Chapter 5: Blood and Fire

[Darren]

Kal bows to the prince. "Our thanks, your Highness." Rising, he dares to look the prince in the eyes. "Will we be permitted to continue our investigation with the blessings of the crown? I believe we can continue to be of service to both you and her Majesty, and if backed by the resources of Aundair, I know we can help to bring Malov, or whoever is pretending to be him, to justice." As if remembering himself, Kal lowers his eyes for a moment and adds, "Your Highness." Even with that show of deference, however, a grin creeps across Kalarian's face.

[Joe]

Streko lears his throat and steps forward. "Your Highness, I feel it is important to mention that Malov is somehow capable of possessing others, in thought and then in deed. His presence is most foul and is obvious when it is revealed. There is a...malignance...a cloud of darkness that cannot be seen so much as felt. My sister, for whom I have spent my life in search of, is, I believe, a hostage of this evil. You have my word that I will do everything within my power to destroy this creature. He defiles both living and dead and MUST be stopped at all costs. Olladra willing, I shall get to see that happen."

He bows to the Prince. "Thank you for your expediency, for your thoroughness and most of all, for your support in this tragic and deadly affair, Your Highness. It is an honor to serve."

[Ken]

Belarin says, "Your Highness, thank you. I have one point and one question, if I may, As Lord Streko mentions, the possession is a vile act, but from what we've seen, most of its victims have borne a tell-tale sign: slit pupils, like those of a snake. Please let your investigators know. As for my question, and this ties into Lord Kalarian's request: If you allow us to assist on your behalf, may I -- we -- have access to your most experienced advisors in matters of the arcane? I'm a fairly knowledgeable person, truth be told, and I'm certain that, between our recent experience and their wisdom, we could find a way to neutralize or at least reduce the effects of the possession."

[Jeff]

"To your questions, my lords," the price responds to Kal, Belarin, and Streko, "I will ask for your patience. There is a larger problem which must be addressed that may correspond, however indirectly, to this investigation—which I am pleased to hear you wish to undertake."

"Condign," Prince Aurad says, angling his head so he can better see the tiefling, so still stands at the back of the group. "Please, come forward." Another murmur ripples through the assemblage.

"As you know well by now, your people are not a common sight in this city, or indeed anywhere in this nation. Over the years, a number of them..." The prince turns to face the audience. "'Tieflings,' they are named by the human settlers long ago. They are descendants of the lost nation of Ohr Kaluun on the continent of Sarlona, where humans first originated." The prince turns back to look at Condign again. "We share a point of origin, your kind and mine, despite the obvious divergences."

Condign himself has only heard the name Ohr Kaluun a few times in his life, so far in the past its relevance is to the tiefling population of Fah'lrrg. That this human prince knows of it without reading from a book is impressive; Aurad is obviously a scholar of history, not merely an aristocrat with a pretense of education.

"Most of your kind have settled into the Shadow Marches or the Demon Wastes—on the periphery of human civilization—and I believe it is from the Wastes that you have come? Please, address this court. Tell us what you came to say."

Looking him in the eyes, something about the prince appeals to Condign. There is an honesty there that he suspects is not particularly common among nobles or royals of the Five Nations. It reminds him of some of the orc priests of Ghaash'kala.

[Jeff's backup]

Condign steps forward and bows deeply and formally. “My Lord Prince, I have been sent from Fah’lrrg, what you call the Demon Wastes, to warn the Five Nations of a threat building within my land. If you will indulge me, I may better convey this warning if you know a little about my clan and my land.

“I am one of the Ghaash'Kala, followers of the ideals of Kalok Shash—also known as the Binding Flame—dedicated to preventing the evil within the Demon Wastes from spreading to the rest of the world. Various clans of Ghaash'Kala travel the border between my land and the Eldeen Reaches, hunting barbarian raiding parties that roam the Demon Wastes. These barbarians—evil humans who worship inhuman fiends—have over the years fragmented into many different tribes, one often warring with another as well as with us. The fact that the various Carrion tribes often feud with one another has allowed our smaller numbers to defend the border.

“Recently, our scouts have reported that several factions of Carrion tribes are banding together under the banner of one tribe, the Ebonfire tribe. Following a fiend known as the Rage of War, Ebonfire is one of the most evil and violent tribes in the Demon Wastes. They will attack without hesitation; they will kill without thought. Raiding parties of Ebonfire barbarians hammer at rival tribes, utterly destroying everyone and taking everything that could be carried home. Ebonfire is hated as well as respected by the other Carrion tribes. To have them uniting under the Black Blade is very serious.

“The size of Ebonfire now is staggering. Such a grouping of Carrion tribes has not occurred in centuries. My Lord Prince, it is nothing short of an army.”

Condign pauses to let them absorb this information. Then he continues: “The Carrion tribes outnumber us as it is. Now, as they gather under one banner, we do not feel that we can contain them. And it is our belief that they intend to invade Aundair. That is my message of warning.”

[Ken]

Belarin shares a look of concern with Kal as Condign describes his warning, and then he frowns with displeasure at the ignorant murmurs from the crowd. He says nothing, waiting for Condign's repsonse to Lamara's question.

[Darren]

Kal leans close to Belarin and whispers, "Aundair in an entire kingdom. Surely there must be more threats to it than just Malov. They can't ALL be related..."

[Josh]

Grafth listens and awaits any potential inquiries directed at him.

[Ken]

Oct 7, 2009 10:02:47 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal leans close to Belarin and whispers, "Aundair is an entire kingdom. Surely there must be more threats to it than just Malov. They can't ALL be related..."

"Normally I'd agree," whispers Belarin, "but the demonic connection bothers me. Mmm... paranoia is tasty." He quickly focuses his attention back on the main discussion, not wanting to provoke a glare from the prince.

[Jeff's backup]

Condign stands rigidly as he listens to the deprecations muttered from some in the audience chamber. His face remains passive as he waits for the mummers to die down. He turns to address the Inquisitive’s question.

“My Lady, the question you ask is. . .difficult for me to answer.” The tiefling looks down momentarily, then raises his unsettling gaze to meet Lamara’s. “You are correct. The Ghaash'Kala consist mainly of orc and half-orc warriors.” He raises his arms in a gesture of display. “But as you can see, I am neither orc nor half-orc.

“No, my Lady, I was not born of the Ghaash’Kala. I was captured as an adolescent, and, through the mercy of the followers of the Binding Flame, my life was spared. For many years afterward I studied, trained, and fought as one of them, side-by-side, sharing both victory and loss. With my Ghaash’Kala brothers, I was indoctrinated in the faith of Kalok Shash and came to believe that the evil of the Carrion Tribes must not be allowed to spread across the land.

“I have rejected my past, the life I had before I became Condign. My parents were dead. I had no siblings. I was surrounded by violence and bloodshed. And evil. Such horrible evil” Condign pauses and looks back at his companions, then returns his gaze to the Inquisitive. Taking a deep breath, he says: “My Lady, before my capture, I belonged to the Ebonfire tribe.”

[Jeff]

"Your Majesty," one of the prince's advisers says, standing. "This tiefling claims to be one of the barbarians who amass against us?" His tone suggests he thinks the court is being mocked. "What next?"

One the priests turns in his seat. "The Eye of Aureon reveals untruths. The tiefling speaks no falsehoods."

The adviser scowls back at the priest. "One can deceive by what one doesn't say, as you know well."

"Enough," Prince Aurad says, establishing order. "If a storm is brewing, does the ancestry of its herald matter if he speaks the truth? This matter bears further examination, and possibly the Queen's attention."

A small group of people have gathered just outside the main entrance, clearly awaiting their own audience. Already you have occupied this chamber for a half hour.

Prince Aurad addresses your party specifically. "We're going to set this matter aside for today's audience. I will speak privately with you in a moment. I am taking you up on your offer to continue your investigation, if you will permit Lady d'Medani to lead the investigation. We will detain you no longer."

"I will permit one member from each house"—he looks to the Deneith, Jorasco, and Lyrandar representatives—"to join us in the next room." He indicates a door on one side, which suddenly opens of its own accord.

"If you please," the prince says.

[Darren]

"It would be an honor, Your Highness," Kal says.

[Ken]

Belarin raises an eyebrow in pleasant surprise as the prince speaks, and he moves in the direction indicated.

[Josh]

The shifter nods slowly to the prince and proceeds into the next room.

[Jeff]

Lamara exits first, leading the rest of you through the door and down a surprisingly long hallway. Tangat's claws click on the smooth stone floor, echoing throughout. So far Kal's found fewer people in Fairhold looking at the dog strangely; there seems to be much more acceptance for animal companions here.

You enter a chamber at the end of the hall, a room sized perfectly for smaller meetings, with a table in the center surrounded by sturdy, if ornately-carved chairs A single broad window commands a view of the city below. Even from this chamber somewhere in one of the first few levels of Fairhold, the entire palace is erected on a hill above the city, so the view is impressive. It's also the first time you've seen outside in nearly twelve hours. It's a bright day, with blue skies and puffy clouds.

Lady Korvine d'Deneith enters the room, followed by the halfling identified as Lord Werris d'Jorasco and the half-elf Lady Vialene d'Lyrandar. Presumably, Prince Aurad will enter soon.

"Well, Kalarian," Korvine says with a half-smile. "You've been busy." Amal stands stiffly and formally in front of her.

The halfling says nothing, merely seats himself—all business. He cocks his head to regard your party, examining each with a strangely clinical pace.

The half-elf woman storms over to Ralsor, who's been looking at the floor. The captain seems out of his element here, under scrutiny of the authorities and even a kinsman. "You're a son of a bitch," she says to him.

Ralsor wags a finger at her. "That's no way to talk about your aunt, Vial."

Lady Korvine nods at Grafth. "Glad to see you well, too. You've made some new friends, it seems...and lost of a few. I am sorry."

[Darren]

Kal regards the representatives of the houses as they enter the room. He offers a deep nod of respect to the halfling with his Talentan garb, but says nothing else to him.

He smiles at Lady Korvine. "It would appear that acting from the shadows is not working so well for us." He motions towards a chair. "Will you sit, Lady Korvine?" Kal takes a chair for himself, and as he does he notices Amal's stiff posture and looks between him and Lady Korvine. "My lady, thank you for allowing Amal to serve with us. Be assured that he has served with distinction far beyond even the high expectations of House Deneith. He should be commended." Kal grins and adds, "And promoted."

Kalarian lets out a breath before speaking again. "Before we continue, I must ask, what has happened to the Marshal I met in Passage? Do you know? I am...concerned...for the man."

_______________
Sorry. I can't remember his name and I don't have time right now to dig through the archives. But you know who I'm talking about....

[Ken]

Belarin leans against the wall adjacent to the window, and he turns his head to enjoy the view. As the conversations begin, a bemused smile touches his lips. Then he steps forward and addresses Lady Korvine, "If I may, my lady ... Belarin Malizia, at your service. Kalarian speaks highly of you." He briefly turns to the other two representatives and bows politely. "My lord ... my lady."

He then says to Lamara, "And you, my lady, I think I speak for all of us when I say, 'Thank you.' Obviously, your words and those of Lord Dassek helped smooth the ruffled feathers in court." He glances at Lady Vial, who is still glaring at Ralsor. "Well, most of them."

[Jeff's backup]

Condign, trailing behind the others, enters the room and takes a seat near Belarin. He sits quietly, listening to the conversations and waiting for the Prince to arrive.

[Joe]

Streko makes his way to where Lord Werris d'Jorasco sits. He bows. "My Lord, if there is anything I may add to the previous testimony, or if you have any questions I might be able to answer for you, I am, as always, at your disposal."

He then slips a hand back into his haversack, conveniently sitting once again at its regular perch upon his back, and pulls out a small suede sack. He reaches in a removes six platinum dragons. He hands them to Lord Werris.

"This is payment due to House Jorasco for healing services rendered by my hands and Olladra's blessings. Any extra is a donation to the House in the name of my sister, Varna Tavven. May the house continue to prosper."

He bows low again to the Lord of House Jorasco in Fairhaven, remaining so until such time as the head of the House sees fit to release him from his duty.

[Josh]

Lady Korvine nods at Grafth. "Glad to see you well, too. You've made some new friends, it seems...and lost of a few. I am sorry."

"It has been an interesting few days, fraught with much hardship and confusion," says the shifter, unconsciously grasping the iron bar that hangs heavy from his neck. "These are things I am used to, and yet... not at all used to. Thank you."

[Jeff]

Lady Korvine nods graciously to Belarin and smiles at Grafth. She eyes Condign curiously, but says nothing to him just yet...seeming to wait.

"My lady, thank you for allowing Amal to serve with us. Be assured that he has served with distinction far beyond even the high expectations of House Deneith. He should be commended."

Korvine smiles. "I am glad to hear it. His duties remain in Passage, however. Amal will need to return with me to the enclave for debriefing—of sorts—and reassignment."

"Before we continue, I must ask, what has happened to the Marshal I met in Passage? Do you know? I am...concerned...for the man."

Lady Korvine says, "He has been returned to Sentinel Tower, where his fate will be determined by the Lords Seneschal. He will most certainly be released from duty, or at least demoted. Beyond that, I cannot say. His honor remains intact, and his colleagues speak highly of him."

Belarin:

"And you, my lady, I think I speak for all of us when I say, 'Thank you.' Obviously, your words and those of Lord Dassek helped smooth the ruffled feathers in court." He glances at Lady Vial, who is still glaring at Ralsor. "Well, most of them."

Lamara smiles mildly, accepting the thanks with a nod. "I just want to bring Malov in. I have...for quite some time."

Lady Vialene and Ralsor speak in a harsh, clipped whisper together.

"This is payment due to House Jorasco for healing services rendered by my hands and Olladra's blessings. Any extra is a donation to the House in the name of my sister, Varna Tavven. May the house continue to prosper."

Lord Werris d'Jorasco smiles politely at Streko. "It is appreciated, Lord Streko," he says, "But I believe half of this belongs to the temple of Olladra. Or perhaps you ought to hold onto it. I'm not sure whether it is your house or your goddess whose work you are doing right now, but either would be proud."

Of everyone in the room, it seems that Lord Werris is the least informed of what's been going on, and that your tale in the audience chamber is the first time he's heard of what's going on. He seems to have no questions, and knows none of you, so he remains for now a mere observer.

Prince Aurad at last enters the room, with Castellan Adele Fulirno and her bodyguard behind him. The door is closed, and the prince turns to address you. Under his arm is Malov's book of arcana, bereft of its lead casing. In one hand is the sealed scroll case given to you by the Emissary of Dusk.

"Well," the prince says to everyone in the room. "Some things need to be said before courtiers and lawmen. Others require discretion until the proper time, as I'm sure you appreciate. All right—for all our sakes, let's get right to the point. Tell me if I have this right:

"A mage with considerable resources has been planning some kind of revenge against Aundair, specifically. Your accidental, then deliberate, intercession into his plans prevented him from attacking Passage, or elsewhere, but is focusing his efforts on this city.

"What we know: At this man's disposal is an unspecified number of warforged soldiers, a well-armed airship, at least one dragonhawk, and any number of servants willing to risk death on his behalf, out of devotion or for money...some of whom have submitted to diabolical possession of some kind. His plans somehow involve the Dark Daggers, Fairhaven's worst criminal gang. And he has somehow retained services of the Order of the Emerald Claw, which suggests a considerable source of income. The Emerald Claw only helps those with a mutual interest."

"And this mage might just be the much-hated Malov ir'Turian." The prince sighs, meets Lady Korvine's eyes and then Lamara's. "Is this assessment right so far?"

[Darren]

Kal raises an eyebrow as the Prince gives his assessment of the situation. "I admire you directness," he says.

[Ken]

Belarin purses his lips as he sees the Emissary's scroll tucked under the prince's arm. He says, "Indeed, your Highness, that is an accurate summary of the situation."

[Jeff]

Prince Aurad looks to your party. "The problem is, none of you knew Malov when he was in power several years ago. His name has been used in your presence, but no one familiar with him then has yet witnessed any of his recent...incarnations. Now, I was governor when we brought him down the first time, and I'll tell you that lightning rail explosions and airship attacks are not in keeping with his style. But things change...and he would have a grudge against this city and those who rule it. For the time being, we're going to assume it is Malov, somehow returned from what should have been death. But we still require proof. That will allow me to convince my sister the Queen to give this matter the proper attention.

"Understand, every day threats are made against the throne, the Queen herself, and all of her subjects. Bandits from the Eldeen Reaches attack caravans, raiders attack river vessels. Not even one airship attack—albeit a cruel and devastating one—is enough to identify our enemy with certainty. But this city is mine to protect, and so long as we're talking about a threat within its walls, I might be able to help you."

He looks to Condign, then to Lamara. "Lady d'Medani, you believe there is a connection between Malov and the news that Condign brings to us. Please, tell them."

Lamara nods somewhat gravely. "Malov turned to criminal activity after he was expelled from the Arcane Congress." She sees a bit of a blank look from some of you. "The Arcane Congress is the foremost arcane institution in the Five Nations. Based out of Arcanix in western Aundair, it's essentially a school and an organization."

"Malov was a student there of some esteem." She pauses. "And I was a student there once, too. A mere novice compared to the likes of his skill and influence. I even met him face to face a few times, though we were not of significant acquaintance. Malov was a master of transmutation and summoning magic, with a fascination for devils and the planes from which they originate."

Lamara looks at Condign, but continues to speak to the rest of you. "During his time at Arcanix, Malov wanted to lead an expedition into the Demon Wastes, where he desired to study the lore and magic of what he believed were the inheritors of devilish power on Eberron: tieflings. He wanted to make contact with them, and learn their secrets and see what connection they bore to the ancient fiends that slumber in the depths of Khyber. But the Arcane Congress would not fund Malov's expedition, and every attempt to convince the masters—or anyone with gold enough—failed."

Lamara stops. "This is where having Alvek ir'Turien would be most useful now, honestly. To see if he knows anything about his older cousin's interest in the Demon Wastes and the tieflings there."

[Darren]

Kal studies Lamara's face, seeming to choose his next words carefully. "We may not be able to bring Alvek here," he says slowly, "but we might have word from those who do have him. I cannot say much more than that, but we have a...contact...who may be able to tell us more." Kalarian's eyes shift to the prince. "I do not mean to be evasive. I just want to protect the identity of those who may not wish to become more involved. I can promise that we will share all information we receive with you, once we get it."

[Jeff's backup]

Lamara:

During his time at Arcanix, Malov wanted to lead an expedition into the Demon Wastes, where he desired to study the lore and magic of what he believed were the inheritors of devilish power on Eberron: tieflings.

"My Lord Prince and Lady Lamara," Condign says, "that was the other part of my mission here in the Five Nations: we have had reports of tieflings moving across the border into Aundair, and I have been sent to seek out these tieflings to learn their purpose." He pauses and looks around the room at the others. "That Malov would seek out tieflings and try to gain knowledge of the foul power of the rajahs is serious. When coupled with the fact that Ebonfire is massing what appears to be an army. . .I fear that Malov may have succeeded, and the danger is grave."

[Ken]

Belarin doesn't add anything to Kal's comment, momentarily impressed by Kal's verbal dance. His eyes stray occasionally to the scroll case.

[Joe]

Streko shuffles nervously...something bothering him, but whatever it might dancing at the edge of his thoughts, as if unwilling to be known.

He takes hold of his holy symbol and the simple feeling of warmth settles his nerves, but he is still unable to grasp what is causing his unease. He continues to listen, hoping something jars the damned information.

[Jeff]

Kal:

"We may not be able to bring Alvek here...but we might have word from those who do have him...we have a...contact...who may be able to tell us more."

Prince Aurad eyes Kal with one raised eyebrow. "Something not to be mentioned before courtiers and lawmen, then. We already have very many unknowns, Lord Kalarian. Perhaps some things should come to light sooner than later?"

Condign:

"When coupled with the fact that Ebonfire is massing what appears to be an army...I fear that Malov may have succeeded, and the danger is grave."

The prince nods grimly. "It takes true courage to quit the lands of your people and to warn a people who already mistrust you against the threat of your own kind. So long as Malov's plans and the danger of these barbarians is known, I would ask that you help us unmask this local threat, Condign. At least, until I convince my sister of this threat. Be assured that your news is taken seriously. At least by me."

Audal glances briefly at Streko, seemingly aware of the halfling's discomfort. But he says nothing of it. Instead, he lays both Malov's book and the scroll case down on the table for all to see. He taps the cylinder of bone first.

"I am told that whatever lies within this case bears a curse of some kind, and for that reason the court wizards have not yet opened it. Pending your explanation." His eyes flash to Kal, as if its secret has something to do with the Deneith heir's words.

But Prince Aurad holds up a hand to stay any interruption. "And as I see it," he says, tapping the book, "There are two things that can be done with this book that you've kept on the run: Bring it to the towers of Arcanix, where the masters of the Arcane Congress can reveal its secrets quickly and deduce Malov's true intent...or, keep it closer at hand and study it even as you investigate further. That may take longer, but it would be safer."

"My prince," Lamara says, speaking before anyone else can. "You have granted them permission to continue their investigation, and you already know I have been charged with the same. It is my belief that this book can be used to lure Malov, or his agents, out from hiding. Here in this city, we can perhaps set a trap for them. Consider that a third option?"

"They choice will be theirs, Lady." The prince looks to Belarin, Kal, Grafth, Charis, and Streko...and even Condign. "We know much about what has already happened—even if we cannot prove Malov's hand in all of it. But we know much less about what has yet to occur. So what do you wish to do, and what would you ask of me?"

Prince Aurad looks questioningly to Streko first, prompting the halfling to speak his mind.

___________________________

All right, folks. This is going to be a skill challenge, 4E's non-combat type of event that's handled both with rolls and with role-playing. We've tried it once before, and to be honest I still have yet to master the concept myself, but now seems like the perfect opportunity. You can get XP out of it, as well as some other goodies....if you succeed.

A skill challenge is a series of skills checks (backed by role-playing) that you each make. Some articles I've read recommend against telling your players that it's a skill challenges, while others recommend you do. I think it's more fun to do some rolling (virtually speaking) as you describe what you're doing and saying.

So, this skill challenge is complexity of 3, which means you'll need to achieve 8 skill successes before rolling 4 failures. Which means, if you reach 8 successes, not necessarily in perfect succession, you "win" the skill challenge. But if you roll 4 failures first before those 8 successes....then the PCs will get the bare minimum of help from Prince Aurad.

The basic objective is to get as much help from the prince as you can; convincing him to back you on whatever you decide to do to deal with the Malov thread in Fairhaven, now that you're here.

The primary skills in this challenge (and advice for each) are:
• Diplomacy - for basic reasoning
• Insight - for emphasizing with the plight of Fairhaven, as you see it)
• Bluff - if you'd like to do some exaggerating to make the Malov threat seem greater than it is
• Streetwise - to invoke unlawful means of dealing with the problem or to gauge the real movers and shakers of the city

This just means these four are the ones that are the easiest to succeed on (DC 15). You can use any other skills you want (called secondary skills), but they'll be a bit harder to succeed with (DC 20). However, if you're particularly creative or thorough with your description on how you use the skill and what you say when using it, you can get a +2 bonus on the roll.

Once you've used a particular skill, you can't use it again (although someone else can).

So, skill challenges actually goes in initiative order. Unlike usual, I'll ask that you guys try and post in this basic order:

Streko (1d20+3=23)
Charis (1d20+5=21)
Grafth (1d20+4=18)
Kal (1d20+3=12)
Belarin (1d20+4=6)
Condign (1d20+1=3)

When your turn comes up, pick a skill (one of the four above, if you think you can succeed on it) or any other skill you'd like to try (or you're better at!). Basically, you just pick a skill and explain how your character will use that skill to contribute to your party's case to the prince. Then make a roll for it!

For example, if you choose Intimidate, it doesn't have to mean you're threatening the prince; instead you could be suggesting that without his help, great harm will come to Fairhaven and it's a shame to see that happen. Using fear instead of reason, you know?

Feel free to stretch and be creative on this. You could use a knowledge skill like Arcana or Religion to emphasize some point regarding that topic.

Although you should follow the initiative order for purposes of attempting each person's "argument," it doesn't mean you can't post out of turn if you simply wish to whisper something to a companion or make suggestions to them; there will be some allowance to your party speaking quietly with one another. In other words, I'd like you guys to make your skill checks in the order listed above, but you can still just talk and post in between freely. Just bear in mind that when making your skill checks whatever you're doing or saying will bear more weight. Just be clear and cite what skill you're using when you're using it.

And if you have questions about this, fire away in the Q&A thread. For the most part, just keep interacting and talking with Prince Aurad and the others in the room. This skill challenge is really just part of the ongoing discussion. And the others will keep talking.

For reference, here was the first time we tried a skill challenge.

A reminder of who all's in the room, to be part of this discussion or at least to listen in:

Prince Aurad
Lady Korvine d'Deneith
Lady Vialene d'Lyrandar
Lord Werris d'Jorasco
Adele Furino - castellan of Fairhold
Ralsor
Amal
Lever
Lady Lamara d'Medani - inquisitive

Charis is still in play and I'll handle her part; she'll be part of the skill challenge too.

[Darren]

Oct 14, 2009 8:49:31 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Kal:

"We may not be able to bring Alvek here...but we might have word from those who do have him...we have a...contact...who may be able to tell us more."

Prince Aurad eyes Kal with one raised eyebrow. "Something not to be mentioned before courtiers and lawmen, then. We already have very many unknowns, Lord Kalarian. Perhaps some things should come to light sooner than later?"

"My apologies, your Highness," Kal says, "but out of respect to those who have helped us, I cannot say more about this, yet."

_______________
Okay, stepping aside so Streko can have his go....