Chapter 1: A Peaceable Kingdom

[Jeremy]

Goran stands patiently with the others, awaiting an opportunity to ask for some healing for himself (he's not back up to strength yet from wounds received back on the road, seems like years ago, and other battles)...and to ask around where he might get some berries. But he'll leave the healing first to those who need it most.

He will take some time to clean his weapon(s), and clean himself up a bit.

[Jeff]

Dhaz wanders over to the seating area. He gives a clipped burp, mumbles an apology to the woman nearest him, then makes his way toward the larged potted plant. Two red-faced halflings, seeing his intent, dash out from the desk area and, as politely as possible, steer him back to the group.

One of the clerks comes forward and offers Kal a leash, politely explaining that it's policy to keep all animals restrained, hinting that allowing the wolfdog to even come in this entrance is bending the rules. Kal knows this to be true, and he knows from experience that Tangat will cooperate and submit to a leash in certain public places. The clerk goes away, then returns again with a strip of salted pork, offering it to Tangat and patting him on the head.

When the clerk gives her the word, Hemmy beckons the group to follow her. She pushes past a pair of swinging double doors, leads you onto an elevation lift—you see no chains or robes, so this one might be raised and lowered with magic—down a long hall, and into a room just large enough to accomodate you. Hemmy has given you a private room, clean, white, and vaguely sterile-looking. Still, it's comfortable, and the window faces north.

Hemmy lingers, tending to you, fetching bandages, bringing basins of water so you can clean up, and making idle conversation: Did you hear about the fires in the Laurelbough District? The fires were quelled, but fourteen people in total were killed (please say nothing, that number hasn't been released yet), and plenty of badly burned people were ushered here to the Jorasco hospital (they're in another ward). What's going on these days? Things were so quiet. Did you hear about the mysterious airship that disengaged from the Lyrandar docking towers and flew over by a residential tenement building? The other nurses think it was some sort of wanted criminal seeking revenge—but the royal guard chased it off.

Dhaz is finally given the opportunity to relieve himself in an adjoining privy; he seems vaguely disappointed at its convenience. When he finishes, he collapses onto one of the beds. Although intoxicated, he is in better physical shape than the rest of you.

At last, a Jorasco dragonmarked heir enters the room. He is all business, offering only a single, sympathetic glance at the party's injuries. He explains the cost of Jorasco services (and you know them to be standard for the house): For merely binding wounds and making sure they're cleaned and sanitized, it is 3 sovereigns per person. For long-term care, it's 7 sovereigns per day (natural healing at twice the normal rate).

Hemmy speaks up, then, telling the heir that your party seeks magical healing and expedience. He nods, and explains that each use of the Mark of Healing (cure light wounds, which will heal 3-10 hit points) will cost 8 galifars. This fee is non-negotiable.

"Sir, this is Lord Streko Tavven d'Jorasco," Hemmy cuts in. "He is a member of the house and also the Church of Olladra, only recently come to Fairhaven from a hospital in Sharn."

The halfling heir frowns, then nods, citing that under the circumstances, Streko's healing will be free of charge but he cannot make allowances beyond that at this time. The heir also asks, in clinical terms, what the cause of the injury was. It is apparent that he's not prying into the party's affairs, but merely wishes to know the origin of the wounds in case additional steps need to be taken (poison, magic, etc.). He is cooly professional.

At Goran's inquiries, Hemmy says she will ask if the kitchen staff has any fresh berries they can spare. She also asks Streko about the lead box. It's not part of any service Jorasco offers, but he can always inquire with the staff if they might know where something like this could be acquired.

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Tell me what how much healing you are requesting and what amount of gold you are willing to part with. Remember, 8gp can buy you a cure light wound spell which will heal you 3-10 (I'll roll it) hit points.

[Darren]

Kalarian raises an eyebrow at Streko. "Lord Streko?" He chuckles. Kalarian has incredible respect for the halfling people, but he has trouble thinking of his small friend as a lord. "Hiding one of these under there somewhere?" he says, pointing to his dragonmark, and then playfully trying to look under Streko's cloak. Kal's mood has definitely lightened being amongst the halflings.

Turning to the healer, Kalarian requests cure light wounds for himself and for Tangat. "The warriors of House Deneith are always glad of the services of the Jorasco healers," he says. Once the process is completed, he excuses himself into the next room and changes out of the ripped clothing.

[Joe]

Streko grumbles softly at Kal, but keeps a grin on his face. "I am NO Lord, my Lord..."

He gives Hemmy a galifar, wrapping it into the palm of her hand. "You have been very kind and attentive to me and my friends. I think you, good nurse."

He then turns to the doctor. "If there are any in-house mages, it is imperative that we speak with them as soon as possible. Please. In the meantime..."

Streko removes his blood stained shirt, exposing the dragonmark over his heart, less than an inch below the wound inflicted by the warforged. "This was caused by a military pick, thrust into me by a renegade warforged. Some magical healing was provided to allow me to make it here, although I fear much more will be required to get me back to full strength. However, before this is done, I would offer my dragonmark to any exhausted healers. Hemmy, Olladra bless her, mentioned that the enclave was responsible for treating the many wounded from the fires in the Laurelbough District. Anything I can do to assist you, please tell me. I am at your service."

[Josh]

Grafth notes the halfling's dragonmark, and the others' amusement, but has no real reaction to the situation.

When he is able to be treated, Grafth explains he wants to be treated of any burns and wounds, and shows no concern for the cost.


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So... cure light wounds? That's what I want. Fill 'er up, sir.

[Jeff]

The Jorasco heir practically ignores Streko's request for a house mage, then politely nods his head at his offer to assist with healing. You're not sure if he's realy paying attention.

Then Taymra pulls Streko aside. "Listen, Mast...Lor....Streko, I know you mean well. But you have stressed our urgency to them already. I have an idea, but we need to be moving out of here soon...which is what your friends seemed to be hoping for."

Equipped with a glowing dragonshard-imbedded ring and with a wand, the Jorasco heir begins to use magical healing for those who are willing to pay for it. Even though your wounds begin to vanish, skin regenerated and replenished, you still feel the late hour in your whole body. It's been a long day.

Taymra pays for two uses of the Mark of Healing as well, though she isn't fully healed. Nevertheless, she looks a lot less pale and a good deal stronger. All throughout, she glances out the window and keeps asking the nurse what the time is. She seems antsy.

Hemmy touches Streko on the arm. "I will ask if there is a mage on staff tonight."

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All throughout, Taymra is healed 3 and then 9 hit points.
Taymra receives healing, as well.
Kal is healed 9 hit points.
Tangat is healed 8 hit points. He's back to full health!
Grafth is healed 10 hit points. He's back to full health!
Streko is healed to his fullest.

Reminder: For those with injuries that remain, remember that if you do get a good night's rest, you'll automatically heal 3 points overnight.

[Lara]

Pellorien agrees to the benefits of the stronger magical healing. While paying for the services, she also hands Taymra enough galifers to cover the other woman's expenses. "Take this, please. I will be offended if you argue or refuse."

[Darren]

"Lord Streko," Kalarian murmurs to himself in amusement. "A dragonmarked heir..."

Kalarian gets close to Taymra, speaking primarily for her benefit. "What do you have planned? I know I can get assistance from House Deneith, but the others seem reluctant to accept that help for some reason."

[Jeff]

"I..." Taymra opens her mouth to protest, then smiles. "Thank you, Pellorien." Pellorien knows that her charm spell will wear off in half an hour's time.

As a clerk collections payment, the Jorasco heir looks questioning up to Oss. "Sir?"

When she has your attention, Taymra lowers her voice and addresses the group. "Listen, here's my thought. Whether we get this lead-shielding device or not"—she nods to Streko—"our enemies still know generally where we are. So let's quit the city, and see if they follow us. If so, at least they won't trouble Fairhaven. I know I've heard some of you say you wanted to go to the city of Passage, anyway, right? There's a midnight depature of the rail which, if we don't tarry here much longer, I think we can make. I can secure us seats, even a private car and beds. By noon tomorrow we'll be pulling into Passage.

Looking pointedly at Oss, and with concern at Pellorien, she continues. "I know you fear some dragonmarked conspiracy. But Passage is the central headquarters of my house. We needn't call on any of Orien's political leaders if you don't want to, but it might be good to know they're close at hand. The attack on the rail has angered House Orien; let's see if the terrorists dare to strike again at Orien's very doorstep. If things go bad, I guarantee you we can get help there. And I promise you the rail security is tighter still now."

Dhaz sits up from his bed. "The rail? I've still got a headache from my first ride."

Taymra shrugs. "Even if you don't want to leave by rail*, we should at least go to Chalice Center when we leave here. It'll be active, even this late at night, with citizens, travelers, and guards close by. No one will attack us there."

Goran feels a light tap at his shoulder. He turns to find Hemmy holding out her hand, where 10 blueberries await. "They're fresh. When I told one of the cooks that a half-elf was asking for berries, he laughed and gave me these. 'Tell the Reacher I said hello.' Is that true? Are you from the Eldeen Reaches?"

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Pellorien is healed 7 hit points. She's fully healed!

* Short of teleporation magic, there is no faster standard means of travel on Khorvaire. Even airships can seldom outpace the lightning rail, though they certainly can go places the rail cannot.

[Darren]

Pulling Hemmy aside, Kalarian speaks to her in Halfling. "If I write a letter, can you see to it that it is delivered, unread, to House Deneith?"

[Josh]

At the mention of leaving for Passage, Grafth nods his agreement, "This plan is sound, and rest while moving will likely be safer. Let me ask, did anyone leave anything behind at the Inn? Do we need to make a quick return?"

"If so, perhaps Goran and I should go swiftly back and collect things for the group and rejoin you at the Chalice Center... with swiftness, we would still be able to make the rail. If not, then let us be on our way."

[Joe]

"I, too, agree with you Tymora. Passage appears to be the place where all leads point. And rest is desperately needed. I also believe that it will be much more difficult to attack us if we keep moving."

Streko pats his backpack. "I have all I need in here. Otherwise, come morning, all I will need is time for prayer. We can leave once all who need healing have been attended to and our accounts have been settled."

[Darren]

Kalarian moves off to the side, removing a sheet of paper, a pen and a vial of ink from his pack. He composes the letter he intends to send. When he is finished, he inquires of Hemmy if there is any wax available with which to seal it. He seems to have forgotten to bring any.

[Ed]

At the question of healing, Oss pats himself down in a mock showing and grins as he says, "You won't get your hands on me today, sawbones."

At the mention of Passage, Oss's mood perks up and he says, "Yes, the sooner the better."

[Jeremy]

Goran smiles at the purveyor of the Berries.

"Tell your friend I return their greeting." and he smiles and gives a slight bow. "I didn't know anyone cared about my forests in these parts." he seems pleased.

Turning to Grafth-

"Yes, Grafth and I will go and do what we need to do, and meet you soon after. Give me a moment, Grafth."

Goran lays out four of the berries and casts Goodberry. He will eat two of them, setting aside the other two charmed berries from the others, gently packing them all away in his gear. He takes care so that some shock or violence could be withstood by the pack without the berries being harmed.

Presumably if he can get any sleep in the near future, he will. He got an hour or two at the inn, but that's all.

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I'm guessing everyone in the party must be nearing exhaustion by now.

[Jeff]

Goran's spell enchants 6 of the 10 berries. He eats two of them, and they taste amazing. They also fully satisfy him. He pockets the remaining 6 (4 of which are enchanted).

Hemmy nods at Kal. "All right. I'll find someone to flag down a courier. I'm not sure how much it costs them. A few crowns, at least."

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Goran heals 2 hit points.

Jeremy: The spell enchants 2d4 berries (and I rolled a 6 for you). Also, note that they will only remained enchanted for 24 hours, so use 'em up before that time. My recommendation is to use those as the rest of the party's meals for the day.

As the group may be leaving the Jorasco Citadel very soon, now may not be a good time for a nap.

Joe: It's Taymra, not Tymora. What do you think this is, the Forgotten Realms??

I don't think anyone has anything at the Soldier's Rest Inn. I'll try and have a look back.

[Jeremy]

Maybe I'll stage a little feast on the Rail.

I wanted to keep them separate, assuming I know which are enchanted and which are not. If not, then I guess it's just luck on the Rail who gets a delicious, healing meal, and who gets a very small dessert.

[Lara]

"Are we done here?" Pellorien asks as she stretches and flexes for a moment after receiving the healer's care. "I have my gear with me. And, really, unless someone has left behind something significant, I think we should follow Taymra's plan rather than split up. As someone said earlier, we are stronger as one group rather than two smaller ones."

[Darren]

"For once, I find myself agreeing with Pellorien. Let's remain together. It would appear that everyone has what they need."

[Jeff]

Hemmy returns again, disappointment on her face. “I’m sorry, Streko. The only house mage I could find shooed me away. Not a good time, I suppose.”

Taymra nods. “I can always ask at the Orien enclave. It’s not so unusual a request for any wizard, I’m guessing. But we just need to find one willing to help.”

You all (most of you) feel much better now. Not yet rested, perhaps, but sounder of body.

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How much is Kal giving to Hemmy to find and purchase the services of an Orien courier?

Any final words/actions before leaving the Jorasco Citadel?

[Darren]

Kalarian hands four sovereigns and the letter to Hemmy, instructing her, in Halfling, who it is to be delivered to. He again bows to her, offering sincere thanks for the handling of this task.

[Jeremy]

"Right." says Goran confidently, cinching his belt tight about his waist, looking around the group.

"If no one has anything that needs to be fetched then let's all, together, be on our way. The fewer stops the better. We needn't all worry about food, I have at least a few full nourishments here," he pats his pack where the enchanted berries are, "which I'll share with you, now if you like, or later. Though I do not have enough for everyone."

---

Jeff, I assume I can only cast the Goodberry spell once per day? I'll try and look it up later, but I assume I'm correct on that.
Also, I meant to say that the half-elf handed a sovereign to Hemmy for the berries. So, can say that it is done? If not, Goran will do it now.

[Josh]

"Good, we're all set then," Grafth says as he hefts his pack once more onto his shoulders. "Let's move."

[Joe]

Streko blushes...apologizes to Taymra for the lapse...then prepares to move off with the group after once again kissing Hemmy's hand and thanking her.

He goes up to the healer who spoke with them earlier and offers his thanks and gratitude. He uses his dragonmark ability on the healer who has been so good to him and his friends, hoping it helps make the added effort he put in worthwhile...or at least not as taxing.

Then, backpack cinched tightly, he prepares to join his friends. "Let's be off, then!"

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Perhaps it's a planar thing....Olladra/Tymora...fortune/luck....it's all good, right? ;D

[Jeff]

Hemmy accepts the crowns from Kal and the sovereign from Goran, drawing a disapproving look from the Jorasco heir. When Streko channels the power of his dragonmark into the heir—he is startled at first, unaccustomed to being treated by a patient—he offers a tight smile. Some of the weariness in his eyes is lifted. He nods appreciatively to Streko.

"Olladra's fortune be with you, Lord Streko." She winks. "I hope you find your sister. I'm sure she's all right."

With that, you depart.

Taymra leads you out from the Jorasco Citadel onto the streets, trekking to the section of the city just north of her tenement block. She glances constantly toward her building, shaking her head. It doesn’t seem she’ll be returning home anytime soon. When you look at the tenement block, you can’t tell there was an incident there at all. Not from down here, anyway. Somewhere eight floors up is at least one shattered window, Grafth can testify.

Lit almost as bright as day, Chalice Center is a red brick plaza ringed by massive buildings with stylish and multi-colored everbright lanterns illuminating the whole. Boarding houses, taverns, small restaurants, tourist shops, and food vendors (half of which are close down at this hour and half of which are open for business) make up the spaces between the two dragonmarked facilities: At the south end House Lyrandar’s station dominates the plaza, with a docking tower soaring into the sky high above. At the north end, House Orien’s station accommodates transportation and courier needs. The Orien caravans depart from here, and you can purchase tickets for the lightning rail station (which actually resides just outside the gate).

Taymra eyes the crowd suspiciously as she leads you across the plaza. Decorative columns and abstract sculptures of Aundairian art adorn the view. A vaulted canopy hangs overhead, though there is a wide section in the middle that is open to the sky.

“Wait here,” Taymra says and disappears into the Orien building to get tickets.

No sooner is she gone than Tangat barks—drawing everyone’s attention. You see a man walking unsteadily toward your group: the very rogue you released in the Silvered Chalice tavern. His movements are jerky, and he still bears the beating you gave him earlier. He is sweating profusely.

Dhaz, not familiar with the man at all, shakes his head. “Doesn't look...right.”

Naturally reactive, you prepare yourselves for the unexpected. But the rogue stops about ten feet away. His eyes slide slowly across you with an unnatural gleam. A disturbing smile forms on his lips. “You don’t even know what it is that you carry. Why are you willing to die defending it?” he asks. The voice is raspier, not at all the same voice the rogue used before.

Goran, Oss, and Streko feel sure that there is something supernatural amiss, that the rogue’s words and actions are not his own; it seems someone else may be speaking through him.

None of the other people around you in the plaza take note.

The rogue holds out his hand expectantly.

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Sense Motive = Goran (21), Grafth (14), Kal (19), Oss (20), Pellorien (18), Streko (23).

[Josh]

Grafth bristles as the rogue moves forward. "That is not your concern, scum," he spits. "You were offered our amnesty and were sent to a task. You choose to ignore it. Begone; go seek out your master, and hope, unlikely as it is, for his patience with your failings."

He adjusts his coat, making sure that a glimpse of his trusted axe is available to the man.

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Intimidate Check, I suppose.

[Joe]

Streko moves to Grafth's side and touches his arm gently, but speaks so all his friend's can hear him.

"I fear that not all is at it seems, my friends. The body may belong to the errant rogue, but the voice, the actions...I suspect they belong to another. The master you so eloquently told him to go seek, friend Grafth, may have found us!"

_________________________________________

Cue orchestral swell...

[Ed]

Oss's face screws up tightly at the rogue before realization sinks in a heartbeat later.

"Spread out! Kill it!" he shouts to his companions, emphasizing the word 'it', as he crouches and begins casting.

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Jeff, Oss would like to initiate combat now by tossing a lesser orb of fire at the rogue.

[Darren]

"Are you insane?" Kalarian shouts as he sees Oss prepare to cast his spell. "You can't just attack someone in the middle of the plaza like this! Do you want to bring the entire watch down on us?"

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If Oss persists in casting, Kalarian will attempt to hit him with the flat of his blade (non-lethal damage) in order to disrupt the spell.

[Ed]

Edit for above:

Make it Ray of Frost since I'm out of 1st level spells. Also, please make a Concentration check for Oss due to Kalarian's actions. He has every intention of continuing to fire.