Chapter 1: A Peaceable Kingdom

[Jeff]

Kal's Mission

After Kal passes through, the guard Eng nods. "My lord, the recent rail incident has the enclave observing strict protocols. Were it not for your papers, we'd not have been allowed to admit even you on name alone. There is the concern of a security breach. Just to keep you apprised, lord."

Kal finds the guard's words to be true. Every building in the compound appears to be in a sort of pseudo-lockdown. But having gained access to the enclave at large and obviously a member of the house, Kal has little problem moving freely about.

The enclave is self-sufficient, housing within its gates its own personnel quarters, barracks for the Blademarks, dining and recreation facilities, even its own small chapels for the Sovereign Host and the Church of the Silver Flame. In short order, a choice word here and a winning smile there, Kal gets himself directed to the administration building.

Once there, he is forced to wait his turn to be seen by someone higher up. As he stands there, Tangat panting at his side and taking in the many new smells (mostly armor polish, leather, and paper), Kal's attention is suddenly drawn to the child-sized figure up ahead arguing loudly in a somewhat shrill voice with some Deneith official. It's a halfling, not three and a half feet tall, wearing a greyish garment reminiscent of a priest's robes and a backpack with silver buckles sized for him.

"...her name is Varna. She's my sister. She was on that rail! Please, for the love of Aureon, just tell me if you can find something out. Anything! She was traveling in steerage. By the Sovereign Host! Don't you keep some kind of records? House Jorasco certainly does."

"Sir," the Deneith official interrupts. "House Orien may maintain a passenger manifest—"

"I am sure House Orien does. They're not being the least bit helpful right now. That's why I've come to you. For your help. I know you need to keep some things confidential, but I have the papers to prove the passenger I'm talking about is my sister. Please, my lord, anything you can do to help me find her..."

His voice sounds almost like a child's, but the tone is decidedly mature and serious. The halfling runs fingers through his way, dark brown hair, seemingly genuinely nervous. He looks over his shoulder for a moment as if searching the air for help....then doubletakes when he sees Kal's sharash. Possibly because he's never seen one so large. Rare would be the halfling who doesn't at least recognize one of the ancestral weapons of the Plains!

This particular halfling—the only nonhuman in the office at the moment—seems to lose his train of thought for a moment.

[Jeff]

Everyone Else

It is still early in the afternoon, probably sometime near the 2nd bell (i.e. 2pm).

The barkeep brings out a two-week old edition of the Sharn Inquisitive at Goran's prompting. The Inquisitive is obviously based out of Breland in the famous City of Towers, but it's internationally distributed. It contains mostly Brelish news, but some news from abroad hits the chronicle.

Goran sees an couple of interesting articles. One is about some recent wyvern attacks in northern Zilargo, and another involves the sighting and subsequent disappearance of a wanted Karrnathi war criminal (an infamous general) at a Rekkenmark Academy* graduation ceremony.

The family by the window finally finishes their meal, excuse themselves from the dining hall, and make their way across to the Deneith enclave gate. It seems they meet with some resistance, but soon they are admitted.
______________________________________

* Rekkenmark is a city in Karrnath and home to arguably the most famous military academy on Khorvaire. Only with the war's end has the Academy begun to accept promising men and women from the rest of the Five Nations. Chief among them is Prince Halix, youngest son of Breland's king.

[Josh]

"Well, do as you like. Being coy will not win me over. My advice, as always , is well meant and freely given. I will await Kalarian's return. If you decide to do the same, I will see you all at dinner, as originally planned."

Grafth stands, waves a "thanks" to the barkeep, and heads up to the rented rooms. Once there he will clean his handaxe and other equipment more thoroughly, rest, and wait until it is time for dinner. If anyone else joins him in the rooms, he is happy to converse.

[Darren]

admin said:

Kal's Mission

Once there, he is forced to wait his turn to be seen by someone higher up. As he stands there, Tangat panting at his side and taking in the many new smells (mostly armor polish, leather, and paper), Kal's attention is suddenly drawn to the child-sized figure up ahead arguing loudly in a somewhat shrill voice with some Deneith official. It's a halfling, not three and a half feet tall, wearing a greyish garment reminiscent of a priest's robes and a backpack with silver buckles sized for him.

"...her name is Varna. She's my sister. She was on that rail! Please, for the love of Aureon, just tell me if you can find something out. Anything! She was traveling in steerage. By the Sovereign Host! Don't you keep some kind of records? House Jorasco certainly does."

"Sir," the Deneith official interrupts. "House Orien may maintain a passenger manifest—"

"I am sure House Orien does. They're not being the least bit helpful right now. That's why I've come to you. For your help. I know you need to keep some things confidential, but I have the papers to prove the passenger I'm talking about is my sister. Please, my lord, anything you can do to help me find her..."

His voice sounds almost like a child's, but the tone is decidedly mature and serious. The halfling runs fingers through his way, dark brown hair, seemingly genuinely nervous. He looks over his shoulder for a moment as if searching the air for help....then doubletakes when he sees Kal's sharash. Possibly because he's never seen one so large. Rare would be the halfling who doesn't at least recognize one of the ancestral weapons of the Plains!

This particular halfling—the only nonhuman in the office at the moment—seems to lose his train of thought for a moment.

Catching the halfling's gaze, Kalarian pushes his way through the crowd to stand near the halfling and the official. "I was on that rail," he says, addressing both of them. He turns to the official, "That is why it is so important that I speak to someone in charge, and quickly." Looking down at the halfling, Kalarian can't help but admire the fellow, fighting as he is with the humans in the room. "I believe I may have seen your sister. She is alive, or was when I last saw her. I was not able to get her name as she was unconscious at the time, but she was in the steerage cart, so I'm sure that can't be just coincidence. Stay here with me and we'll see if we can't get some information." Turning back to the official, Kalarian takes a more officious tone. "Take me to someone that I can speak with about this. Tell them that Kalarian Jaeren d'Deneith is here and that I have information that they might want."

[Joe]

"I believe I may have seen your sister. She is alive, or was when I last saw her. I was not able to get her name as she was unconscious at the time, but she was in the steerage cart, so I'm sure that can't be just coincidence. Stay here with me and we'll see if we can't get some information."

Streko gasps audibly and begins to feel a bit faint. He leans toward the dog and uses its solid body like a wall to keep him standing.

Turning back to the official, Kalarian takes a more officious tone. "Take me to someone that I can speak with about this. Tell them that Kalarian Jaeren d'Deneith is here and that I have information that they might want."

Streko looks up into the eyes of his savior, lovingly fondles the holy symbol around his neck and feels its warmth and the love of Olladra pouring into him. He stands up firmly, pats the dog's muscular shoulder and whispers a thank you to him in Halfling. Streko then turns to the official he was speaking with just moments before.

"And tell them, again, that they have information that I need. Tell them it would be wise not to make an enemy of a Great House." He squints, attempting to look tough. "Especially mine."

He takes Kal's hand and shakes it gratefully. "You have given me more information concerning my sister than the combined might of both House Deneith and House Orien. I am in your debt, my lord. My name is Streko Tavven and I shall stand with you in this endeavor, if you will have me."

He glances at the dog and smiles. "Praise Olladra and the Sovereign Host," he whispers, before glaring back at the official.

______________________________________


Just to be on the safe side, Streko is going to try to Sense Motive on Kal.

[Jeff]

Deneith Enclave

The official frowns at Kal's words, then glances back and forth between halfling and human. Everyone else in the room watches in silence.

"Jaeren," he repeats. "Very well. I'll see what I can do."

The official disappears into a back room, to be replaced by another clerk who begins to talk to the next people in line. Kal and Streko are ushered to one side of the room. Aside from the many glances sent their way, they are left alone to speak for a moment.

Kal can see that the holy symbol around Streko's neck is that of a slightly larger domino, rendered in black, white, and gray and made of some sort of smooth black stone. The domino is the symbol of Olladra, the goddess of fortune, feast, and plenty.

[Darren]

Kalarian's expression is difficult to read. He begins to speak in Halfling to Streko. "I cannot promise that the halfling I saw was your sister." Looking around the room at the various officials, he continues, "I know you are anxious for news, and I promise I will help you in whatever way I can, but please, you must keep quiet and not interfere. These are my people and I have influence with them, but if you make them angry, the process will become harder. For Varna's sake, keep quiet and let me do the talking."

[Darren]

"Well, of course she was injured. She was unconscious. I believe she may have suffered a broken arm. There was a young man who we left to attend to her. When we returned, they were gone, but there was no sign that they had been harmed, so I have to assume that she left in the care of that young man. Now, please, no more questions. I will reveal more to you later, but right now I need to get more information..."

Kalarian moves to where the official had been, impatiently awaiting his return.

______________
Huh. I was responding to a post by Joe that was here, but when I finished, his previous post was gone. That's probably why this one seems so out of place...

Also, just to save Jeff from having to post it, you can't use skills like Sense Motive on other PCs. I tried this earlier and Jeff straightened me out.

[Joe]

"I will do as you say, my lord. Out of curiosity, though, how many halflings do you believe might have been onbaord a steerage car heading toward Passage?"

Realizing that he is beginning to lose his patience again, he takes a deep breath before continuing.

"I lost my sister once. I will not allow it to happen again. As I said, however, I shall remain quiet and see if you get any further than anyone else in this place has."

[Jeff]

Just a note: Typically, Sense Motive, Bluff, and Intimidate only can really be used on NPCs. When it's vs. other player characters, you're kind of on your own...

[Paul]

Cutter watches Grafth depart.

"Touchy, isn't he?" He turns back to the others, specifically looking at Pellorien. "So what are we doing? Waiting or going? I don't care wither way, but I owe Goran a drink and if we're not going I feel like quenching my thirst."

[Jeff]

Deneith Enclave

After Kal hushed his sudden halfling companion, the two are made to wait a while longer. Then...

The Deneith official returns, leading a woman armed in the raiment and weaponry of the Defender's Guild. She appears to be in her 50s, with a weathered face, sharp eyes, and greying dark hair. Kal can tell at a glance that she is someone of considerable rank. The official points Kal and Streko out to the woman, who breaks free from the cluster of clerks and approaches them.

The Mark of Sentinel flows out from her bracers onto the back of her hand.

"Kal...Kalarian Jaeven?" she says. "Why, you're Syele's boy, aren't you? You won't remember this, but I met you in Karrlakton when you were still wetting the bed! A bawling little boy, your mother's darling."

She shakes her head and smiles. "I hear you're soon to be sworn in as a Marshal! Congratulations, young man. I'm Lady Korvine Morell, an old friend of your family. Mistress of State Administration, blah blah blah."

Lady Korvine glances down at Streko. "And this is...?"

[Darren]

Kalarian turns red either with anger or embarrassment. His grip on the sharash tightens, his own dragonmark moving under his flexing muscles. Through somewhat gritted teeth he says, "A pleasure, Lady Korvine." Kal makes an elaborate bow, using the time to compose himself. He smiles as he stands upright to face her again. "It is true, my mother is Syele, but you have me confused with my brother Marin. He is to be sworn in as a Marshal, and if I know Marin he will be an exceptional one."

Stepping closer to Lady Korvine, Kalarian continues in a lower tone. "The halfling and I just met. He is looking for information about his sister who was on the lightning rail that was attacked. That is why I am here, my lady. I was on that rail. If you are conducting an investigation, then I may have some information for you. Even if you are not, I think there are things you should know. The people who helped organize the attack were posing as members of House Deneith. In addition, members of The Emerald Claw are in some way involved." Looking suspiciously around the room, Kalarian moves in even closer, lowering his voice further. "My lady, I ask that we move somewhere else to discuss this further. I think this information is of grave importance to House Deneith."

[Joe]

Streko inches in and bows. "My Lady, I am Streko Tavven, priest of Olladra of the Soverign Host. I am here but to inquire upon the fate of my sister, who was aboard the lightning rail and, indeed, I have offered my services to Lord Kalarian d'Deneith, if he would have me."

______________________________________


Streko makes a Listen check to see if he can overhear the whispered conversation between Kal and Lady Korvine.

[Jeff]

Kal's words to Lady Korvine were not spoken too quietly. Streko can make out most of them.

______________________

Streko's Listen check = 8

[Jeremy]

Goran returns to their table, his eyes still on the paper. Without looking up he speaks.

"I heard Grafth, he was loud enough Kal probably heard him too!" The half-elf chuckles a bit at his joke.

"Anyway, touchy or not, I agree with him. Let's wait until nightfall. Speed is good, but I don't think it's that necessary yet. IF there are some out to get us who can move fast enough to nail us tonight, then they've probably already got us by now, so no harm in relaxing, eating and resting, getting ourselves better prepared should more trouble crop up. Which I think is a very real possibility. And if we abandon Kal...he may abandon us, and I don't have to tell you what that might mean."

Goran looks up at the group at last, having been speaking into the newspaper the whole time previous.

"And yes, Cutter, I will definitely take you up on that drink!" he adds with a grin. Once Cutter has rejoined the table (hopefully with something delicious and frothy) Goran will tell everyone about the more interesting news tidbits he's just read, and pass the paper around should anyone be interested.

His voice now slips down into a very quiet monotone, almost a whisper.

"It means nothing to me, but might be a lead for who might have attacked the...well, I don't want to say it here. But it may provide some clues as to who caused the damage and why the Emerald Claw was so hellbent on killing Fenwolt that they sacrificed a group of soldiers, good ones too. They fought well." he says the last sentence as a sort of afterthought.

---

Jeff, I'm assuming these places and names do not immediately mean anything to Goran, that he doesn't immediately make a connection between them and the attack on the Rail, or Fenwolt...does he?

[Jeff]

Everyone Else

Another mug of ale is brought to the table for Cutter and Goran, at the former's expense of five crowns.

The places mentioned in the Sharn Inquisitive refer to faraway places, Karrnath, the gnome nation of Zilargo, and others. Nothing stands out in obvious connection to the rail attack, but then who knows?

Deneith Enclave

To Streko, Lady Korvine nods in greeting. "A pleasure, Master Tavven." At Kal's words, she looks grim indeed. "That does concern me very much. Walk with me, gentlemen."

She leads the two men and dog outside the administration building and into the courtyard.

"My understanding is that only one coach was destroyed. Were you on the remainder of the caravan, or do you mean to tell me you were on the one that broke loose?"

"The bodies of three defenders were found in the wreckage. Two sustained wounds from the crash, it would seem. While the third was killed by a sword wound. Stabbed before the crash is our guess, not conveniently after death. The fourth defender is our traitor—or imposter—as he was nowhere to be found. The man's family, stationed here in Fairhaven, has disappeared. So we do indeed have ourselves a mystery. At the present time, we have dodged overt suspicion—Capital Affairs accepts that we may have one bad agent or an infiltrator—but we have no leads."

Lady Korvine halts, then faces Kal and looks him in the eyes. "Which is why it's important that you tell me what you know, son. I have the ear of Viceroy Dogan—and perhaps, if I may dare to say—some pull with Aurad ir'Wynarn."

Kal knows that Aurad ir'Wynarn is the brother of Queen Aurala, and is the effective mayor of Fairhaven and governor of Aundair's Capital Affairs. Streko doesn't know the name Aurad, but he does recognize ir'Wynarn: the ancient bloodline of old Galifar*. Every legitimate royal in the Five Nations hails from the same blood line, including Breland's King Boranel, Karrnath's King Kaius, Aundair's Queen Aurala, and Thrane's "figurehead" Queen Diani.
________________________

Kal's Knowledge (royalty & nobility) check = 15
Streko's Knowledge (royality & nobility) check = 8

By the way, not sure if you guys would notice or not, but I am deducting the coinage for you. Might be worth keeping an eye on your funds from time to time.

* Galifar is the original massive kingdom from which the Five Nations—Aundair, Breland, Cyre, Karrnath, Thrane—fragmented. The Kingdom of Galifar's prime were the golden ages of Khorvaire, when the virtual empire was prosperous and powerful. It was the latter day king, Jarot, whose death led to the Last War...little more than a war of succession gotten out of hand.

[Darren]

Having learned to be mistrustful, Kalarian would like to make a Sense Motive check before continuing on.

[Jeff]

Neither Kal, nor Streko, believe that Lady Korvine is telling a lie. Her words seem convicted.

_______________________________

Sense Motive, along with a few other skills, are rolled secretly by me and you don't get to see the result (else you'd be able to tell a bad roll from the subject's lie).

[Lara]

At Cutter's words, Pellorien moves to speak when Goran cuts her off. With a slight roll of her eyes she sits back in her chair, accepting the proffered drink. The chatter about news in far-away lands moves around her as she sits and drinks, perhaps listening, perhaps not. Finally, she stands and says, "I'm not good at sitting around and waiting. I'm going for a walk. Company's welcome, should anyone care to join me."

She moves to leave the dining room.

[Jeremy]

Goran politely declines to join Pellorien on the walk, having just received a fresh pot of beer, but insists that someone go with her, pointing that none of them should be wandering around by themselves just now, even those familiar with this city.

"There may be some watching us, and a lone target may prove too tempting for them to resist."

After finishing his ale, if nothing else comes up, Goran will go up to room and grab a little sleep.

[Ed]

Looking relieved, Oss stands and nods. "I'll go with her. I could use a bit of moving around myself."

__________________
Oss will follow Pel out.

[Jeff]

Oss & Pellorien

Once Oss and Pellorien step out the front door of the inn, the warforged sitting there looks up at them. "Must be nice to be treated with a bit of respect," he says bitterly. His meta face, of course, has no expression.

Across the street, and through the formidable bars of the Deneith enclave gate, Oss and Pellorien can actually see Kal walking slowly through the courtyard. With him is a halfling in grey robes and some sort of older, Deneith commander. They are too far away to hear (or possibly even call out to), but certainly not beyond sight.

Where will you go or what will you do?

[Lara]

admin said:

Oss & Pellorien

Where will you go or what will you do?

Pellorien turns to Oss.

"I would like to go to Fenwolt's. This way," she says with a nod in the direction of the Sovereign Ward.

[Ed]

Oss raises an eyebrow and glances back to the inn before grinning and following after the woman. "Finally...some movement."

[Jeff]

Oss & Pellorien

Oss and Pellorien set out for the Sovereign Ward, where Pellorien seems to think Fenwolt's address points. With a bright sun overhead and a pleasant late summer breeze washing through, the streets are thick with residents, travelers, and merchants. All seems quiet.

To Oss, it's satisfying to see a city at peace. Despite the the previous day's events and the rail attack, there is still a sense that it was a small ripple in the whole of the pond. Among other metaphors...

Just as they're nearing the destination ward, they hear a young voice cry out in the crowd, "Yellowskin!"

An unarmed goblin—a youthful one, at that—in baggy, well-worn clothes brusts from the crowd, sprinting vaguely in their direction. Giving chase is a half-elf boy with long brown hair a good deal older and stronger than the goblin—probably fifteen years of age. In his hand is a real cudgel.

"Did nothing! Did nothing!" the prepubescent goblin screeches. He weaves past the man in front of Oss, then throws himself into a ball just behind the warmage's tall legs, clinging to his boots. The yellow-skinned goblin looks up pitifully, wheezing through his broad nose and tries to offer Oss a pleading smile.

The half-elf boy stops short when he sees the goblin cowering behind Oss and Pellorien. "Please, sir, I just want my money back. My papa works hard for it. Don't protect that thing."

Goran and Cutter

The large mug that the human and half-elf have been sharing is nearly empty; a mild sadness falls over them.

The dark-haired woman, Jara, who was speaking with Kal a while ago looks over to them.

"Is your friend always such a self-centered popinjay?" she asks them. Despite her words, they've noticed that she's been staring out the window for a while. She still looks nervous, but is noticeably more at ease since her brief conversation with Kal.

Grafth

Grafth finds a good deal of peace and quiet upstairs in his room. The ambient sounds of the city through the window and the delightful sensation of a full stomach compete to see which will be the first to lull him to sleep.

[Ed]

Oss lifts a hand, gesturing for the half-elf to stay calm. "Whoa, son," he says. "Let's work this out, alright?"

He looks to the goblin, ready to catch the goblin if it should try to flee, and says, "Did you take this boy's money? You need to be honest with me, alright?. I'll help ya out if ya need something, little friend, but stealing ain't right. Now, tell me the truth."

___________________________________________
Whatever checks you feel appropriate. Oss would also be looking to Pel for a little assistance (I mean that both RP and mechanically).

[Lara]

Pellorien moves so that she stands nearly behind the young half-elf so that she can make eye contact with Oss. She looks in his direction and shakes her head slightly, then looks over the young half-elf.

__________________________
Spot (looking for anything on him that provides more information about him) = 10

[Jeff]

Oss & Pellorien

The half-elf boy eyes Pellorien warily as she moves to get around him, since she was walking beside Oss only moments before. "Hey now...!"

The goblin wimpers, perhaps excesively, and Oss can tell he's making himself out to be more pathetic than he really is.

Pellorien keeps a close eye on the boy in turn, but he doesn't move much; he just watches her back, his face defiant. "Miss, I'm on your side. You can't trust a goblin!"

The goblin breaks loose then, releasing Oss's legs and hurrying to get away. Oss reaches for him, missing the speedy creature, but the goblin trips on his first stride. Oss gets both hands on the goblin's arms and stops him short for a moment. The goblin youth is certainly stronger than he looks, and manages to flail his way free from Oss's grip. "Leave alone!" the goblin wails as he disappears into the crowd.

"Aureon's arse!" the boy curses, then lowers his cudgel. "Nevermind. Thanks for trying." He turns to go.

____________________________

Non-combat maneuver:

• Oss's Initiative = 6
  
• Goblin's Initiative = 4
  
• Oss's melee touch attack to grapple = 10 (missing)
  
• Goblin moves to escape, provoking an attack of opportunity.
  
• Oss's melee touch attack of opportunity = 16
  
• Oss's grapple check = 2 vs. goblin's grapple check = 8

[Josh]

Grafth, stretched comfortably on one of the firm, cot-like beds happily falls into a light slumber. Visions of the warm Talenta plains flit through his mind...