Chapter 1: A Peaceable Kingdom

[Darren]

Kalarian pauses, clearly deciding whether or not he should trust even a high ranking member of the house. Finally, he begins to to tell Lady Korvine his story, beginning with the attack on Gurend on the rail platform. "The others on the platform, a young woman, two half-elves, a shifter, and a large man with tattoos, helped me get Gurend on board the train. I had booked late, and so ended up in steerage, and yes, was on the very rail car that was attacked. In fact, I saw the sabotage occur. There were men on the train who claimed to be guards, posing as members of the Deneith guilds. I think, now, that only two of them were genuine." Kalarian goes on to tell Lady Korvine about the gnome and his argument with one of the imposter guards, and how the warforged was made to explode, causing the rail car to be destroyed from the inside.

"When we awoke, there were few of us left. The ones who helped me get Gurend on the train all survived. There was also a young man and a halfling, whom I now believe to have been Streko's sister. Gurend did not survive, and when he died, he turned out to have been a changeling. I scanned the area for magical auras and discovered that the dirt covered cargo did, in fact, possess some sort of magical properties, but I was interrupted before I could examine it further." (Kalarian does not mention the book that Gurend gave to Pellorien). Kalarian goes on to tell Lady Korvine of the arrival of Davin and his men. "When the three riders appeared, they claimed to be soldiers from the local militia and offered to help any survivors. When we let our guard down, that's when the cowards attacked. My companions and I fought and subdued them. I was responsible for killing their leader, who called himself Davin. They carried no identification, but I now believe they may have been members of the Emerald Claw. I would guess that they were sent to ensure that their sabotage had been carried out completely."

Kalarian pauses, letting Lady Korvine process this information. "It turns out there was one other survivor of the wreck. We discovered the gnome nearby, the one who was responsible for the explosion. Must have been some kind of artificer. We cornered and questioned him, and he claimed to have been hired by someone to sabotage that rail car. He knew that the Deneith imposters on the train were fakes. He did not say if the men who hired him claimed to be from House Deneith, as well."

Kalarian goes on to tell her how the group planned to bring the gnome back to Fairhaven, and how they revisited the site of the wreckage and found the bodies burned and with their heads removed. To Streko he says, "There was no sign of your sister or the young man whose care we left her in." Kalarian turns back to Lady Korvine. He tells her how the group travelled along the road and of their ambush. He gives special attention to the heroic deeds he performed in destroying the zombie and two of the soldiers, despite being badly wounded. "We were able to keep one of the men alive long enough to question him. He admitted to being a member of the Emerald Claw and also gave an indication of having known the men we fought with earlier."

"My lady, I came straight here when I arrived in town. I don't know what the intended target of the attack was. It may have been the changeling, or possibly the cargo on the rail car. I am certain that the gnome was the target of the attack on the road, and unfortunately they succeeded. I fear that my companions and I may also now be a target. If I can help in your investigation, I will. But if you have information, please, my lady, I ask that you allow me to know as much as possible in order to properly defend myself and my companions."

With a look over at Streko, Kalarian adds, "And, of course, if you know anything about the halfling, I'm sure that my friend here would appreciate it."

[Jeff]

Deneith Enclave

Lady Korvine listens gravely to Kal's story. She interrupts him only once, when he describes the battle on the road. "Ahh, you're the mage of the family. Syele wrote once that she had a 'marked boy, talented and smart. Didn't know it was her youngest."

She glances constantly around as Kal speaks, ever aware of the proximity of others. She seems satisfied that the three speak in confidence.

"I do believe you and your friends are the only ones with a firsthand account. This makes you very important....and quite possibly very imperiled. Can I meet your companions, Kalarian? Are they together?" She seems quite concerned about this. "I think we can help each other. You and your companions will have house protection—discrete protection, because I know we know I can't trust everybody...no instituion on Eberron is free from corruption, Kalarian. Not Deneith, not even the Marshals, painful as it is to admit. We uphold principles of neutrality and justice that the other houses could never understand, but...greed strikes everywhere, and a few weak links can..."

Lady Korvine smiles sadly. "Enough talk for now. Can I meet with them? Quietly, away from here. You have trusted me with all of this, and I will trust you to tell me what you know. You will have help, and you can help the house in turn uncover the truth." She looks up, beyond the gates of the enclave. "I shouldn't go far. The Soldier's Rest, perhaps? Let us meet within on the seventh bell?"

"You, too, Master Tavven. You have a part to play in this, I think. Your sister is alive, it seems, and that makes her a variable."

[Joe]

Streko shivers slightly as he listens intently to Kal's tale of death and destruction. The moment that Kal mentions zombies, Streko feels his stomach twist and knot up. He grabs his belly and leans against Kal's dog for support. He looks up at Lady Korvine and forces the snarl back down his throat that Kal's words subconsciously forced towards the surface. He takes a few deep breaths and continues listening to the conversation...

But if you have information, please, my lady, I ask that you allow me to know as much as possible in order to properly defend myself and my companions."

Streko glances up at Kal's face. It is both determined and proud. When he realizes the conversation is over, he nudges the human with his elbow.

With a look over at Streko, Kalarian adds, "And, of course, if you know anything about the halfling, I'm sure that my friend here would appreciate it."

He looks up at Lady Korvine and forces a warm smile onto his face. He listens intently to her concerns and nods appropriately until it is time to separate and a rendezvous is determined.

"You, too, Master Tavven. You have a part to play in this, I think. Your sister is alive, it seems, and that makes her a variable."

"Indeed, my lady. She always has been that. I am honored to be of service to you and Lord Kalarian."

As Lady Korvine turns to leave, Streko pokes Kal. "My lord, I am grateful for your kind words and your help. However, something you said concerns me. You mentioned a young man was caring for my sister. Do you know who he was...or at least what race?"

______________________________________

Streko really looks at Kal for the first time. Can he notice that Kal is wounded? If so, Streko will offer to heal some of his aches.

[Jeremy]

Goran looks up at the lady, answering her question with a confident smile.

"Yup. If he turns into a quiet, graceful gentlemen, well, that's when we'll be worried something might be wrong with him." he laughs a bit.

"But he's alright, though. I believe he is honest, at least. He's never given me any reason to believe otherwise."

Goran adds a bit more quietly, looking mournfully into the ale glass.

"Of course our friendship, such as it is, has been brief."

[Darren]

"You will pardon me for saying so, Lady Korvine, but how do we know who we can trust?" Kalarian looks uncomfortable with what he just said, but realizes he cannot take it back. "When last I saw those that travelled with me, they were at the Soldier's Rest. Might we agree that I will assemble them outside of the inn at the time you requested?"

Speaking of the inn jogs Kalarian's memory. "My lady, one more favor I must ask. I promised a woman that I would inquire about her brother. It seems she has been having trouble getting information about him. His name is Regen Caldam and he is a white blade. His sister fears that he may have fallen in battle. A noble death for a member of the Blademarks Guild, no doubt, but I would be grateful to be able to offer the lady a bit of comfort." Kalarian can't hide his smile, thinking of the drink he might get to share with Jara.

_________________
Once again, if possible, Kal would like to Sense Motive on Lady Korvine. He is suspicious of her desire to meet the other members of the group.

[Jeff]

Deneith Enclave

Lordy Korvine gives Kal a sudden look. "I will pardon you, young Kal. If you cannot trust the one to whom you just told your whole story, who will you trust?"

Her demeanor seems to have hardened. "Very well, outside the inn at the seventh bell. As to the young woman, I am sympathetic many but loved ones must wait for proper protocols to deliver the appropriate information. Now isn't the time to indulge in the worries of those not involved in the current crisis. I will leave the name with my employees, perhaps I can learn more by the time of our meeting."

"Until then, gentlement." Lady Korvine nods, then turns away.

____________________________

Kal does not get any sense of dishonesty from Lady Korvine.

[Jeff]

Grafth

While he drifts into an afternoon nap...

Grafth opens his eyes suddenly, his senses aware of something...he's not sure what, nearby. His scents the air, but identifies nothing amiss. There is no sound out of place. He looks to the window. The shutters have been blown open almost to the outside wall of the building...as if a wind had originated from the inside of the room, blowing out. Or were the shutters already that way? He can't recall.

Grafth cannot shake the feeling that there is something unseen present...or was present recently.

__________________________________________

Grafth's Spot check = 18

[Paul]

Cutter yawns. The ale is making him sleepy. There are two options open to him - carry on drinking, or go for a nap.

He looks around, and quite enjoys the vibe of the dining room. He always enjoys being in taverns and inns. Always new people about, stories to hear and tell.

He cocks an eyebrow at Goran. "Another? But we make it last. I don't want to be staggering around like an Aundarian wine farmer when we head out to the gnome's place."

[Darren]

"My apologies, my lady," Kalarian says before Lady Korvine leaves. "The last few days have made it difficult to trust anyone. I was simply thinking of the reactions of my companions, as well."

Kalarian seems almost humbled as the woman walks away. Looking around the complex, Kalarian gains a renewed sense of self-confidence. His shoulders straighten, and his stride is confident as he leads Streko towards the gates. "Come, my friend. We will gather my companions and await Lady Korvine's arrival."

__________________
What time is it currently? Kalarian is returning to the Soldier's Rest to find the others. He will try to gather them in one central location, either someone's room or the dining room, in order to tell them what happened.

[Jeff]

It is mid afternoon, sometime between the 2nd and 3rd bell.

[Joe]

Streko grumbles at being ignored by Kal, but holds back from nudging him again.

Kalarian seems almost humbled as the woman walks away. Looking around the complex, Kalarian gains a renewed sense of self-confidence. His shoulders straighten, and his stride is confident as he leads Streko towards the gates. "Come, my friend. We will gather my companions and await Lady Korvine's arrival."

Streko sighs indignantly, but follows Kal out the Enclave, whispering to the dog in halfling, "Is he always like this?"

[Darren]

Kalarian arrives back at the inn and goes to the dining room.

If Jara is still there, he catches her eye and says, "I'll have information soon."

Sitting down at the table with Cutter and Goran, Kalarian looks around. "Where are Pellorien, Oss, and Grafth?"

[Jeff]

Kal and Streko exit the Deneith enclave without incident. When they approach the door of the Soldier's Rest Inn across the broad street, the warforged sitting on a stool outside turns to look at them. "Enjoy your stay," he says to them sarcastically.

When they enter the inn and come to the foyer, Kal can see Goran and Cutter sitting contentedly at a table in the adjacent dining room. They are passing back and forth a large mug. Two empty ones sit discarded on the other side of the table.

In turn, both human and half-elf see that Kal has returned. At his side, a halfling in greyish robes and a backpack looks on.

Tangat hasn't minded Streko's presence or even touch so far, though hasn't been particularly responsive, either. When the dog sees Goran, he pads over to him, tail wagging.

____________________________________

Edit: Huh...this post really should precede Darren's above. Posted at about the same time, I'm guessing.

[Joe]

Streko stands near the table, but not too close. He watches and listens, but says nothing to these other people...yet.

[Josh]

Grafth is standing, confused but alert. His reaction to the urban scape is always one of edginess, and the feeling that something supernatural may have occurred displeases him.

Checking the safety and secureness of his belongings, he leaves the room to seek out the others.

When he crosses the lobby into the dining area, he notices that Kal has returned, two of his party are gone, and a diminutive figure skirts the edge of the table he had recently left.

"Welcome back, dragonmarked," Grafth says as he approaches the table, still standing. "And it seems we have lost a few of the others?

"No matter- listen, I awoke just now to a feeling... I cannot explain.. that something felt amiss in our rooms, as if an intrusion was made. I saw nothing out of place... but... I have less understaning of things macigal than some of you seem to..."

He looks especially at Goran, and at Kal, his eyes darting quickly to the halfling as well.

[Joe]

Grafth is standing, confused but alert. His reaction to the urban scape is always one of edginess, and the feeling that something supernatural may have occurred displeases him.

Checking the safety and secureness of his belongings, he leaves the room to seek out the others.

When he crosses the lobby into the dining area, he notices that Kal has returned, two of his party are gone, and a diminutive figure skirts the edge of the table he had recently left.

"Welcome back, dragonmarked," Grafth says as he approaches the table, still standing. "And it seems we have lost a few of the others?

At the mention of the word dragonmarked, Streko instinctively turns to face the new arrival. He is on his guard, until he realizes that the approaching human isn't human at all.

"A shifter!" He looks around, making sure he didn't say that too loudly.

"No matter- listen, I awoke just now to a feeling... I cannot explain.. that something felt amiss in our rooms, as if an intrusion was made. I saw nothing out of place... but... I have less understaning of things macigal than some of you seem to..."

Streko steps closer to the shifter. "Perhaps I can assist you, good sir, as you appear to be a friend of Lord d'Deneith."

[Jeff]

Jara notes Kal's return—with halfling in tow—with a raised eyebrow.

If Jara is still there, [Kal] catches her eye and says, "I'll have information soon."

"I...see."

[Jeremy]

Goran's expression becomes serious at Grafth's words, he has learned to respect the senses of the shifter.

"Can you explain more of what you felt? I must admit I've been a bit disturbed by the mood in this city, of the people. Almost too quiet, too unconcerned, if you know what I mean. But there's no magic spawning this thought, just instinct."

He passes on any more ale, noting to Cutter he can finish if it he likes, since things seem to be afoot once more.

"Pel and Oss went for a bit of a stroll. I'm hoping they didn't go far. How'd it go over at House D?" he says with a playful smile.

At the first lull in conversation Goran will stroll over to the barkeep and asks for some coffee or strong tea.

[Josh]

To Goran, he replies, "I wish I could tell you more. Perhaps your abilities would uncover something that mine could not?"

He faces the halfling, "Aye, Kalarian travels with me... and the rest you see before you. Have you come from the enclave as well?"

[Darren]

"This is my new friend, Streko. We believe that his sister, Varna, may have been the halfling that we saw...earlier." Kalarian introduces Streko to Goran, Cutter, and Grafth. "There are two others who travel with us, but they seem to be out at the moment. Hopefully they will return soon. I have news for all of you, but for right now I will keep it brief. Lady Korvine, a high ranking member of House Deneith, wishes to meet with all of us at 7 bells. I have arranged for us to meet her outside of here. I believe I offended her, but my friends, we all know that we cannot immediately trust anyone right now. I figured that if our initial contact with her was out in the street, in view of the Deneith enclave and anyone else passing in the street, that we might be safer in case anything was planned. She has offered us protection and wishes for our help." Kalarian's attention shifts to Grafth. "First, however, if you believe there may have been some magic in use inside of your room, then allow me to go and see if any magic auras remain. Streko, will you accompany me?"

As Kalarian passes the front desk on his way upstairs, he stops to talk briefly to the innkeeper. "My clothes need to be laundered and mended. Do you have facilities for that?" Once Kal has his answer, he continues upstairs to the room Grafth was sleeping in.

__________
Once in the room, Kal will cast Detect Magic and spend however long it takes to detect whatever auras are there.

[Jeremy]

Goran will follow Kal and their new compadre up to Grafth's room.

---

Goran will go into the room too, just in case there is anything he can sense, or at least get a feel for what Grafth felt. Even if it can't figure out what it is, he might recognize it if it happens again.

[Jeff]

The clerk at the disk—an employee, not the proprietor—briefly tells Kal that laundering services are available for guests and patrons of the inn. He seems to be pointing to the fact that Kal is not staying at the inn, but does admit that there is a magewright on staff who can mend clothing.

(Mundane repair and cleaning would cost 1 galifar per outfit. Magical repair and cleaning is 5 galifars per outfit.)

Kal's detection spell in Grafth's room yields nothing. Either there was no magical presence, or else it wasn't so powerful as to leave a lingering trace. Most magical presences fade quickly. Goran, likewise, discerns nothing unsual.

______________________________

Goran's Search check = 22

[Josh]

"Hmm... perhaps it was merely the remnants of a dream, though I do not believe I was so deeply asleep. I suppose we can't be too careful, at this point."

[Darren]

"I'm sorry I could not detect more for you, my friend," Kalarian says to Grafth. "I know your senses are keen, and I do not doubt that you sensed something. Let us all remain alert. Still," Kalarian says with a stretch, "I need a bath, and perhaps something to eat. If you will excuse me..." Before everyone leaves, Kalarian says, "Master Streko, if you will meet me in the dining room, I would be honored to have a meal with you."

Kalarian proceeds to bathe, change his clothes, and leave the road-worn set to be mended by the inn's mage. The warm water is soothing to Kalarian's worn muscles, and it is only at this point does he realize that the injuries he sustained the previous day are still affecting him. When he is finished with his bath, Kalarian returns to the dining room to find Streko and have a plate of food.

_______________
Kalarian will pay for his meal as well as Streko's. If Jara is willing to join them, he will pay for her meal, as well. He will also pay for the magical mending.

If the clerk gives Kalarian any difficulty, he will point out that it was he who paid for all of the rooms for his companions, and that a blood member of House Deneith deserves better treatment from an establishment that borders the enclave.

Finally, what time is it now?

[Jeff]

The clerk collects Kal's money—six galifars for the mending and two meals—with an uncomfortable frown, but he gives him no problem. In half an hour's time, he is clean and his clothing repaired.

Kal and Streko sit at a table with the lunch meal served before them. Nearby, the 3rd bell sounds from a clock tower.

Kal, Grafth, Goran, Cutter, and Streko are free to converse until Oss and Pellorien return. Tangat sits attentively beside Streko's chair and stares at him. It is not difficult, given his posture and wide-eyed interest, to imagine him as a puppy—a hungry, big-eyed puppy whom no one ever feeds.

[Darren]

Nodding in Tangat's direction, Kalarian speaks in Halfling. "Master Streko, if you want a friend, I suggest you provide an offering." Kalarian grins widely. He is enjoying this bit of downtime.

[Joe]

Streko has followed the group, quietly observing and listening in to the various conversations and generally just gathering all the information he can on these new friends.

Back downstairs, he asks for and receives a high-seat, so that he can see the top of the table, a situation he knows that taller beings take for granted.

Nodding in Tangat's direction, Kalarian speaks in Halfling. "Master Streko, if you want a friend, I suggest you provide an offering."

Streko grins, nods and provides a morsel for Tangat. He then turns to the group and addresses them all in Common.

"I am a priest of Olladra and it appears as if you've seen some...violence...recently. I am capable of providing some healing if you wish it."

______________________________

If any are agreeable, Streko will provide two Cure Light Wounds spells...if not, he will shrug and give another piece of food to Tangat.

[Darren]

Around a mouthful of food, Kalarian gladly accepts Streko's offer, the pain in his shoulder giving him discomfort.

"Master Streko, I would enjoy hearing more about your sister, Varna."

[Jeff]

Streko's audible and visual divine supplication to Olladra, which draws the attention of the few other diners and the barkeep, causes the halfling's hands to glow with a soft white light for a few seconds. When he lays his hands upon Kal's shoulder, the residual pain from the injury vanishes almost entirely. The second such spell restores him completely.

________________________________________

Streko's cure light wounds spells heal Kal 6 points and then 10 points. Kal's back to maximum.

[Lara]

admin said:

Oss & Pellorien

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

Pellorien watches the half-elf walk away, shrugs, then turns to Oss, "What do you suppose that was about? He seemed like more of a bully than a victim to me.... Oh, well." She looks around to gain her bearings once again. "It should be this way," she nods, "I think. Ready?"