only spot of color or comfort in the otherwise spartan room.

The priestess glances up at his approach. "Marikel! The tragic news preceded you down the hill. I trust you offered any and all assistance with the funeral?"

As Marikel exits the room he and Brantos share, he sees Tyari in the corridor, smoothing her chasuble. "You're headed up to the hilltop?" she asks. "Here." She tosses him a small satchel. "In case of need."

Across the hall, Alicia and Ruby appear from their own room. Tyari looks as if she is about to insist Ruby stay behind in Sanctuary until she spies the hopeknife on her hip; instead, she swallows her words and gives the girl an encouraging nod. "Going up to see what the alarm is, girls? Remember to stay out of the way and do as the Councilors or Patrolmen tell you." She lets the girls go out the front door, then touches Marikel lightly on the arm. "Keep an eye on them?" she requests.

"I'll find her and see when it might be convenient to chat. If you'll excuse me, ma'am."

Tyari gives Marikel a smile and a nod. "Let me know if she feels there's reason for concern. And try not to come across as if we're accusing the children or judging the job she's doing as their teacher. Trunauans are touchy about anything they perceive as outsiders trying to interfere in their business."

Tyari nods. "That seems prudent. Miss Kelver spends the most time with the children; she ought to know if there's any real reason for concern." She looks at Marikel expectantly.

"I can ask some questions of the children and Miss Kelver. That may shed some light. But it may be best to leave it until after the celebrations," Marikel suggests.

"Or perhaps longer than that." As the two men turn questioning glances on her, Tyari elaborates. "If it wasn't a misunderstanding and was intended to harm, then it failed at its intentions. Ruby made it through her Hopeknife Ceremony and seems pleased enough. I'm not sure stirring things up won't do more harm than good. We're talking about children here, not demons. Yes, they can be cruel, but we're not going to smite them."

"What did the girl say?" Tyari asks. "The one who fell?"

Tyari gives Marikel an understanding smirk as they find a seat at the edge of the amphitheater. "For what it's worth, Patrol Captain Grath supports us in regard to The Killin' Ground." Her cultured tone overenunciates the dropped 'g,' highlighting her attempts to honor the local customs. "Mr. Clarenston has the Patrol schedule memorized, lest he serve any soldier too near his or her next shift; Captain Grath has made it clear he'll hold the brewer equally responsible with the overimbiber. It's one of the reasons I wish Banny would officially join the Patrol." Her eyes wander over to the pie table where the dwarf is holding court. "She needs discipline. Wants it even, desperately. But she keeps falling off the wagon."

"Did you still want that drink?"

"I suppose that would be appropriate," she shrugs with a smile. "It is a festive occasion." She accompanies Marikel over to the booth Rabus Clarenston has set up; the old dwarf and retired Patrol Captain Omast Frum has claimed a prime location.

As Banny and the group move away, Tyari appears at Marikel's shoulder. "Good job redirecting her," she murmurs, smiling.

"Do you think I should change? Or would you like to join me for a drink?"

Tyari hasn't had time to respond when the attention of the pair is drawn by Banny's annoucement. Tyari's eyes meet Marikel's with a mixture of exasperation and foreboding.