"Lets us embark upon this journey." Kaijn said as he rose from the chair, catching Lady Mae's gaze which he held for just a brief moment, before he reached for his backpack.

Redfires Inn

Wrapping up their meeting, the adventurers left their room and went down to the common room to check out. There they found the aftermath of some commotion – extra guards, the hubbub of speculative conversation, and the innkeeper interrogating the serving girl who'd appeared to have dropped the wine in their room. Some rather confused stories were shared, but the unflappable and overbearing Lady Mae, together with a generous tip, settled any disputes and damages. In the end, the innkeeper apologised profusely for the mischief-making beguiler and let them on their way.

[Private to Angel: Wherever Angel is now, she may choose to follow the party.]

Streets

The party ventured back out into the fragrant streets of Calaunt, resuming their journey to the duke's palace. The main road running past the Redfires Inn curved to the east and took them toward the grim Fortress of the Five Vultures. This roughly pentagonal fortification, built in baronial style with dark stone walls, overhangs, and tacked-on towers loomed over the bland grey buildings of the city like said vulture waiting to swoop on a carcass. Small wonder then that the Calauntans now called it the Sevensroost after the current rulers; only a new flock of vultures had moved in.

But they were in a better class of town now, marked by larger and better buildings and rather less smell. These manor houses were the homes of the wealthiest citizens and the nascent nobility spawned by the Merchant Dukes and their hangers-on.

They came across a fortified compound built in an eastern style, recognising it as a Thayan compound much like the one in the Docks District of Procampur. Though they had no business here, Arrazin spied some red-robed figures moving about, and stole away to investigate, or possibly murder.

Soon after, however, Kaijn and Orophear spied a familiar figure – a mighty warrior astride a warhorse, with two sheathed greatswords and clad in gold scaled armour. It was not all armour, though, for the warrior herself had golden scales on her face and hands. She couldn't help but be the most impressive and majestic sight in his dour city.


OOC: Exit Arrazin for the time being, and enter Aerin.

As Aerin rode through the streets, she spotted a grocery vendor with notably good-looking fruits and vegetables. She decided to buy a treat for Albion, rewarding him for the faithful and patient service in this stinking town. Getting out of the saddle her view fell on the street behind her and she noticed two distinctive figures on their horses: Orophear and Kaijn Tur´kin, both she was glad to see. The dragonkin stretched her neck, trying to find Arrazin, who was undoubtedly somewhere near - probably following an incling that somebody was trying to kill them. It was more than once that the Thayan´s paranoia had saved their lives, so she wouldn´t and couldn´t blame him.

Quickly the warrior-witch conducted her business with the grocery vendor, buying some nice green apples and fresh carrots, leaving the change for the shopowner. As she was feeding a thankful Albion, she waved for her companions to come closer. Keeping her back to Albion, giving nobody the opportunity to pick her pockets, perhaps it was the Procampan agent´s advice, or perhaps some of Arrazin´s paranoia had rubbed off on her, but she would make herself no easy target.

"Orophear, Kaijn... it is good to see you again." she called out, seeming genuinely happy.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Mon 07 Aug 2017.

Kaijn gave a courteous bow before Aerin as the group caught up with her.
"Greetings Aerin. I had not expected seeing you here but good you are here. That of course if you are joining our search and rescue mission. This is Lady Mae, our fearless leader." he said introducing Mae.

Aerin's eyebrow went up as Kaijn introduced their leader. "I'm glad to be here, too. Yes, the Thultyrl considered this situation more urgent than my search for Velvet and his minions." she replied, indicating she did not share this assessment.

"So you are Lady Maelarra of the Merchant's Friend!?" Aerin said to the woman in question. Her face changed from happy to indifferent when she gave her a slight bow. In fact the bow was slight enough for somebody attentive to be considered rude.

Maelarra waited in respectful patience for the adventuring companions to greet one another and be reunited, then was grateful for Kaijn's introduction. It was good to maintain proper manners. 'An honour to meet you, Lady Aerin. On behalf of Procampur, I thank you and your team for disposing of the treacherous Alamondh.' Maelarra greeted, inclining her golden head. Yet she was surprised at Aerin's shocked reaction and subsequent chilly demeanour. The unflappable priestss was not put off. 'Yes, I am she, though I preach freelance mostly... I take it you've heard of me? Terrible things, I trust?' she answered with a careful smile.

"On behalf of Procampur..." Aerin mentally repeated "Sounds like she considers herself the Thultyrl already." the dragonkin thought but kept up the cool demeanor. "None of it are true, I trust?" the Rashemen said, careful not to trigger a temper tantrum because the noble felt insulted by anything she might say. "Bloody highborns, just because they were born with a silver spoon in their mouths they felt the world owed them." she thought sourly, her jaw working and showing that she was holding back. However, knowing the meeting with another noble was imminent the dragonkin kept her musings to herself, it was not good to give in to her misgivings right at this time.

"So you are the leader of this mission, I understand? - Have you already devised a plan or strategy, that you want to share?" Aerin asked, somehow it irked her that this newcomer had ursurped a position that nobody had claimed thus far, even though most of the times her companions had looked to Aerin in times that somebody needed to take charge, but she never considered herself their leader.

A smile spread across the elf's face at the sight of the mighty dragon touched warrioress. Aerin would indeed be a valued addition to their crew. When she addressed them Orophear simply placed his hand over his heart and gave a slight bow of his head.

'Not at all.' Maelarra deflected smoothly, unperturbed by any irritation the dragon-woman might convey. 'I'm not here to lead this mission. Rather, I am to provide official oversight, guidance, and healing, free of charge. I leave its actual direction up to you fellows.' she offered, though it seemed more like a gift than a surrender. 'Currently, we're about to visit the home of Duke Haldyn Stormkin to begin the investigation.'

Slove stands and keeps an eye out for the group.
Talking was not really his thing.  He is an elf of action.
If he can.

"Healing free of charge? That´s a first for a Waukeenar." Aerin thought, which brought up another curious eyebrow. "Well then, we should not leave the Duke waiting. As a representative of Procampur, why don´t you lead the way?" the Rashemi added, opening the path for Lady Hlartrym.

Aerin wasn´t just irritated by the woman personally, more than that she had a deep dislike for Waukeen´s philosophy. A philosophy that supported all and every legal trade, including slave trade in places like Thay. A Thay that lay very close to Rashemen and a Thay that sent slavers into Rashemen to prey upon any unprotected village, tearing families apart, sending innocents into a life of slavery. No, she could not forgive such a philosophy.

But again the dragonkin came to her senses, antagonizing the priestess right before this important meeting did not count as wise behaviour. The Iron Dragon would frown upon such impulsive action.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:04, Mon 07 Aug 2017.

 Tseran, meanwhile has ambled along with his hands in his pockets (something of an outlander innovation) in the sort of unremarkable leathers he's affected since his first arrival in this ghastly burg, listening considerably more than he speaks and, for the most pay concentrating upon keeping an eye it for developing trouble that might force his hand - an ever present worry from his first moments of understanding how slanted the arcane power structure is here.

Moving on, they approached the looming fortress that was the severe seat of what passed for government in Calaunt. For a time, it seemed as if they'd be meeting the duke inside its walls, but instead they turned a corner and passed among the well-appointed that clustered near it as if for protection. It seemed as if the dukes could not stand to live in the grim castle itself.

Nevertheless, they came to a rather palatial though bland and not at beautiful manor house, walled around and watched by vigilant and brutish guards. They glared suspicious at the approaching adventurers, but Lady Maelarra offered a gleaming smile, announced herself and the team and showed her papers and seals (careful not to let them leave her hands, lest she not see them again). The head guard inspected these, peering closely at the writing as if learning to read then and there. Ordering them to wait, he walked (not hurried) off to visit his master.

Some time later, he returned all smiles and speed and good manners. 'Beggin' your pardon, milady, his Dukeship will see you now. Right this way, if you please.

The manor was full of the riches that were absent in much of the rest of the city: fine artworks from around the Inner Sea and the North, expensive fixtures and furnishings, and luxurious furniture. Ever the ever-present smell was now only noticeable by its absence. They were led to a sitting room, and servants poured them tea and brought cake.

In short order, announced by a servant, Duke Haldyn Stormkin arrived. He was a truly impressive figure, if only for his size – he stood a good 9 feet tall, with the broad-shouldered strength to match. He was well-named: they'd heard of mighty men of the North said to bear the blood of giants, but perhaps he was not truly a descendent of storm giants. But his strength was a long time ago: he was in his fifties, stooped and leaning heavily on a gold-topped cane that would be a staff to a smaller man. A human body could not support a frame that large for long. His clothes were fine but slightly dishevelled. More, he was grey-haired and grey-faced, and looked as though he hadn't slept in days, nor slept easily in years. The effect was of a mountain worn down by the elements and time.

'Well met, Duke Haldyn, it is an honour to meet you. Thank you for welcoming us into your lovely home.' Maelarra greeted with all charm and formality. 'I am Lady Maelarra Hlartyrm, priestess of the pantheon, and these are my compatriots...' She went around the group, starting to make introductions, but Haldyn raised a hand, cutting her off mid-speech (not an easy task).

'I would hear from their own mouths what they can do for me.' he rumbled in a bass voice, watching and appraising them carefully.

Aerin had mustered the man when he entered the room and could not help but wonder about how he came to be in this shape when he must have the financial and possibly magical means to improve his health. She shrugged it off, it was not for her to lose herself in such observations. She was a little surprised though at his request, she had expected the duke made some confidential inqueries about the group beforehand. Not really understanding what he thought to learn from a personal introduction, the dragonkin figured she might as well get over with it.

Already standing, since she was worried a chair might not be able to support her weight plus that of her armor, she spoke up: "Your grace, I am Aerin of Damar and hail from Rashemen. With me, what you see is what you get and then some. I´m good at busting people out of trouble, at least that seems to be what the Thultyrl thinks." she said and figured the heavy armor and weaponry would speak for itself, not needing any explanation.

And that was that, the dragonkin crossed her arms before her chest and fell silent. She definetly was not the one for many words, nor was she a boastful one or else she had spoken about how the (original) group had freed the thultyrl from the mental slavery through the Hamayarch. How they looked into the abyss from the Moonlit Tower or how they defeated a mutated owlbear and his druid master or the defeat of another cell of the Cult of the Dragon. Either Haldyn had heard of her or not, if not her tales would not hold weight anyway.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Sat 15 July 2017.

Orophear followed the others quietly, as was almost always his way, his golden eyes darting to and fro sizing up as many possible threats as he could, which in this city was enough to give the elf a headache and eye strain.

Once in the home Orophear was slightly taken aback by the size of the human, almost as large as some of the orcs he has taken down in his past. Not surprised that the man wanted a measure of them the Duskblade waited patiently for Aerin to finish and then stepped forward.

Raising his hand to the moon and stars clasp that held his cloak shut, his Keth Tet as you will, the symbol of his order, the fair haired elf gave a low nod to the man and said,"I am Orophear Mithrandir of the Elven Court and humble initiate of the venerable order of the Duskblades. I lend my sword to the task we have gathered to accomplish.
"

Knowing how the people of this land treat manipulators of the Weave the elf decided to keep that bit of his repertoire to himself.

Having dodged the local mage's feeble attempt at finding her, Angel had been prepared to leave the inn and resume her reconnaissance of Tseran and his apparent new-found friends from a relatively safer location, when as luck would have it the whole group came down the stairs and left the inn themselves. Curious, Angel trailed behind, using her ample supply of other tricks once her invisibility faded to remain hidden from the group's notice. She followed them to what looked to be a castle or fortress of some kind, which she had been sure they were about to enter -- but the regal-looking lady leading them turned aside to a wealthy-looking manor house instead. Using the distraction the group presented to the guards to her advantage, Angel slipped undetected over the wall and was already inside the house by the time Tseran and the others had been escorted through the front door.

Even now the wily she-elf was eavesdropping on the conversation from behind the curtain that hid the servant's nook, the maid who had just served the gathering some cake sleeping soundly on the floor just behind her. Luckily, she'd been the last of the servants to leave and from the serious tone of the meeting the rest were unlikely to return unless the lord summoned them. Careful to stay well out of sight, Angel positioned herself so that she could peek out of curtain's center divide and see most of the room and those gathered therein...

[Private to GM: OOC: Hi! I tried to keep things as general and vague as possible, so that I didn't add anything you didn't want added. If this post meets with your with approval, just delete this last OOC part and the private message brackets. Thank you!

From DM: Done!]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:18, Thu 20 July 2017.

As the adventurers introduced themselves and their talents, Duke Haldyn looked them over appraisingly. The moment had given him to scrutinise these people he was putting his trust in, and nodded to approvingly to each. Particularly Aerin, respecting the warrior's straightforward, down-to-earth manner. 'Good. So you are the hero I heard tell of. I'm glad the bards have not been embellishing.' Negotiating his long legs and cane around the furniture, he collapsed heavily into a large padded chair, wooden legs creaking under the weight. 'Sit, please. The furniture's reinforced, of course, after my days in armour.' he added for Aerin's benefit.

Maelarra took a chair, sitting primly while Tamae served her tea and cake, then discreetly slipped out of the room.

Without further ado, Haldyn began 'My son Orryl has gone missing. Although he's a man grown and I don't follow his activities day to day, he hasn't been seen in five days. It's far too long. Worse, there are rumours the scions of the other Merchant Dukes have gone missing too.' Maelarra, for her part, remained perfectly composed and attentive, despite knowing full well why. 'I've had my men searching and questioning, but they're hardly subtle or wise, and I've made my own inquiries. With the increased orc raiding of late and the heightened tension caused by the missing scions, I'm afraid I have little to show. And Orryl was much too quiet about his habits.' he ended, bitter and rueful perhaps over his relationship with his son.

'I'm sure you, as neutral agents, will have better fortune. You come highly recommended by the Procampan ambassador. I must warn you, though, as a duke of this stinking city, I have many enemies, both within and without. No doubt some seek to take advantage of this distraction to undermine my authority. Such is the politics of this wretched city.' As he spoke, his northern country accent showed through, despite his wealth. Haldyn was a man of contrasts: a simple fighter thrust into snake-pit politics, a man of the country amidst such finery, a great strength broken by time and infirmity, and a tyrannical power he seemed ashamed of.

He sounded almost pleading as he said 'Please bring my son back to me, by force if you must, but safely and soundly. I will pay you one thousand pieces of platinum to find him, and him alone. But if you find the other scions, return them as well, for surely the other dukes will blame my family for any death or injury inflicted on theirs.'


OOC: Listen & Spot checks if you want to try to catch out Angel. ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:59, Fri 21 July 2017.

Have heard what was said, Angel acted to learn what wasn't said. Summoning her natural magic, she reached out hear the thoughts of those gathered...

[Private to GM: Using Detect Thoughts SLA, Will save DC is 14. ]

After the round of introductions, the dragonkin was relieved to notice duke Haldyn wasn't going to interrogate them further, realizing with some satisfaction that he had heard of her already. Obviously what he had heard had been positive, so far so good.

Aerin accepted the duke's invitation to take a seat, slowly - still not fully trusting the delicately-looking furniture, she eased herself into a chair. It creaked in protest but it didn't give in; sighing the dragonkin relaxed somewhat and listened to the older warrior, nodding in affirmation to his words now and then. She could understand the father worrying for his son, regretting not having spent more time with him while he was around. On the other hand she was sure the son was intent on having his own life, not necessarily wanting his father to hang around.

 "Tseran Tal'Chiar, and it is generally my role in a group of self-professed 'adventurers' to see things which are really there." the pale, leather-clad elf with the slim rapier offers up quietly when the introductions are called for, avoiding any uncomfortable mention of his primary set of talents that might require further questions to be asked and answered... As for his thoughts? Well-guarded, but depressingly mundane assessments of the things around him and those who stand present, couched in clinical honesty and a deplorable lack of even self-deceit.

 Difficult as it is to imagine, he really is as little fun as he seems!

'You can use this sketch of Oryll to recognise him. He's...' Haldyn went on, producing a scroll, before all present became aware of a telltale tickling at their minds. The duke rubbed a heavy gold ring, cursing. 'Spies!'


OOC: Everyone saves but Orophear. :)

[Private to Aerin of Damar: Aerin recognises the spell from when Rokat used the medallion.]

To my best estimate, a curtain seems to offer Improved Cover (similar to an arrow slit), at least for Hide checks. I'll also treat Angel as 10–15 feet away. So, to locate Angel is Spot DC 25. Unless she's standing there giggling into her hand (I wouldn't be surprised :p ), Move Silently is moot, so I estimate Listen DC 22.
[Private to Angel: I rolled you Hide 14; ignore the Move Silently roll.

Also, Jack whispered, amused 'Choose your marks wisely.']
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:08, Fri 21 July 2017.

Aerin was up on her feet remarkably fast for somebody weighed down by a fullplate, the dragonkin's eyes narrowed to slits but she could not see the lurker-in-the-shadows. "Somebody is trying to read our minds, I'd recognize that feeling anywhere!" she said between clenched teeth. "It appears one of your political opponents has found out about this meeting." the Rashemi added, partly surprised and partly impressed by the effectiveness of the enemy spies.

At other times she would have drawn her sword but now it seemed imperative to catch the spy to question him... or her. Patiently she was looking around, hoping somebody would point out where to find the lurker.

Orophear took his seat when directed. As the man began to speak about family the normally stoic and controlled elf began to sweat slightly, his breath coming in short bursts for a split second before his hand found it's way to his Duskblade clasp, holding it so tight it drew blood.

The cool metal pushing into his skin snapped the elf out of his own head in time for the tickle flowing through his brain. Quickly to his feet Orophear scanned the room to no avail. Closing his eyes the Duskblade once again muttered a familiar incantation, his eyes opening and showing all white. Scanning the room once again with his magical sight.

Cast Detect Magic

 Being somewhat inclined towards the practical and pragmatic, Tseran moves automatically into a protective position when voices are raised, his hand upon his rapier and his eyes narrowing as he takes up a guard stance not beside the good lady priestess - who after all, can be expected to look after herself - but the aged Lord who has, after all just made something of a point regarding his enemies.

Yeah, Yeah! I know! I suck! Angel quipped back to the god's voice in her head, a much more welcome voice than the others that used to reside there, but still just as annoying at times. She cursed herself for a wool-brained fool for not thinking the lord would have wards against such detection. She had to think fast...

[Private to Angel: Okay, here's Angel's actions. It should take four rounds of standard actions. Hopefully, she won't be found out before then.

1) Casting Misdirection, she touches the sleeping maid, transferring all the readable auras to her.
2) Then shifting her form, she assumes the form of the sleeping maid.
3) Finally she uses her Disguise Self SLA to alter her clothing to match the maid's
4) Angel screams loudly, kicks the maid to wake her, and herself collapses into feigned sleep.

<Fingers crossed>

In retrospect, I could probably save a round of action by just using the Disguise Self to look like the maid form and clothing. If that works for you, let's do that. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Fri 21 July 2017.