Characters going on the Fidelis Paladin Rescue should check in here.


Montebon has four Barons, and three Baronies.  The North Barony belongs to the Dwarf Baron Arbov. The West belongs to Baron Draggo of Dalino. The fourth Barony is not a hereditary fief, the position is assigned to a important member of the Royal household or administration. Baroness Nina Arcour's Ocean Barony is along the east coast, with its bounds marked by two lighthouses- Queen Despina Light and Radvan Light.  The traditional duty of the Baron of the Coast, though, is to watch over the entire coast of the little nation.

This gives Nina some flexibility, as watching the coast is enhanced by actually patrolling a little further out, and keeping tabs on neighbors.

She volunteers her ship to carry those going to Fidelis.  It's a good deed, and may bring some good will to the kingdom- after all, someone wrote to Arcto to solve this problem.

Nina puzzles briefly over the fact that this person apparently isn't relying on the skills already available in Fidelis- but she's not the mystery solver type.  For her, it's shrug and move on to the matter at hand.  A trip to Fidelis.  Though its not far, she can't stay around once she gets there.  The party will be on its own for the trip back!  Though hopefully, if good will has been earned and a reward paid, this should not be a problem.

She's been there before- Fidelis is the neighbor to the south.  Not far.  "They'll let me dock in the main harbor, since we are an official ship of Montebon.  Fidelis is an odd little town, though.  Quiet, even when they're having fun.  Very dignified.  And everyone belongs to something.  An order, a guild, a temple, something.  It's a big deal to belong to something, there."

Alison nodded, "I suppose then my uniform should be worn openly. It might lend me some weight, though I doubt it. Thank you, your help is appreciated."

"Wise, indeed.  I have the pleasure of the Faith, and my studies, of course," the gnome added thoughtfully.  "And my guild ties.

"However, I think we might be additionally served by a company name.  Likely lend an air of competency and acceptability, if there is a group community mindset here.

"They were seeking wizardly response, so something mystical would seem helpful.  Perhaps The Company of Azuth, or the Water Company of Deluzion Break, if the location tie would be better treated, and the coastal involvement here?  I've heard of many companies tied to prominent magical items in their possession, of course, but that both draws thieves, and requires said items of magic in one's possession.

"Thoughts?"

Alison looked crossly at the Gnome, "I am Alison Romtree of the," she says this next part very slowly as if Abadon were a small child,  "...third Expeditionary Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Light Armor Infantry Division." She turned to give Abadon her full attention, "Mr. Crystalfish," she is purposely mispronouncing his name, "I would thank you to remember that."

"We are grateful for the safe passage, Baroness Arcour," Atraxus says, bowing politely to the Nina and her crew. "With any luck, we shall be successful and have coin enough to arrange passage back. May swift winds and calm waters accompany you on your patrols."

Atraxus listens to Abadon's suggestion before seeing Alison's unseemly reply. The Half-Orc frowns deeply, shaking his head.

"I think he'd have more incentive if you paid the same courtesy," Atraxus retorts to the rude Human.

"I suggest we be honest," he says, moving on to the subject of introductions. "We say we're here in Arcto's stead, and show them our worth by by finding their missing paladin. Paladins seem to value honesty and duty, so we should lead with that."

The gnome nodded in agreement with Atraxus, already somewhat second-guessing his decision to travel here - the need and benefit for his missing folk seemed greater here, but the company, at least in part, certainly didn't seem improved by the sour human.  Still, he downplayed it and simply ignored her, as she seemed intent on simply being rude to everyone and not working with anyone - not a great party member, but perhaps her attitude would change

"Yes, thank you again for the swift and smooth travel, Baroness Arcour.  May our efforts here be as skillful as your crew's training so demonstrated.

"Atraxus, Qui-Lin - shall we continue?  Oh honesty is critical, I agree.  Establishing a company name seems prudent, along that course."

Standing nearby, Qui-Lin nodded and said, "Honesty is the best policy unless a lie is necessary.  Keep it short and simple and we should be fine."

Then she nodded to the little gnome and said, "Of course, Wise Crystalfist.  We have come this way for a purpose."

She glanced at Alison quizzically, not really understanding the obviously-proud soldier.

Alison gave a short nod and continued on their way. She would present them to the Paladins and speak only truth.

It is four days at sea to Fidelis.

Faster, perhaps, on a Honoan Catamaran, or maybe if the winds were better.  You can see that water is the preferred means of long distance transport in the Southlands.  There are roads but they tend to be few and are not linked into long networks, they typically only link the bigger towns with their outlying settlements.  There is no road going from Montebon to Fidelis, in fact, there is no road linking all of Montebon.

This also means that relative to the small population, there is a lot of sea traffic.

Nina tells you that it's not just the sea coast, but up the great river as well.

"There are Elves called River Elves that spend their lives on boats going up and down the river, with no permanent home.  They have a way to move their boats without sails or oars.  They invoke the River God, Ojos, and the river pulls the boat, even upstream.  Ojos is a god they don't have in the Old World.  He's only here.  God of the great river.  One day I'd like to go there."

With the sea as their connection, the settlers quickly realized the importance of light houses.  They are scattered along the coast as aids to navigation to mariners.  The Martus Light is pretty much the "Welcome to Fidelis" sign, though there's still a day's sail to the city.

Fidelis is a a city of neatly cut grey and white stone blocks... at least, that's the impression one gets on first approach.  The main harbor is lined with stone, which form steps in a great arc around the harbor, leading up to the Harbor Plaza.  This is the heart of the town, and it extends inland, where it becomes the Orders' Plaza, lined with the halls of a dozen or so organizations.  The locals do like to belong to something, it seems:  most of the people you see are wearing some sort of insignia, or at the least a simple badge or emblem.  There's a leaping whale, a scepter under a crown, a hammer and anvil, and more.

Nina doesn't know which are Paladins, and neither does her navigator, but he does remind her of two things, first, that really weren't called by Paladins by rather by someone  named "Thaller of Dimeste House", and second, it's probably something simple and obvious if you need to find them, and they do have a hall in Orders' Plaza.  As the first of the Orders, it's probably something very easy to find.

But also, with a little bit of reluctance, she reminds you that you are on your own now- this is not official business of Montebon and so the Baroness can't accompany you.

"You might want to establish yourself in an inn, so at least we can leave you with recommendations," the Navigator says.  "There are really no untrustworthy ones here, the Paladins and others wouldn't tolerate that.  But there are a couple I would recommend above others.  The Iron Order Guesthouse, and the Green Arches Inn. Both on the plaza.. in fact Green Arches Inn is right over there, Iron Order a little further in."

"Thanks for your help," Qui-Lin replied.  "Let's go see the Green Arches first, it's closer.  If we don't like it, we can go to the Iron Order."

"Once we get rooms, a hot bath and a good meal, we can seek out these paladins and see what we can do for them?"

Abadon nodded once in a simple accordance, and set off in the direction.  "I was thinking similarly, Qui-Len.

"I should imagine that the innkeep would know the location and contacting protocols.  I agree with the Baroness that locating the original and largest of guilds  Some customs insisted on a runner ahead so parties were caught unawares, but that is most uncommon, although practical.

"It will be interesting to see what manner of meals are to be found here, with the focus on order.  Experimentation is more a chaotic effort, but replication and quality is a more ordered effort."  The gnome chatted amiably as the group walked, but his eyes were constantly watching, gathering details.

"I should wonder if there is an order involved with tracking knowledge of visitors, explorers, and transitional folk or transitional issues.  Potentially a subset of the paladin's order?"

Green Arches Inn

From the point of view of an Inn keeper, if you are after the traveler market, it helps to keep your inn’s name as obvious as possible.  You name it after the most prominent feature people can remember, or better, point to.  If one is lacking, you can make one of your own, just put up a large sign or object of something easy to remember, maybe paint it an unusual color, and poof, you have the Golden Pony Inn, or something like that.  The owners of the Green Arches had the simple, obvious architectural motif, the large green arches over the windows and doors.  Everyone knows exactly what it is, and when someone points it out across the plaza, there is no doubt.  THAT is the Green Arches Inn.

The characters cross the plaza to get to it, passing a number of vendors with goods on carts, mostly food, and small hand crafted goods.  The carts tend to specialize: there’s one with clothes for infants, one with flowers, one with scented soap, one with slate writing boards in wooden frames, and others of different types.  Quite a few with various snack foods.  The vendors have something in common- every cart has a blue pennant with an embroidered silver cart wheel.  Some vendors are wearing a pin with the same design.

The Green Arches is four stories, with a steeply pitched slate roof above, and the obvious green archways on the bottom that lead to the common room, and to an adjacent garden.  Having a large garden space in the heart of the town is a luxury, and the inn’s Elven owner’s think it’s important.  Fidelis has a warm climate, and the summers can be steamy, but somehow the garden manages to stay pleasant on hot days.

The party is greeted by an Elven man.  He’s in that “indeterminate” age, impossible to say whether he’s 30 years old or 130.  There are customers scattered about the large, brightly lit common room, but it’s nowhere near capacity, and two young Elves are making paper birds.  There are a couple of young Humans working here, but Elves clearly run the place.

Staying here, with typical food and drink, you will go through about a gold piece a day.  That assumes 2-4 per room.  If you want to use one of the small 4th floor rooms, a little less, but if you want one of the elegant garden terrace rooms, more.

Furnishings at the Green Arches fall into three categories:
The attic rooms.  Simple, older, plain but comfortable beds- thin cloth mattresses stuffed with kapok, laid over a layer of Honoan woven mats.  Small wooden table next to each bed, shared bathroom.  Simple but clean.  It would be a C, brought down to a C- due to the difficulty of going up and down to the fourth floor and the sometimes inconvenient sloped ceiling.  This is the attic.

The standard rooms.  The beds are fitted with sheets made from Elven silk-floss, a fiber they get from certain trees which has a feel somewhere between satin and cotton.  Soft, cool and smooth.  Otherwise, much the same, with larger rooms and more furniture per room.  Honoan floor mats.  A C+

The garden terrace rooms.  The beds are similar to the standard rooms but larger.  The rooms have lamps are powered by continual flame spells, decorative curtains, and better furniture.  B, or B+ if having a terrace overlooking a pretty garden is important.

The food is the same no matter what kind of room you have, and is an all around B, leaning towards Wood Elf cuisine.  When available, fresh game is on the menu, and on those days (luck, generally, but they make an effort on holidays) it’s a B+ or A.  (The next locally observed holiday is the Feast of the Sea King, celebrating the god of the ocean, expect fresh fish).

There may be A and AA level places, for the wealthy and aristocratic, in Fidelis, but Nina and the Navigator wouldn’t steer you there.

Abadon looks to the others, then pays for the cheapest room that has a private washroom.

"The attic will do for me," Qui said.  "Stairs aren't a problem."

They settle in to the Green Arches in.

It's a good, solid, standard kind of establishment with a good reputation. There aren't many Elves in Fidelis, and when Elven visitors come, the often come here.  There are several staying here.

Once the party has established a home, there is the question of what to do next.

If you are in search of a Magemonger (a specialist in the buying and selling of goods for magic users, not a seller of magical items, normally.  Magemongers are ideal merchants to sell odd items to, they are often interesting in unusual things) there is one not far, on Fidelis's "upscale" shopping street, which is called Old Street.  "Dodley Family Arcane Sundries and Particulars".

If you want to find the Order of Paladins immediately, they are right there on Orders' Plaza, a fortified white stone building that looks like a small castle, with a Winged Sword emblem above the entrance.

According to the Elves here there are two places you will find Dimeste House:  their store (also on Old Street) and their family lodge on the outskirts of the town to the north, off of Center Street.

Or of course you could do a general wander about town, or stay here and talk to Elves or maybe collect rumors and news.

"Well, I ought to track down a Magemonger," Atraxus says while fetching out one of the odd bottles taken from the ship. He keeps a firm grip on it to keep it from floating up to the ceiling---or worse---falling up into the sky.

"Otherwise I won't be able to afford much of anything here," he finishes, stashing the bottle back in his pack.

"Afterwards, perhaps we should speak with the paladins about their missing knight?"

"An intriguing place to visit, by sound of it.  Certainly a prudent establishment to gather and engage in sale of unique items and ingredients to assist powerful mages," Abadon opined agreeably.  "That is an odd bottle, Atraxus - is it heavy?  You appear to be holding it slightly strangely - no offence meant, if that is your custom position.

"I will accompany you as well, if only to take in the local scene.  Sadly, by funds are limited, with the journey being a long one, but one never knows where new opportunity can be found."

Dodley Family Arcane Sundries and Particulars is on Old Street, between a shoemaker's shop and the Silverwater Bakery.

It's a strange shop, much longer inside than the narrow street frontage might suggest.  The main room is lined with shelves, but one side of it is built like a stage, much higher than the other, with little stairs leading up to it.  There are boxes, bottles, potted plants, skulls, and horns.  It's not easy to match some of the last two to familiar animals.

The reason for the divide in floor height is immediately obvious.  The proprietors are Halflings, and apparently like to stay on the high platform side, which has the counters, and a door to the back area.

A male Halfling in brightly colored attire seems happy to see you.

"Welcome, welcome!  Haven't seen you before but every customer is a friend I haven't met yet... and you... you must be..."

The Halfling takes a moment to assess Atraxus and Abadon.

"When a Half Orc and a Gnome travel together, that can mean only... adventurers?  Am I right?  Well bless you gentlemen, without the likes of you what would I sell?  Chicken blood and fish scales?  Welcome to the best..."

There is a voice from the back room:  "Only!"

"...Magemongery in Fidelis.  Fully Guild registered of course AND a member of the Order of The Fair Balance.  You've got something for us, then, I'll bet.  Fairwind Dodley at your service."

Alison nodded at the group's decision. "I will await your return."

She will sit and try to listen to the local gossip and rumors.

Alison hangs around in the Common Hall of the Green Arches Inn as she waits for Atraxus and Abadon to conclude their business with the Magemonger.

Yes, there are things to learn just by observing.  Having a Bard's "people skills" helps.

Whether these have anything to do with the current matter they are here to look into, that's another story.


There is an upcoming holiday, The Festival of the Ocean.  Lots of cultures have specific Ocean Gods, but not Fidelis, so they just make the holiday generic.  There are depictions of a Sea King who is not Neptune and a Sea Queen who is not Namaka, rather, these are more or less just "Holiday Characters" like Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny, but the festival honors all Sea Gods, just to make sure.  (Like the rest of the settlements of the Southlands, Fidelis is dependent on the sea).  Decorations get put up, it's a day of general celebration with ocean themed events.  The parade of decorated floats... actually floating floats, on the canal around the fortress... is a big draw.

She hears Veritas getting mentioned now and then.  From what Alison can gather, it's a small town/outpost/fort something or other belonging to Fidelis, to the west.  It sounds like it has a reputation of a hyper-Fidelis.  What Fidelis means to the rest of the Southlands- Strict, Orderly, Do-Gooders, Justice-Seekers- Veritas is to Fidelis.  It's Fidelis Squared.
They say the very air is Lawful Good.  So there is a prison there, in the hope that that exposure to the sheer overwhelming Goodness of the area helps rehabilitate people.

Sometimes, it even works:  there is a whole Order in Fidelis called the Order of the Reformed, who are ex-villains sworn to do good deeds to make up for their past badness.  Their symbol is somewhat similar to the Paladins- the Paladins have a winged sword, the Reformed have a winged coiled trumpet.

A peculiar little detail:  there is an Orc in the Order of the Reformed.  There are no native Orcs in the Southlands.  Like many others, all the Orcs here are immigrants, or offspring of immigrants.  There are other native nasties, though, like Gnolls and Hobgoblins.  The Order of the Reformed has done a better job at reaching Orcs than others.  This may be because the Orcs here are away from their regular culture and frame of reference.  But the Goblins and Hobgoblins have more hatred for the Reformed than any other Order, even Paladins.  This may be because their leaders see this Order as undermining their command.  Whatever the case, wearing the winged coiled trumpet is a death sentence if captured by Hobgoblins.

Atraxus grins at Abadon's comment. He fetches the bottle back out of his pouch and holds it for the Gnome to take and inspect.

"It's the nature of the bottle," Atraxus explains. "We found it in an airship full of other strange items. Unlike most items that are pulled toward the ground, this one seems to be pulled toward the sky. Keep a tight grip on it. I'd hate to lose it before finding out its worth. Perhaps we can exchange it for enough to afford comfortably staying here in the city."

---

Atraxus nods politely to the shop's proprietor.

"Well met, Master Dodley, and well observed. I suppose you could call us adventurers. I'm Atraxus Wildheart, and this is Abadon Crystalfist. We're here in the wizard Arcto's stead to look for your city's missing paladin. Before that, I was hoping you might be interested in this bottle." Atraxus carefully withdraws the bottle from his backpack and hands it to Magemonger Dodley.

"It floats up rather than falls down, so please take care as you inspect it," he cautions.

"Hmm.." hmms the Halfling thoughtfully.  "A lot of things float up, but generally they are underwater at the time.  Perhaps the thing in your bottle is a bit unclear on where it is.  Or maybe... let's have a look, shall we, because I suspect..."

He points to a knob at the end of the bottle.

"Valve.  Good workmanship, I'd bet Gnomish.  They're very clever with these things.  Anyway, if it's a valve, then this bottle is meant to contain a vapor, and now can know what it is.  There's a vapor that does exactly what you describe, falls up, and things filled with it fall up to.  In fact, the bigger the container you put it in, the more up you can get out of it... complex sciency stuff. Lots of names for it.  Lifting Vapor is the most obvious. Artificers love this stuff, because they can make floaty things. Also good for potions of levitation and flying and the like.  But sources... not so many.  Some came from the Mountain Elves, some imported, some comes from Redmond... no steady supply, really."

Atraxus could offer the bottles for sale to wizards and artificers up and down the coasts of the Southlands, but that would take a while.  That's why there are Magemongers.  They make this much more convenient for all concerned.  Like middlemen in any industry, that's what the magemongers are really selling.  Convenience.

Even empty, these well made metal bottles are valuable.

Fairwind Dodley could empty the contents into other containers, but also wants the bottles.  Convenience.  He offers 90 GP for each bottle worth of lifting vapor, and will go up to 110 if the bottles are included.

As for missing Paladins, he knows nothing and has heard nothing- but observes that Paladins are always going off on quests and doing heroic deeds, maybe it's that sort of thing.

"Well, I'm glad I didn't open it," Atraxus chuckles, inwardly grateful that he had held back his curiosity. "That sounds like a fair exchange. I will sell the bottle and its contents to you for 110 gold.

"Would you happen to know of a weaponsmith or armorer?" he asks Dodley. "I'm a bit more comfortable with mundane armaments, and I've been out of arrows for my longbow for quite some time."

Fairwind Dodley steers Atraxus and Abadon towards the next goal- weaponsmiths.

Fidelis has about a dozen, the Halfling explains, and they are all in one place.

That place is in the oldest corner of the town, with low brick and stucco buildings and narrow streets.  The pavement is old brick, loose in places.  They can hear it even before they can see it; the sound of smiths at work is unmistakable.

One might think the weaponsmiths would hold a position of great prestige in Fidelis.  Perhaps they do, they do look prosperous.  None have the look of peasants.  But maybe the higher ups in town decided that the noise, dust and smoke of their shops wasn't a pleasant thing to have close to the glorious central plazas, and so they were exiled to this less luxurious looking part of town.

They find a dozen different weapon shops on one street together, most specializing in something, each have a small sales area up front and a much larger work area in the back.  They are all cluttered together on a street called Weaponeer's Court.  The whole neighborhood seems to be a big crafts work area- if they keeps going they will run into the potters and coopers.

Despite his being a big Half Orc, the only one visible, Atraxus fits in here- this is where warriors shop for the tools of their trade.  In fact, there are a few others.  Two of them, both human, both in their 30's by their look, notice Atraxus and talk to him.  Though they give Abadon a polite nod, it's clear that Atraxus is the one who has caught their interest.

"Visiting, or new and as yet undecided?" one of them says.
"It's not a choice to make lightly," says the other.  "Though I'd bet half the orders would welcome you."
"The best is clearly The Marshall's Legion," says the first.  "Ignore what the others tell you.  Mere propaganda.  The Marshall's Legion.. .the Pennant and Swords is what you want to wear."

At this point Atraxus and Abadon note that both men have large shoulder tab insignia:  A golden pennant mounted on a spear, with 2 crossed swords behind it.

On the way to the weaponsmith, Atraxus offers Abadon a quarter of the coins from the sale of the bottle and its contents.

"Here you go," he says. "It sounded like you were short on money. Seems to be the case for all of our number. I believe Qui-Lin is in the same boat. Not sure about Alison, but better safe than sorry."

When he arrives at the weaponsmith, Atraxus is at first taken aback at the friendly nature of the Humans in the shop. Most people are at best tolerant of his kind. However, their courtesy and curiosity puts him at ease.

"We're both visitors, I'm afraid" Atraxus replies. "Still new to the Southlands, and just arrived from Deluzion Break. My name is Atraxus, and this is Abadon.

"We've heard a bit about Fidelis and its orders," he adds, "but nothing too concrete. I would be interested to hear a bit more about the Marshall's Legion. What does the order do?"

Abadon received the contents very appreciatively, clearly not having expected such, but nodding in acknowledgement to Atraxus' point on tight pursestrings.

"Very appreciated, and very kind of you.  It has been a long and expensive, journey, for certain, friend Atraxus.  Now, I have received unexpected assistances along the way -and thank you again- which was not my expectation of the surface lands.  Some argue that the greatest magic and mystery is the kindness of new folk."

~
The gnome nodded at being named - this was a place for his much larger friend to stock up on weaponry, and Abadon kept his ears open for information, and his eyes watching for gnomish folk or anyone walking around that fit his recognition of paladins.  Really the party would need to hit the hall, but it didn't hurt to be attentive, and look for new bits of magic squirreled away in the world.

The two men give Atraxus and Abadon and quick (and glowing) description of their Order:  The Marshall's Legion trains people for service in the militaries of the Southlands.

They aren't mercenaries, they say.  They join up as true and loyal members of whatever nation hires them.  They are trained to be leaders, not merely line soldiers.  They are a typically more expensive than locals, because the Order demands a "training fee".  They have to make up for it, and be worth it, by being better than the average local soldier.  They do this by periodically recalling members for retraining here in Fidelis.  Here, they have the advantage of pooling knowledge and tactics from across the Southlands.

This is still not good enough for a number of colonies.

"Haven't really gotten into Ushalka," one of them frets.

Apparently, there is some concern about what happens if Marshall's Legion soldiers are on opposite sides.  They are in no hurry to kill each other, and will generally look for an equitable solution rather than a fight in this case.

Some see this as a feature, others as a bug.  For the smaller colonies where they are very popular, it's great- they don't expect to fight each other anyway.

"Anyway, while the Paladins are always running off after some rumor or prophecy or a cat stuck in a tree, we protect nations. Think about that!  And, we have better food."

As they talk it is clear that there exists a friendly rivalry between certain Orders, and the Paladins and Marshalls certainly have it.  The two men point out someone else in the weapons market:

"See him?  Doran.  He's your typical Paladin.  Now, when I get an assignment, let's say a four year billet with Pomera, and a Duke says, 'Goblins are massing in the West!' I will be there, ready, with troops.  I will say, 'At once, sire, I will muster the regiment and drive them from our lands!'  Doran?  Who knows where he might be?  Off doing something, looking for a lost Font of Holy Water, whatever.  Unreliable, and unrealistic! "

Abadon nodded, and made a few notes down in his travel journal.  "A good division of duties, then it would seem, and something for independent and team-working folk to each do their best of action.  That potential conflict of conflicting membership encounters is to be expected, and avoiding injuring your own members certainly remains an important fellowship requirement.  Interesting.

"I most appreciate your time in explaining your excellent work to us.  If your fellowship confers to try and understand and resolve matters, it would make sense that we speak to the paladin order as well, to understand their perspectives when meeting with them.  Thank you again, Legionnaires, and for your assistance to the lands and their people."

Presuming Atraxus was able to resolve his restocking task, Abadon then headed over to speak with this Doran, and learn his perspective, and how to properly navigate the paladin order to assist in their missing paladin... and in what situations their order would send word for outside help to resolve such issues.

Armed with a little knowledge of Paladins, Abadon seeks out Doran, who is discussing heavy crossbows with the local crossbow maker, and what kind of wood won't cause a warped stock when it gets wet.

He seems quite happy to be interrupted by Abadon.  Of course, Paladins have an image to maintain.  If you aren't the type to smile and say "What can I do for you?" then you probably aren't cut out to do it.

Doran not only knows how to say it, but how to stand in the sunlight and put his hands on his hips when he does.

At that point, Abadon is supposed to say something like "My family is threatened by a...".  The paladin is totally flustered by the lack of a specific crisis from Abadon. He's supposed to name an Evil to be Thwarted.  If there isn't anything Evil to Thwart... then what?

"Wait... one of US is missing?  Well, it's hard to say, no one really keeps track of where we are at any one time..."

Paladins, it seems, do not become "missing."  They go on quests.  Sometimes, when a paladin does not return and it is long after the rational limit of returning, that paladin is said to be "on a quest Eternal".  But on the other hand, paladins have been known to take a long, long time.

"Sanrad of Auxene took nine years to track down and destroy Gorates the River Wyrm," Doran says.  "I am certain no one in our order would have sent a message saying one of us is missing.  That's just not how we do things."

If it is a specific paladin and a specific problem, Doran invites Abadon to come to the Order Hall and ask the elders about Paladins who seem to be taking longer than they should.  As he explains, it is clear that the Paladins have a very different structure and approach than the Marshalls.  Every paladin is really on his or her own, the Order is like a social club and training institution, not a command center.  The Marshalls get contracts to serve specific military forces, Paladins do not.  On the other hand, ordinary people are generally not welcome to ask help from the Marshalls.

Partly as a result of this, the Paladins have fewer resources, and at any given time, fewer of them are here in Fidelis.  An exception is elders who are past the age of adventuring, but support the Order by training and advising the younger Paladins. In fact it's not even normal for Paladins to live in the order.  If they are here, they are teaching, or learning, or retired or passing through.  Paladins rarely stay put if there are no good deeds to do.

"Quite the ironic situation, isn't it?" he asks.  "At least at first glance, we have the most celestially aligned place in the Southlands, and yet so few of us.  But that's as it should be.  In Fidelis, even the distant mountains are guarded by Gold Dragons, what good are we here?  I am sure, if you bring the situation to the elders of the order, they can help you.  We do not turn people away, it is against our creed to do so."

According to Doran, now, there are only a handful of actual Paladins actually here, and some novices in training, but that's normal.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:56, Wed 06 Jan 2021.

Abadon dutifully noted down the directions for proper greetings, and made direct effort to not add commentary about how practical the legionnaires were versus the incredible distraction and lack of communication, coherence, coordination of the the paladin order.  If the gnomish folk had acted similarly, there wouldn't have been a community left from even a single underground horror.

Still, he thanked Doran for his assistance, and wished him the best on his next quest, whatever Evil that was being thwarted might be.

When the party of two was away from the paladin, Abadon looked up at his much larger friend.  "He seemed very earnest, but...not all that particularly practical or reliable.  I am a touch more concerned at the appearance of no tracking or communication of the Order's members, but perhaps there is a difference between the front-line action folk, and wiser minds behind the gauntlet, as it were."

Shopping is accomplished.  And, they've gotten a little background information on Paladins.


They head back, past the workshops of Weaponeer's Court, and then again along Old Street, back the way they came.

They pass one shop with a familiar name.  It is the Dimeste shop, the one belonging to Dimeste House.  It looks like they specialize in upscale home decor.  There are a variety of pillows in the window, with ruffles and flowery prints.  Several different curtains, too, matching the pillows.

And they are able to regroup back a the Green Arches Inn.

.. And off to the Paladin orderhouse!

Alison motioned for them to take seats with her. "There is a second smaller town. Veritas, which houses an suborder, and they have orcs among them. There is a strange festival of the sea too, up coming." She shrugged, "Seems quiet. What did you lot learn?"

Rather than assist the others in information gathering, Qui-Lin spent some time in quiet contemplation, trying to center her chi. She let it be known she could be found in her attic room when needed.

Abadon looked to Ataxus and Qui-Lin, neither choosing to speak or involve themselves, so he shrugged his shoulders.

"Let us talk as we walk to the paladin order hall.  The days go by so swiftly that I feel that we've been at this for weeks without even meeting the paladin requesting help yet!

"There is a strong division between the Legionnares and Paladin orders.  The Legionnaires present as very practical, organized, planned - concerned with regional affairs.  They certainly throw a fair bit of shade upon the paladin order.

"We met one paladin on the way back.  He... well, earnest is the nicest thing we could say of him.  Very simplistic, unaware of anything going on with his own Order, in his town.  He was of the belief that the paladins were always coming and going, and no one knew where people were, and accepted that lack of coordination and communication as a given.  There to help individuals.  Terribly chaotic a system for a place of order.  I can only hope the seniors - the only ones expected still around - have something in the way of planning, travel logs, mission and needs in the region, reports of dangers and concerns in the region - that type of thing.  Very concerning the representative we met."

"Very well," Qui-Lin said as she gathered herself.  Scooping up her traveling gear, she followed Abadon to the paladin order hall.

"That is concerning," she replied.  "Why would two orders, obstensibly bent towards the same end, be in conflict?  It almost sounds like the palaidns are children tolerated, or guided, by the Legionnaires?"

"I read it as less in direct conflict, and more jockeying for pride/position - Atraxus?  Fair?"  the gnome looked to his colleague, then returned to the conversation as they walked.  "Not to say that there could NOT be such issue behind the scenes, but the Legionnaires expressed their view as state agents, squads and companies regarding state concerns, and viewed the paladins as helping cats up trees, if that reliable.  From reading through their lines, and from speaking with the one paladin in the market, the paladins appear more focused on individual needs, communities facing evils, or, arguably, issues that affect more than one nations.  So a very micro and super-macro view, where the Legionnaires would be concentrated strictly on their middle-social strata unit action.  Interestingly for a group that prides themselves on warfare and dedication to the patron nation, they still maintain training and fellowship back here, and will take effort to diplomatically resolve issues that would put Legionnaire forces against other Legionnaire forces."

They don't have far to go this time.

The Order of Paladins is a distinctive building on the Orders' Plaza, within site of the Green Arches Inn, which marks the point where the Harbor Plaza becomes the Orders' Plaza.  It's a fortified white stone building that looks like a small castle, with a Winged Sword emblem above the entrance.

You certainly get a friendly enough greeting.  There's no harsh "state your business" nor is there a bored "do you have an appointment?"  Instead you are ushered in by a young woman, perhaps in her elder teens, to a well furnished lounge area, where you are treated to tea while she summons elders.  It's a very pleasant floral look, all soft colors and silky fabrics... maybe its the sort of thing you might expect from Paladins, maybe not.

An old man arrives, white beard, bald head... though still quite healthy and firm looking.  No cane needed, though a teenaged boy, an attendant of some sort, is at his side.  The young woman is back as well.

"They have come beseeching our aid," she say to the elder.  "Tea, Master Orrifred?"

"Yes, please," he says before turning to the party.  He has a look of pride, as if he is quite pleased that the party is here.

"I am Orrifred the Light Seeker," he says.  "I am a trainer and mentor here.  Please tell, what has brought you to us?"

Along the way, Atraxus offers Alison and Qui-Ling a quarter of the coins he got each. "A bit of spending money should you need it," he explains, "courtesy of one of the bottles Daladain snatched on the airship."

Atraxus nods as Abadon explains what the pair learned during their shopping trip. "I think that's a fair summary. It's all a bit strange to me, though. I've always focused more on actions than association, but I suppose that is just another way this land is vexingly confusing."

Atraxus makes a note of the new order symbol at this group of paladin's headquarters. He also glances from the members' dress to Qui-Lin's, wondering if they had any similarities.

"I think we've perhaps come to help you, Light Seeker Orrifred," Atraxus says while bowing to the elderly man. "We've come from Deluzion Break on the Wizard Arcto's behalf to aid in the search of a missing paladin."

OOC:

110gp/4 should be 27gp 5sp, so each of us would get that from the sale of the bottle.

There are a few moments of bewilderment.  Orrifred the Light Seeker takes his tea and sits in a large armchair, thinking.

"Missing..." he muses.  "Arcto goes way back, but honestly he's been out of the game longer than I've been.  If this was twenty years ago he'd be the type I'd contact but these days... who would... I haven't sent any message about a missing paladin to him.  Who would..."

And then his face changes.

"Dimeste!  This is Jorian Dimeste!"

The young woman says quietly, "or his son Thaller.  Thaller is the one who came here.  Repeatedly.  And still does, nearly daily."

"This may call for stronger tea," Orrifred says.  "Jorian Dimeste, father of Thaller Dimeste, son of Thaller Dimeste the Elder, may his spirit be remembered fondly.  The elder Thaller was a paladin, and a fine one, when I was a young buck myself.  He was lost, sadly.  But to honor him, his son Jorian... Jorian could not follow him.  He had not the calling, nor the gifts.  But for his father, House Dimeste became a sort of sponsor for our order."

With a gesture, Orrifred indicates the high quality furniture all around the party.  And the silver tea service.

"And that gift he apparently passed on, at least to his son Thaller.  Thaller, like his father, is not made to be a Paladin, but he is very attached to us.  And he has a particular interest in Derne Goldfire.  Derne recently completed his noviceship, and has been very eager for a first task.  As you might surmise, finding things for a Paladin to do around here is not easy.  But apparently he found one, and set off on it... honestly, he never mentioned it to me, and as far as I know, not the other elders either... I don't know what it is.  But it's hardly unusual for a Paladin to find a sudden, urgent quest and vanish.  It's what we do.  But after two weeks, Thaller began coming by, and day by day, increasingly worried."

"Are you following so far?  Well, partly to humor Thaller we went to the Temple of Bahamut.. the one we generally use for these things.. and we asked for an Augury concerning whether we should take up a search for Derne.  And they said no, we should not.  We took that to mean he was in no danger, and Thaller, likely just panicking for no good reason."

Alison, having remained silent as she had noting important to say, now seemed to have something important. She spoke quietly but firmly, a practiced speaker getting the room's attention. "Arcto said that there were many such requests but that a Paladin missing was unusual enough to send some to investigate. Augury, yes this is a magic I am familiar with but one I do not use myself. It is notoriously dependent on the question asked, the wording actually of the question. In any event we are not you. Perhaps you were not meant to search for him because we are - meant to search I mean. We few here are beholden to no one and I at least am eager to find new things to do to keep my mind off old failures." She took a sip, "Lovely tea, by the way, is that cinnamon I taste?"

She continued, "This is what we came here for, and if you wish we will take this upon ourselves." She looked at her comrades for reassurance that they were willing to stay the course. "I mean if the group still wishes to do so."

“As Alison noted, that manner of spell is ambiguous, and the way the question was formed even more so.  Surely the senior of your Order are wise to this issue?  Is this simply a blind confidence in your people?  Ill comes to your folk, especially in facing down great evils.  If the issues are important enough for a paladin to self-dispatch, or broad enough that a call comes in directly, surely there is some manner of ensuring the evil has been dispatched or the trouble resolved?”

Abadon pursed his lips as the paladin leadership outlined a continued pattern of chaotic behaviour for such a bastion of order and control in a town reknowned for order and control.

”So it is an established practice to not notify the Order leadership about accepting any task or quest, or even in departing the city or not?  And there is no followup or monitoring of your fellowship working out in the city, and certainly nothing beyond the city walls.

“It would seem then we must track down where he was last seen.  It would seem appropriate to speak to:
-whomever was last on door duty the days immediately before he left, to see if they know who came in, what was requested, and in case Derne became involved.
-the more observant from outside, in the common area for these various Orders
-the quartermaster of your Order, to determine what, if any, resources he took with him, as that may provide information as to time away and needs anticipated.
-the gate guards and harbourmaster’s office, to check logs of travelers departing, to see if we can determine ship destination or direction of travel from the city, or if he presumably was working within the city walls.
-Thaller and Jorian Dimeste, as they seem the most knowledgeable and interested about Derne.
-any friends or family of Derne residing within the city.
-Derne’s residence – his room within chapter walls if you have, or his personal home without, if that is the custom.

“Is there some manner of marker used to show folk such as the authorities, or Thaller and Jorian Dimeste, to confirm that we are acting on behalf of the order to assist in response to the query about aid?”  The gnome listed a series of possible places to start looking – he spoke not with recrimination in his voice, but in a rational exploration of where to start on something that might be nothing, and was treated as both very concerning and very unconcerning.

"I am no investigator, but I am still dedicated to this," Qui-Lin said quietly.  "And I do know the ins and outs of how cities work.  Perhaps I can find out more in the streets than I did meditating on my navel in my room. Or, alternately, assist those who are more skilled at investigation.  In either case, some letter or mark would be an aid, so we don't waste time persuading each and every interview that we're really the good guys."

"It is not that we don't care to," Orrifred says.  "It is that... it is 2800 miles from the Ice River to Cape Fortune.  We get a handful of novices each year.  We are far and thinly spread.  Paladins often send in reports and journals of their deeds, so that others might learn from them, but the truth is we are far flung and thinly spread, and each responsible for their own deeds.  We never had a requirement for Paladins to report, ask permission... we always worked on the idea that if you teach someone to do what is right, and cultivate an honest desire to help people, there is no need to give orders.  It would take too long, in any case."

He looks around, and upwards, and takes a sip of tea.

"Although in this case... it's not unusual for a Paladin, once past the novice stage, to stay here for a while, until he or she has a pretty good idea of where to go.  That was what Derne was doing."

He looks to the young woman.  "Mae, you have a better knowledge than I of the social lives of young Paladins.  Can you shed some light?"

The young woman nods, and speaks.  "Thaller did not want Derne to leave.  But staying here can be stifling to a Paladin.  There is so little to actually do.  Derne wanted something to do close to home, so he could have his quest, sort things out in his head, but not actually leave.  He exchanged correspondence with someone in Veritas. Twice I gave him letters that had come from Veritas. Maybe he found something to do there."

Now, even Orrifred looks curious.  "What could possibly be an issue in Veritas?  They say the water is so infused with good it is practically holy.  Gold Dragons guard the hills."

"Well there have been Goblins," Mae says.

"Yes, that's true.  No doubt, creatures of evil drawn to light just because where there is light, the are filled with desire to destroy it.  Nihilistic vermin.  But then, if it was something like that, and it was more than the defenders of Veritas could handle, would they not have sent word to all of us?  It seems odd to me that they call upon one novice Paladin."

"Perhaps Derne has relatives there?  Or maybe Thaller does?"  Mae asks.

"Derne is from Pomera and never mentioned local family.  It is possible the Dimestes are connected up with this strangeness.  Mae, it is strange, now.  I still believe that it is most likely nothing more than a Paladin's friend being excessively worried.  Nonetheless, it is unseemly that a wizard in another land be called upon and yet we do nothing.  You must accompany Arcto's adventurers and learn what can be learned.  If only for our peace of mind."

"Then it seems we are to:
-Deane's quarters here regarding any clues left,
-the quartermaster here regarding any supplies requisitioned,
-then to Thaller and his kin to determine what they know of the request and quest,
-then to the gate guards and harbourmaster regarding traveller logs if Deane left the city, to determine his destination/direction.
-and Vertias, to speak with someone -whom?- there about possible correspondence questing.  I'm hoping that Deane would have left such missives in his quarters, but then the question also remains why he wouldn't have alerted the order here about such a task."

Abadon looked about to the others for confirmation on a plan, or clarification/modification of it to other suggestions, but submitting something decisive for immediate action, rather than silence or wandering thoughts.

Alison nodded, "An excellent plan Crystalfist." She stressed the correct pronunciation of his last name. She seemed to be offering an olive branch.

Derne's quarters are the closest, and although there is a little reluctance on the part of Orrifred, it does seem like the party is motivated by good- they've sought no reward from this- and they have dropped a key name, Arcto, and if Arcto was brought into this by Thaller Dimeste...

"It might ease the Dimeste household if you saw what you need to see," Orrifred says.  "But for now I must draw the line at reading his personal mail.  Maybe if we were certain he was in danger... but I cannot violate the privacy of a young Paladin based on what we've heard today.  Mae... accompany them, show them around.  You will be the one assigned to this."

The young woman nods.

"Derne has a room upstairs," she says.  "That's where Paladins stay when they're here.  Not with the novices anymore."

Upstairs means up several flights of stairs.  The "lodging" floor features small rooms, with minimalist furnishings.  Not so minimalist that one would think "monk" but close.  The Paladins don't want to appear to be lavish spenders.

Derne's room has a chest, a desk, a bed, and a large armoire.  There are papers on the desk, some bundled together with twine. The desk also has a large candle holder. The curtains are a touch of elegance, not simple like most other things.

There's also a large silver pitcher on the desk. It features an intricate Dragon design- Dragons appear in rings around the pitcher.

"I wouldn't say that is an official Paladin's Order Pitcher," Mae says, "But the dragon is a common symbol for us.  The Good Dragons are associated with our history.  Derne wouldn't have bought that, that looks very expensive."

The gnome gestured for the others to help search, and he set to his work as well, trying to find any clues of the missing paladin's departure.  Beneath the bed, pillows and blankets checked, testing the straw of the mattress... were there any secret or hidden compartments, anything over here or there, anything in or behind the chest or desk or armoire?  Hmm....
Abadon puttered here and there, asking the taller folk for assistance in checking the high locations, or in helping lift and hold other things. He lifted the notes to check beneath, them, then set them back.  He lifted the vase, looking inside and out, and marking down any details of interest.

"Clearly a strong tie with money, as was noted below.  Hmm.  Let us see if I have anything in my pack that will help.  Oh, please excuse my privacy," he apologized without apologizing.  On cue, a large, and clearly magical crate appeared around him, hiding him from sight by the desk; the wooden crate appeared stamped in red with 'PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB.'  The gnome's pack appeared briefly through the box, still in hand, then disappeared back into the privacy box.  "Good quality pack this, but no privacy flaps or screens when or for looking inside.  Should be standard, in my opinion.  Hmm.  Ah!  Here you are."

He emerged with a small magnifying glass, and continued his search.

~
A few moments later, he politely inquired, "Might I make use of your privvy room, the guest washroom for a few moments while you continue here?  I really don't recall the last time I cleared myself - feels positively like weeks."  Presuming the directions and permission were provided, off he trundled, returning in a few minutes.

---

OOC:
08:45, Today: Abadon Crystalfist rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Investigation .
08:45, Today: Abadon Crystalfist rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  if advantage.
search10, or search 15 if anyone helps with advantage.

08:45, Today: Secret Roll: Abadon Crystalfist rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Insight.
Does Abadon have impression that Mae is as she presents, or does he think she knows more?

"Gnomes can be so.. interesting," Mae says as Abadon goes about his business.  "Have you traveled with him long?" she asks Alison in particular.  "And how is it you are bound up in this search for Derne?"

The gnome returned in short order, thanking everyone for their courtesy, and checking the status of what had been discovered in his absence.

"It doesn't seem like much in the way here, but perhaps ... can you lift the bed?  No, it's okay, don't worry about it.  I'll put away my looking glass, and then we can go visit the patrons - certainly that pitcher suggests there is definitely a strong tie as we believed."  The gnome raised his privacy box, then dropped it again moments later, and he closed the claspe on the upper part of his backsack before returning it to his shoulder.

"Do you know where we might find them this time of day, Mae?  I expect they are likely enough to have some background information, if not the exact travel paths.  Something tells me that Veritas seems the best fit, from what you've said.  Close enough to be around home, but something happening with the area, indeed."

Abadon looked at the stack of letters on the desk, taking care to not touch them.  "We can try to speak to the person or persons that sent these, if we can take a calculated consideration that they were at least in part from out there.

"So... to the Thaller family?"

~When there was a moment when Mae was not around, Abadon quietly notified the rest of the party about what he had discovered.  "Very minimal findings in the room, as we anticipated.  Mae seems on the level, and certainly views herself as a helper, less a planted observer.  Too much trickery I've seen, so good to check that out first.

"I suspect we are going to find that Derne left for the Veritas region, seeking  a holy place in the hills that he and a Bors Cordwind of Veritas believe to be drawing the evil by being so pure the evil feels callled to destroy it.  So if we cannot find it, we can try following the goblin parties searching for it - or the dragons that apparently know where it is, but don't talk about its location - so finding the goblins seems a more likely route to find the paladin.  Just a hunch."

Alison did not accompany the investigation team. She stayed and chatted, "It seems interminable, but really only a few days. I find Gnomes in general lack discipline, but Abadon seems to have that. So long as he stays focused."

Atraxus lets the more investigative and talkative members take the lead. He nods politely as he looks about, and listens as Abadon reveals the fruits of his investigation.

"Tracking goblins," he says with a grin, "that is something I might be able to help with."

The Half-Orc looks over at Mae. "Will you be accompanying us? I'm not familiar with what the Light Seeker meant when he said you were 'assigned' to this."

Mae has been "assigned" to this issue by Orrifred.  She has to stick it through, after all, how would it look if word got out that the Order of Paladins did not aid someone in search of a missing Paladin?

So she sticks with Abadon and Atraxus, who have a plan.

Mae also proves a useful guide in locating Thaller Dimeste... currently at the Dimeste store, among the finer shops of Fidelis.

Thaller is a young man, maybe late 20's.  Not out of shape, but by his complexion and appearance, certainly not used to any hard labor.  Well dressed, wearing jewelry- the sort of man whose either says "easy mark for thieves" or "knows that he looks like an easy mark for thieves, and takes precautions."

He instantly recognizes Mae.  They know each other.  (In fact, along the way, Mae explains that Thaller is a sort of Paladin Groupie.  He's their fan and supporter, he knows ALL of them.  If Paladins appeared on merchandise, he'd have a collection- mint condition.)

Thaller gives Mae a happy welcome hug at the store, even before she has a chance to introduce the others.

"Thaller, these are... mmmpphhhmmmf" Mae says.  "Abadon Crystalfist and Atraxus Wildheart, who have come from Artco..."

"From Arcto!" Thaller says exhuberantly.  "You see, he hasn't forgotten!"

Very soon, Thaller is explaining his side of things.  His very good friend Derne truly wanted something to prove himself, now that he was no longer a novice, but Thaller had expressed regret that it would likely take him far from Fidelis... even though that was perfectly normal.    Derne got the idea from a few other that the water in Veritas Lake had some of the properties of Holy Water.  Thaller gave him a silver pitcher to collect some...

"It wouldn't be fitting to carry all that Holy Water around in an ordinary jug, you see!  I mean, it might insult whatever Power consecrated it!"

He made a trip there, and brought back water- Thaller still had some.  They found that it did have "Holy Water Properties", but weak.  Together, they theorized that this must be caused by some lost temple, artifact, ancient spell or something affecting the lake...

"Because how could a lake itself be holy?  No one's ever reported anything odd from the lake!"

Thaller says that Derne mentioned this to the elders... and was a little put off when they were weren't so interested.  At that, Mae seems surprised.

"Given its rarity, an artifact creating Holy Water ought to be something they are very interested in," she says.

Thaller shakes his head.  "I know, I know, it sounds strange.  I think it made Derne determined to find out.  My theory is that they acted unconcerned, because letting Derne do this would fill his need to do something big and important.  Or something like that.  There is no way Thaller wouldn't tell them of this, and no way they wouldn't care!"

Mae seems puzzled.  "Then why would Orrifred seem so indifferent?  Surely Derne went to Veritas, and surely Orrifred knew?"

"Surely they all know," Thaller says.  "That is why I sent the letter to Arcto."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:49, Thu 21 Jan 2021.

Abadon rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed silently, as only a deep gnome could.

"The best case scenario is that the head of the paladin order is concealing a venture of a missing paladin, and that sends one of his flock out to monitor without alerting of the danger.  And pretending he knows nothing about efforts to recover a lost holy relic, and frustrating the efforts to find both.

"That is not much of a best case.

"Worse, the possibility that the paladin order here is at odds with the purer order in Veritas.

"Worse, that the head of the holy order here is actively trying to prevent locating a valuable holy relic, and obstructing efforts thereto, and willing to hide efforts, and tarnish the reputation for no gain.  Which then suggests significant corruption.  Even if he felt the holy item or place needed to remain hidden, the way in which this has been arranged and drawn out, that is a storm being blown of all wrong winds.

"Or even worse, that evil is puppeting the head of holy orders here, and doing everything to have concerted defence forces away from being able to act.

"Either way - the answers are at the relic.  The lakewater doesn't generally have the characteristic, which suggests either something at the bottom, or more helpfully, a cave or tributary.  With the holy and evil presences in the area, anything less than the bottom of the lake or a hidden vale seems unlikely.  But, findable, if Derne found it."

Alison followed along keeping her teeth together.

"We should go to Veritas, then and find Derne!" Thaller says bravely.

"We?" Mae asks.

"Was it not I who summoned help from Arcto and started this?  It is only right that I should help finish," Thaller explains.  "And we can take the family coach.  It's quite nice.  Though heaven help me if something should happen to it.  We can be there in... ah.."

"Two days," Mae says.  "Veritas is two days from Fidelis.  Our western frontier."

"Delightfully rustic," Thaller says.  "No one ever has an unkind word for Veritas."

"Except the creatures of darkness, angered by the very existence of such an enlightened place.  Paladins have found work to do in Veritas before."  Mae says.

"Well have there been any recent calls for assistance?" Thaller asks.

"No," Mae replies after a hesitant moment.

"Then I should have nothing to fear," Thaller says.

"If Derne did not have special equipment, as I take from your words, then it would seem we should take advantage of the transportation and depart.  Extra food and especially extra water strapped aboard, or in a following wagon, or both for safety.

"Do we need special containers for the holy water, should we find it?  One might expect that it will be needed if it can be found."  The gnome nodded simply, and gestured his readiness to depart.

"Supplies would be wise," Atraxus replies. "I can usually fend for myself and forage enough for others, but this land is...odd. I wouldn't want to make promises I cannot keep."

"Veritas is frontier but still civilized," Thaller says.  "There's a fine inn on the lake, we'll stay there... I am no hero, but I can pay, that will be my heroic deed!  Thaller DiMeste, who fed his heroes and kept them in finery, against all odds!"

"Odds?" Mae asks.

"I'm being dramatic," Thaller says.  "Let me have my moment.  I'll get us some things here... and containers for Holy Water I suppose, we should have a few, even though getting the Holy Water isn't the main goal, finding Derne is.  Although if you could bring the pitcher I gave him... that's the sort of thing Holy Water likes."

As Mae is able to explain later, Holy Water appears to have an attitude, compared to ordinary water.  Not that it ever says anything.  But it seems to insist on being kept in a special container, one suitable for the carrying of holy water.  On the other hand, exactly what this container has to be seems very flexible.  It doesn't have to be magic, just... well, special.  Nice.  Presentable.  There isn't that much theory as to why this is so.  For most Paladins and Clerics, ie, those who normally create the stuff, the beginning and end of the story is "Well of course it needs a special container, it's HOLY."  For most wizards and others who ask a lot of questions about the world, it's Divine Stuff, so asking questions is of no use- gods have their divine ways and the rules of Holy don't have to make sense.

But on the third hand, some speculate that it's not really the container that matters, it's the symbolism of the container in the mind of the person who puts the holy water there.  One does not merely empty an old pottery jug and fill it up.  One must have the right amount of respect for what one is doing.  This would explain why "suitable container" will vary with person and circumstance.  For goodly and pious person who lives under a vow of poverty, almost anything will do.  But for the Royal Chaplain of a wealthy monarch, anything less than an artfully done container made of precious metals would just be an insult to the whole concept, and the Holy Water will lose its powers.

Thaller knows his part in this:  he rounds up supplies, a few containers, food, even some newly bought bedrolls "in case we must sleep in the field, as I fear might occur" and some extra arrows for Atraxus.  Everyone is here on his request, even Mae, indirectly, so the least he can do is supply the party.

When all is ready, they pick up the other party members, Alison and Qui-Lin Xiang, and they are on their way to Veritas.

Atraxus and Abadon, who have done the heavy lifting to get things underway, are each awarded an Inspiration.  An Inspiration can be used to Gain Advantage on a future roll.

Once out into the countryside, they have a very comfortable ride in a deluxe coach, although... it's clear that this thing was meant for roads, or at least trails, and if they must continue past Veritas, where the road ends, they might have to leave it behind.

The countryside of Fidelis has an interesting look about it.  It gives the impression that it wanted to be settled. Farmland is flat but pitched just enough for good drainage.  There aren't any rock walls at the field limits because the fields were all conveniently short of rocks to be removed.  The trees grow without bends or knots that would cause wood to be wasted when they are cut up for lumber.  The road doesn't seem to have had to avoid natural obstacles, and looks like it took a minimum amount of effort- the ground was just fine the way it was for road building.

For a while, the road parallels the shore- off to your left, in the distance, is the ocean, and here and there you see stretches of wide, sandy beach.

Alison nodded at the horses. "I'd be more comfortable driving a cart, but you know what they say, 'When in Fidelas, do as the Fidalians do.' They do say that you know."

They journey to Veritas, which they find in another thread.