Boreas replies, I agree, if we're going to be honest about this, better to be entirely honest.  Perhaps we could contact Choso ahead of time magically and inform him that we have some more... sensitive information for him as well.

"Every time so far that we've tried to resort to subterfuge, something has gone horribly wrong. I say we try stating our true purpose this time.  It might actually work.

" I don't see the Sultanate intervening in any way other than direct protection of their mercantile interests, whatever that may be. For now, that likely means opposing the blockade. Beyond that, they are an unknown factor. Unless you have any insight, Maeve? I do recall Darris saying that the Ghosts were working to oppose the OSA. I wonder why they were getting involved."

Zuriel pauses, considering Baldwin's earlier question. "The only connection we have to the Order is my aunt. I'm not sure how much sway she has, or how involved they would care to be. She could be a powerful ally to have. Perhaps it would be worth briefing her? I'm sure it wouldn't even be difficult to get her to agree to teleport out here to meet us."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:49, Thu 22 May 2014.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 870):

"We could ask her, but... if the Order really is a suspect in all of this, it might not be wise. Whatever happened to the tattooed mage you were traveling with when you left?"

We aren't sure exactly, Lyriel says. He got separated from Zuriel during one of the plane shifts, though he is apparently in a land of free-flowing spirits and loose women. He claims he's trying to get home, but I'm not sure he has much incentive... The priestess smiles wryly. And at any rate, he's a renegade of the Order. Hates them, in fact.

Zuriel looks around the table. "Unless anybody has any better ideas...there's no time like the present. Lyriel, do you have any Sendings prepared?"

Lyriel nods. I have two. She turns to Baldwin. I'll just need a description of him, if you please.

The priestess waits as Baldwin describes the Tyrant, and then begins the ritual to contact him, fixing his description and name in her mind.

Okay. Morachiga Choso. Let's do this.

Lord Tyrant Choso, apologies for the unorthodox introduction. Would you be interested in informally and discreetly meeting elements of the Flame who disagree with Harlindon?

Lyriel holds her breath, waiting his reply.

If he's not interested, we've just exposed ourselves for naught...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:14, Thu 22 May 2014.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 874):

Lyriel's response is delayed only slightly. If brevity is the source of wit, Choso's a comedic genius: "... go on."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:22, Thu 22 May 2014.

Lyriel casts another Sending. Not all members of the Church believe Harlindon is correctly interpreting Tassada's will in posturing against Lo'driel. We wish to discuss that, among other subjects.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 876):

The response is quicker this time.

"Such a claim would be easier to believe through traditional diplomatic channels. I do not know you. How have you come to reach me?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:22, Thu 22 May 2014.

Lyriel exchanges looks with Zuriel before replying with her third and final Sending. Your description I gained from the bard. The paladin I speak for bears you no ill will. It would undo his Uncle's work saving you.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 878):

The delay is so long this time that Lyriel begins to fear her target has declined to send a response at all, but eventually the words come through: I know few paladins and less about their family ties. But only one bard could claim to have saved me. Gordon's Lake. Quarter turn.

In reply to DM (msg # 879):

When relayed, Baldwin's eyes widen.

"That doesn't give us much time," he says, pointing to the southeastern portion of the map. "Gordon's Lake is at least two weeks away from here by horse. The quarter turn... probably refers to the moon's cycle. I'm not sure. But if so, that would be just under seven days."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:49, Thu 22 May 2014.

Maeve sighs.

"Shame.  I was hoping we'd have time to stay in town for the Winter Brawl. . . .but, I suppose if duty calls, how are we going to get there in that short of time?  I suppose it will have to be by sea."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Thu 22 May 2014.

In reply to Maeve Hassan (msg # 881):

"Well, that all depends," Baldwin says. "You could potentially save a lot of time through teleportation or plane-shifting... though you'd risk going 500 miles off-course, which would eat up the 6 days right there."

By that logic, we're already 500 miles off course, so we can't really fare much worse.  Let's do it.

That is a good point, although we would have to teleport with some horses, becuasee traveling 500 miles on foot would be neigh impossible in 6 days time. She takes a sip of wine a contempative look on her face, Alternatively if we can find a scroll that would allow Keef to scry the lake region then he would know exactly where to send us and we could save a lot of time. Thoughts?

Boreas thinks for a moment.  Might as well pick up such a scroll.  Not too expensive, and best to make sure we get there in time.

Of course we would also need scroll of teleportation, because Keef was never actually able to copy it into his spellbook, hopefully that won't be an issue to procure here.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Fri 23 May 2014.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 886):

(Autofollow)

Keef perks up at the mention of visiting the marketplace.

"Koffee?"

In reply to Keef (msg # 887):

Dinner ends without further fanfare, though idle conversations persist far into the night. The next morning, the required scrolls are procured for the princely sum of $1,900.

(Any other shopping?)

The P.A.R.T.Y. returns to the common area for a late breakfast with Baldwin, which finds them once again sitting around the table discussing their next steps. Interestingly, neither Rachel or Oliver have returned -- nor do they seem to have rooms in the suite.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:58, Fri 23 May 2014.

Maeve first visits Chuck's friend's stables to collect Wes and pay for the horse's lodging and training.

Mount acquired, she rides over to the army barracks to see if the soldiers there have any other perspectives to offer on the brewing conflict.

Boreas finds no other shopping needs at the moment.  He heads back to the inn to prepare for departure.  While there, he finds a moment to pull Baldwin aside to ask a few questions.

[Private to DM: Asking, "Baldwn, while we're here, I wanted to tap into your store of knowledge on this.  I know my eye is of Fey origin, and that it has been granting me more and more powers of late.  Do you know anything about this?  Have you seen others like it?"  If this will create an extended conversation, we can do that in PM.]

[OOC]Looks like each of us deducts $400 from our gold supplies to cover the cost.  One of us can deduct $300 instead.[/OOC]

Zuriel, with no shopping to do - or indeed, much money to shop with - spends the morning lounging lazily around the suite in his robe. At some point, he asks Baldwin a few questions. "One thing has been bothering me for quite some time. If the OSA is actually attempting to save the world as they say, then why are they so secretive about it? It just seems...incongruous. First the awful massacre with Simon, then Darris' antagonization of you...and apparently they are being opposed by the Ghosts? That hardly seems like a noble organization. Yet for all our infiltration, we found nothing to disprove their claims."

[OOC no shopping]
This message was lightly edited by the player at 14:15, Fri 23 May 2014.

Lyriel likewise spends a delightful morning sleeping in, drinking coffee, and reading curled up in front of the fireplace. Baldwin, where *are* Rachel and Oliver, she asks curiously. I had hoped to see them...