You have all made your way to the mansion of Baroness Sarah Keswick Hawkwood. It is an estate of colorful trees, carefully sculpted topiary, immaculate lawns and gleaming white buildings. Couples are playing tennis on the grounds or enjoying a late brunch in the gardens.

Two things in particular catch your eyes; a tall bronze statue of Emperor Alexius, and a hulking war machine, easily 20 meters tall. An obvious remnant of the Emperor Wars, it stands silent and deadly at the ready, guarded by Hawkwood soldiers.

As you approach the gates to the mansion, you are stopped by two guards wearing plasteel half-plate and carrying blaster rifles. They eye up your group and frown as they spot Sir Santiago's insignia. One of them, a tall fellow with a shock of corn-blond hair, holds up his hand.

"Sorry, the guided tours are weekends only. No entry today!"


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:05, Fri 02 Sept 2022.

Oddmund makes sure to turn his commlink down very low so that Ali can only be heard in his ear and not by anyone else.

Oddmund greets the guard with a smile.  "Well, I will have to come back on a weekend then!  I didn't even know there were tours."

He looks to the others.  "Did you guys know there... were..."  He stops, shrugs, and turns back to the guard.  "But anyway, we weren't here for a tour."

Malcolm stands towards the back of the group, now wearing proper Eskatonic vestments over his street clothes.
He knows this is not the sort of situation where he shines, and leaves it to others to do the talking.

OOC: Did anyone of you invite Hengel along, or is he getting tended to somewhere?


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:04, Fri 02 Sept 2022.

My thinking was that we would retain him on a kind of freelance basis, he could do his thing until we needed him, but I'm open to other suggestions.

At the guard's remark, Wolfhard glances at the Nobles expectantly.

Better let the nobles deal with nobles...

"Tour, I think not. Sir, standing before you is Santiago Moralas Veteran 1st Lieutenant of the Hazat here to see the Baroness. I demand an audience."

Santiago will attempt to Daunt the guard into his request. Impress 9 + Presence 9 = Goal 18
Favorable due to Veteran 2 and 12. Success

The blond guard takes a step back, seeming somewhat intimidated by Sir Santiago. "Uhm..." he begins.

The other older guard sneers. "Morales of the Hazat? I remember that name from Byz. The good Duke helped us out quite a bit - although I'm not sure the rest of your House approved. One moment..."

He speaks into his squawker in a low voice. "Small situation at the gate. Better bring out the golem."


OOC: will pause here to give Sir Von a chance to catch up. The blond guard's Mind Resistance is 4, so Santiago needs to spend 4 VP to overcome it.



This message was last edited by the GM at 00:35, Sat 03 Sept 2022.

"If you have the chance to acquire the golem, do s-"
Odd grimmaces and turns off his comm link for a moment.

"This is how you Nobles of the Imperium greet one another... right?"

Wolfhard tenses at the mention of the golem. He maintains a non-threatening stance and casually maneuvers to have a clear shot if things go sideways.

I will spend the 4 VPs out of the 12 I just rolled to contend with his Mind Resistance

"Ah yes my father. Betrayer of my house whom died at my hands. Mention is name again and I will have your head." Santiago states with a mouth full of venom.

Going to Daunt him again for fear, Impress 9 and Presence 9 = Goal 18, favorable due to veteran and Impress, 9 and 15. 15 VP. Will spend the necessary VPs to allow for a successful attempt

The Vorox sauntered to the front of the group beside the Hazat knight and spoke in a warm, friendly voice, "my dear, dear Sir Santiago, clearly this man meant no offense by his words. The wars were a trying time for nearly every family. Why! I, myself, lost three uncles and two aunts!" He smiled - he had learned to do so very carefully, avoiding showing his impressive teeth, "my good man, I am Sir Vongangekan, a sworn knight of house al-Malik. I believe, if you check the guest register from the good lady's party oh.. five weeks past now, you will find that I was in attendance. My companions and I seek only to confer with her ladyship on a matter of some import. Pray, give us leave to enter."

20:57, Today: Sir Vongangekan rolled 14 using 1d20.  Entreat - Charm + Presence = 16.
So uh, that's 14 VP.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:59, Sat 03 Sept 2022.

The older guard swallows nervously as Sir Santiago berates him and takes a step back. "My apologies, Sir. Meant no disrespect. Just wait a moment and this should be resolved soon."

He nods at Sir Von but doesn't seem inclined to open the gate.

OOC: The guard rolled a critical Stonewall. Added to his mind resistance of 6, his resistance is 15. Santiago would have to spend 15 VP to Daunt him, which I take he does. Sir Von, do you want to spend 15 VP?

Moments later, a door opens in the main building, and a tall gangly figure appears. As it walks closer, it becomes apparent that it's a metal golem, wearing the uniform of a Hawkwood butler. It even sports artificial sideburns, a common Hawkwood affectation. It approaches with a dignified walk which looks rather ridiculous on a robot and takes in the situation.

"Good day. I am Jarvis, head butler to Baroness Hawkwood. You wi..wi..wish to speak to her? Please leave you we..we.weapons here with the guards and follow me."

The machine stutters slightly. There is not telling how old it is.



This message was last edited by the GM at 13:34, Sat 03 Sept 2022.

Santiago will agree to these terms and follow the Golem. Glaring down the gaurd as he passes.

He then addresses the party. "Sorry about my outburst, passion is high within my house. I am no different in that aspect. I will, attempt to encourage proper responses from here forth."

Wolfhard hands over his weapons to the guards, "I'd like a receipt for those, please"

"Of course, Sir," replies the older guard. He produces a small think machine and carefully enters the details of each weapon and then prints out individual receipts.

Jarvis the butler waits patiently in the background, occasionally twitching one of his eyes. Some patrons in the gardens glance over at the odd group interacting with the guards.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:58, Sat 03 Sept 2022.

The guard nods respectfully and sketches the sign of the Jumpcross on his chest. "Of course, Father. Go right ahead."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:30, Sat 03 Sept 2022.

Jarvis waits until you've all cleared the guard-post and then escorts you up to the main building and into a large waiting room with comfortable chairs and numerous paintings of glum-looking Hawkwood nobles scowling down at you.

"Please wa..wa..wait here in the lounge while I go inform her Ladyship that you are here. Might I inquire about the purpose of your vi..vi..visit?"



This message was last edited by the GM at 17:01, Sat 03 Sept 2022.

Wolfhard intends to let the nobles take the lead this scene.

"Thank you good.... sir? We have an errand of a sensative nature that we would like to discuss with the lady." Santiago states. "We look forward to seeing her."

"I am but a mere mechanical butler, Sir. You may call me Jarvis. Wo..wo..would your visit have anything to do wi..wi..with a Vau, perchance?"

Weird, somehow my last post got overwritten by the NPC response to it...

In reply to Brother Malcolm (msg # 22):

Weird, somehow my last post got overwritten by the NPC response to it...

Argh, my mistake. Think I hit Edit instead of Reply. Obviously having a bad posting day :)