With barely a second to spare, Lena's bolt sinking into Margolotta's heart shocks her out of her forming spell, knocking her to the ground for good.

As you all catch your breath, Lady Aldori moves to join you. "Thanks for that. I got pinned down by those giants. I sent the rest of the team on to the end of the wing, but if the thugs' leader was coming out of there, it looks like they didn't make it. Never thought I would see an attack like this in my own house. At least the grates worked properly; all the guests upstairs are still safe. Is Ivenzi still holding the front doors? Has anyone else survived at all?" She seems quite distraught at the wreckage of her dinner party; she's probably trying to avoid thinking about the deaths of so many of her loyal guards.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:07, Thu 08 Dec 2022.

Will approaches Lady Aldori and bows (or whatever the appropriate gesture would be, which I'm sure Will knows even if I don't) "Lady Aldori, Wilkezag, son of Frapakezag, at your service."

He acknowledges her recognition (or ignores it if there isn't any) and updates her quickly and efficiently on what he knows of the state of the house.  "Ivenzi holds the front hall securely.  The hall between here and there is filled with smoke, but we thought it more important to assist here than to track down the source.  We eliminated several thugs, an ogre, and a small frost giant in the back half of the manor before we reached Ivenzi, and we believe that there is no more threat behind him.  Your guests, Amiri, Valerie, Linzi, Harrim, Jaethal, and Tartuccio are all ali... on their feet; they are all safe and recovering."  He stammers a bit as he manages to avoid the word 'alive.'

Having given his report, he looks at the Lady, seeing several wounds, though none look life-threatening.  "Would you allow me to bandage your wounds, Lady?"  After treating her (or not), Will then treat Sophia and Lena.  He seems to be all thumbs, and does no one any good at all.

Well, I hope she says no, because I botched it.  And the other two, as well.  I'm just not good at this bandaging stuff.
22:09, Today: Wilkezag rolled 7,11 using d20+4,2d8 with rolls of 3,8,3.  Treat Wounds (DC15) on Lady Aldori.
22:10, Today: Wilkezag rolled 10,9 using d20+4,2d8 with rolls of 6,3,6.  Treat Wounds (DC15) on Lena.
22:09, Today: Wilkezag rolled 6,10 using d20+4,2d8 with rolls of 2,6,4.  Treat Wounds (DC15) on Sophia.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:16, Thu 08 Dec 2022.

Lady Aldori doesn't want to hang around for half an hour while you play amateur medic, in any case. Remember that each Medicine attempt takes 10 minutes!

Lady Aldori hears Wil's news with some relief. "Well, at least you've made it here, especially you and young Booker here. I wouldn't have wanted to face either of your fathers if you'd been killed in an attack like this." She waves off your offer of medical aid. "I'm all right for now. I need to get back to the main hall to relieve Ivenzi, though. If you could, please make sure there are no more of these thieves lurking in a corner somewhere. I doubt anyone from White Squad has made it, but if you would please check, I'm sure they would appreciate it."

She notices Sophia and Wilkezag wielding weapons from her treasury. "Ah, I see my emergency stash has come in handy. This is certainly an emergency if anything ever was. If you like them, talk to me later; I'm sure I can give you a good deal. You'll need solid equipment in the Stolen Lands."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:54, Thu 08 Dec 2022.

"Yes, I hope you don't mind us borrowing them. They came in very handy in defending your estate. We should also mention that we took your treasury and gave it to ... Ivenzi was it? We didn't want the bandits making off with it."

She offered the pick back to the Lady, handle first.

"But of course we did risk our skin to get to this point. And they did come in very handy. They'd come in handy in the Stolen Lands for sure."

She seemed to be angling for a reward, without coming out and asking for one.

Lady Aldori demurs, saying, "Hang on to it for now, until we can be sure these unpleasant invaders are dealt with. In the morning -- properly in the morning, I suppose -- we'll talk. I wouldn't want to send my agents out unprepared, after all."

Lady Aldori will answer a few questions, but she seems eager to get back to the center of her power and make sure nothing else has gone wrong.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:51, Thu 08 Dec 2022.

Booker bows to the lady, as is proper. However, he is glad to let others talk. For now he would check the bodies, see if any of them are still breathing. Not to mention any written clues or other details. He figured he had time while the others discuss plans.

Sophia also nodded in agreement, waiting for the discussion on how to manage the weapons and other spoils.


She moved through the room though, searching the black tears and especially Volodymra and her girlfriend, for more spoils. It was a nice axe big V had, do be sure. Even if Lady A wanted the pick back, surely she couldn't claim the axe, or anything else on the Black Tears they defeated, could she?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Thu 08 Dec 2022.

Hearing no further questions or discussion for now, Lady Aldori quickly heads back to see what's become of the rest of her manor.

Searching through Volodmyra's equipment, in addition to her chainmail and enchanted greataxe, you find four more lesser healing potions, a pair of tracker's goggles, a really elegant jade and pearl necklace (stolen? probably), and an ornate silver ring. It looks like Volodmyra's bosses are somewhat cannier than she is, and made sure she didn't go out on a mission while carrying any evidence that could link directly back to them. It doesn't matter, really: the next level up of the Black Tears is surely based in New Stetven, and you're headed in the opposite direction anyway. Margolotta is wearing the ring's companion, plus she has a collection of scrolls: fear, invisible item, mending, and synchronize. The other two thugs, as well as all 11 of the Black Tears that fell in the earlier skirmish, have only the gang's standard uniform. Additionally, five of the eight fallen Aldori guards still have their minor healing potions, which can certainly be put to better use than being buried with them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:31, Thu 08 Dec 2022.

In reply to GM (msg # 126):

Booker proceeds to pack up the smaller items, as the group could decide who got what later. There was still danger here, and they did not have time to pick through every little thing. Basically everything would be put into a bag, expect for the chainmail and the axe. Plus any other weapons.

"We should heal up with the help of the potions and check the rest of the area as the Lady suggested. If anyone is in need of sever healing I have some magics that can assist with that." He offers before checking the door for sounds on the other side.

"What's through there?" she asked, pointing to the door leading to the West Foyer (presumably?)

She moved through, limping slightly from her wounds, then looked around the place, calling for help if there was any sign of danger.

The west foyer features a marble floor, unlike the tiles in the rest of the manor, presumably to impress noble guests who have come down to watch some martial contest in the dueling hall. There are a handful of potted plants and an impressive tapestry of the Brevoy mountains hanging on the far wall.

Unfortunately, right now it's another slaughterhouse: you find the last five members of White Squad, mostly with massive axe wounds, along with the two Black Tears gangsters they managed to take out. It looks like they were severely outmatched against Volodmyra. The grates to the guardposts and the stairs leading to the upper floor are locked closed, much like the ones in the east wing. It looks like these guards had a moment to breathe before Volodmyra chased them in here; none still have their healing potions, but you can collect the gear from the two cutthroats they took down.

Unless you want to spend time firefighting, there's really nothing else to do here; you can head back to the great hall, where Lady Aldori will send you to bed, job well done. I'll start in on Lady A's rewards and wrapping up the chapter tomorrow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:09, Fri 09 Dec 2022.

Wilkezag runs to check the members of White Squad, in case any can still be saved.  He shakes his head ruefully, tears welling in his eyes.  All of this death is starting to get to him, and he considers just returning to his father's law office with his head down, ready to return to the quiet life of a barrister in training.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:32, Fri 09 Dec 2022.

Lena took a few vials out of her coat, uncorking one and sprinkling some powder from a pouch into it before gulping it down.

"I've got three more doses. The mixture will be rendered inert... probably by dawn and I'll need to mix more anyway. Those-"

She pointed at their growing collection, reminding herself that they needed some kind of felt-lined chest or bag to store them.

"- will keep for much longer. And unfortunately, most of these men and women are already down the river."

Mine got me 4. 3x dose left.

GM edits: When did you use the others? Remember, Milani replenished everything when you got to the shrine, and I don't think you used anything after the fight with Nishkiv?

Player Edit: Ah, didn't catch the replenishment at that point. 3 it is. d6 apiece.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:56, Fri 09 Dec 2022.

"Before we head off. hold just a moment." He checks that they are all close enough, which they will be if they are in the room, then gathers his Focus in his hand and placing the flats of his fists together and he speaks. "Wassail" and a small ripple of positive energy flows out from him like a pebble tossed into a pond. It doesn't do much but it does take some of the ache out of the strained muscles the group is feeling and the edge off some of the cuts and bruises.

"I can do more without mystic means when before we rest, but that can wait until we are in our rooms."


OOC: 10:07, Today: Dubh Oiche rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  Heal. I can think of few better times to roll a 1 than on an unrequired Heal

Everyone sleeps in late after the difficult events of the early morning. Sometime around noon, Lady Aldori comes to your room to talk about your reward. "Ivenzi tells me that, in addition to cutting through any of these cutthroats in your way, you were proactive in protecting my own belongings, particularly the payroll. I've decided not to argue with results. If you could find it, I'm sure those thieves would have eventually, and at least you were honest. I do need the key back, but the rest of my potion stash is yours. I kept it there for emergencies, and, well, this was an emergency, so, mission accomplished. As for the weapons, I can't let those go for free, but you've earned a deep discount by wielding them in defense of House Aldori. Talk to my seneschal after the meeting; I've already given him instructions for how to handle you." She nods at the astonishing pile of bandit equipment you've stacked up in the corner of your room. "He also has instructions to buy any of that stuff you don't want. We'll put it to good use, never fear. Sadly, you and your friends were the only overnight guests who survived the night, so there are no competing claims."

She hands a small but heavy bag of coin to each of you. "This is your personal reward for your actions last night. Thank you, again. While this was a tragedy, without your aid it could have been so much worse. Meeting in the great hall in an hour; I'll be handing out your charters publicly."

You find 50 gp in each reward bag, plus two lesser healing potions tucked into the side.

This introduction scene really hands those potions out like Harvest Feast candy, good grief. This is the point at which you should claim any loot you actually want. In the absence of guidance or requests, I'll assume you don't want any of the mundane equipment or jewelry, which House Aldori will be happy to liquidate for you. I'll total it up and give you the receipt. The seneschal will permanently sell you the two magic weapons you found in the treasury for 15 gp each; this is a HUGE discount and you should absolutely take it, even if you don't plan to keep them for very long. Wil, if you don't want the rapier, Lena probably does, although you both will want ranged weapons as well.

"You reward us with your recognition, m'lady. It was our honour to fight in defense of your home." He says this with a deep nod of his head as the bag, unchecked, vanishes into a pocket. "Will we be leaving immediately after we have received our charters?" He inquires politely.

OOC: Basically asking if I should be prepping traveling spells or social spells for the day.

"Even with the late start today, you should be able to reach Nivakta's Crossing by nightfall, or maybe shortly thereafter. I know Maegar is eager to catch up with his own people; they left a few days ago, but an army always travels slower than a small group." Lady Aldori heads back to the great hall; she needs to greet the guests returning from their presumably more restful night elsewhere.

It doesn't matter; you won't be leaving Brevoy-patrolled territory today, although Lord Maegar might travel with you as far as Nivakta's Crossing.

When you get to the great hall, you're astonished by how quickly the staff have restored it. Hardly any signs remain of the early-morning violence, although you do notice there's one fewer table than there was last night. The mood is much more serious and somber, and there are a lot of empty seats as Lady Aldori steps up to speak.

"I would like to thank those of you who helped defeat the Black Tears last night," she begins. "It's obvious someone doesn't like our plans to settle the Stolen Lands. But are we are so easily dissuaded? I say no! And so this morning, I would like to issue formal charters, backed both by myself and by the Lord Mayor, to all of you to being exploring the Stolen Lands and make them safe for the settlers of tomorrow.

"The first charter goes to the group known as the Iron Wraiths," with a wave toward a band of four plate-armored adventurers you saw across the hall last night. "The tales of your adventurers have thrilled many Brevic nobles, and I'm excited to see what you can do with the exploration of the Glenebon Uplands. Your charter is to establish a base for Brevoy there after dealing with the Tiger Lords, and then to open diplomatic relations with Pitax from a point of strength."

The Iron Wraiths stride confidently to Lady Aldori and she hands out their charters, which they take and then pose as though for the portraitist Lady Aldori has not, in fact, hired. As they clank away, one calls, "Hey, good luck, 'heroes'! Don't forget your stuffed animals to keep you safe at night!" You hear his friend mutter, "30 gold says none of them last a fortnight."

Lady Aldori shakes her head at these antics, but the Iron Wraiths don't notice, or don't care, as they leave the manor.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:15, Fri 23 Dec 2022.

Lady Aldori turns to the well-dressed man next to her, whom you saw at the head table last night. "Baron Hannis Drelev, as per our previous discussions, your charter is one of specific importance to Brevoy. Securing the southern trade routes along the East Sellen River and establishing a base for merchant caravans and barges alike is of utmost importance! Hooktongue Slough will be your base of operations." Baron Drelev takes his charter with a crisp bow -- barely more than a nod, really -- and strides out of the room, sneering slightly without even a glance toward anyone else. Even the best of House Aldori finery cannot compare to the comforts of proper civilization in the north.

Lady Aldori smiles at the next recipient. "Maegar Varn, your father Androth has long been a faithful friend and ally. As you know, your charter assigns you to the Nomen Heights to establish a town of the Varnling Host. In time, we hope to establish a new school for the Aldori dueling arts, but in the more immediate future, we ask you to broker an alliance with the Nomen centaurs who roam the region. I trust you and your fellows are up to the task!"

Lord Maegar accepts his charter gracefully, with a deep bow and a firm handshake. As he leaves, he stops by your table. "I have a feeling you folks will surprise us all yet again. Once you get established, please come visit Varnhold so we can establish trade relations. Our paths should match for today at least, so I'll see you at the west gate."

"And last but certainly not least, the heroes of this morning's unpleasantness. First, I want to thank you again for risking your lives to help defend my manor. The courage, skill, and gumption you displayed will take you far! For your charters, Ioseph and I are asking you to travel to the southwest into the region known as the Greenbelt, a swath of wildlands that includes both the forest of the Narlmarches and the hill country of the Kamelands. We've heard that the bandits have grown particularly aggressive in the Greenbelt, and they need to be stopped before anyone can settle in the region. A small trading post at the border of Rostland has been particularly hard-hit -- I suggest starting there. Once the bandits have been dealt with, we will be ready to bequeath to you more permanent charters to settle the land and establish a government of your own!"

Each of you, as well as Tartuccio and your other companions, receive identical charters, countersigned and sealed by both House Aldori and the Lord Mayoralty of Restov.

BE IT KNOWN that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Lord Mayor of Restov, the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness regions known as Restov's Hinterlands and the Greenbelt. Exploration shall be limited to an area west and south of Oleg's Trading Post, no further than the banks of the Shrike and Skunk Rivers. The carrier of this charter should strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. SO WITNESSED this 23rd day of Calistril in the 4710th year after the Founding of Absalom, under the watchful eye of the Lord Mayoralty of Restov.

Jamandi Lady Aldori
Ioseph Sellemius, Lord Mayor of Restov

"Good luck, folks. The last word we've had from Oleg is that bandits are hitting his trading post once a month, demanding tribute. So far he's had no choice but to pay up, but any more tribute will probably be the ruin of the post. It would be best if you get there before the beginning of Pharast."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:17, Fri 23 Dec 2022.

Tartuccio takes his charter and scoffs at the rest of you. "I'll have my kingdom set up before you lot are done wrestling in the dirt with bandits!" He strides out of the hall as fast as he can while remaining dignified.

Valerie just shakes her head at his back. "We'll see him again. You can count on it. He won't be so friendly next time, either." Your other friends just nod or roll their eyes in agreement. Linzi sticks her tongue out at the odious gnome, but he feigns not to notice.

Jaethal turns to you and says, "I have some preparations to make before embarking on a journey of this weight. And we will only draw attention travelling in such a large group. I suggest we all meet back up at this Oleg's Trading Post." All of the other adventurers agree with this.

Your friends will show up again, but having 5 extra adventurers is way too many for this next section, sorry! This is supposed to be a tactical RPG, not a platoon-scale wargame!

"Iron babies. I mean for all we know that's what's under those face plates," she snarked to Wilkezag in a low voice, trying for the most part to keep to protocol and not talk while the other adventurers filed out.

She just smiled, waved and blew a kiss at the Wraiths at the stuffed animal comment, again whispering to Wilkezag in a low voice, "Good thing too, not like any of them are ever going to get to keep us safe at night."

Finally as Tartuccio left she called after him, "That's not what the Iron Wraiths said! They said you were stupid, low-class and, um, ... disorganized before they left!"

She gave Amiri a big bear hug, then slapped Valerie on the back and Linzi a little more gently. A little.

"See you at the Trading Post then. Safe journeys."

Wilkezag struggles to keep from giggling at Sophia's banter.  He makes a single guffaw when she blows a kiss at the Iron Wraiths.

Will says goodbye to the other adventurers, especially Valerie and Linzi, with whom he made a real connection.  As they leave, he is humming the tune that he and Linzi wrote.  "Safe journeys.  Until we meet again, be well."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:03, Sat 10 Dec 2022.

"What a delightful bunch."

Busying herself with measuring reagents while the other political business was settled, Lena stood to receive the charter and collected her proceeds from the night's battle.

"I see we have our work cut out for us."