(Casual D&D V) The Tourne

[Sparky]

At Xiao's gift, Oliver's eyes grow wide. He feels a tingling thrill from the thing as it settles over his narrow chest. "No, I can't take this. You'll need all the luck you can get, Xiao." He lowers his voice, "Especially if you plan to leave us." He, determinedly, removes the talisman from around his neck, mussing his fly-away white hair, and puts it back into Xiao's hand. The look on his face brooks no argument. Though surely Xiao might 'misread' the expression. Oliver suspected that the outlander's ignorance was as often a mask as it was genuine.

***​

The walls of The Reige swallowed them. There was simply no other word for it. All that remains is to see if we are shat out or vomited up. He was antsy, and got antsier the longer it took to enter the fastness of the mighty fortress.

"No," says Oliver to Xiao. He puts a hand on Fendric's arm. He wakes up the old knowledge of nobles and styling and courtly non-sense that the gentry hold dear. And also tries to remember the hospitality customs of The Tourne as he read in the book. Maybe there was some guest right they could invoke... he seemed to recall something about that... something about 'bread and milk?' He shook off the thought, hoping he could stall until he remembered. He makes brief introductions of those present.

"Thank you for seeing us so promptly, Sir Arrich. Sir Vaustus will be joining us soon, I hope."

 

[doghead]

ic - Casual

He, determinedly, removes the talisman from around his neck, mussing his fly-away white hair, and puts it back into Xiao's hand.

Xiao is about to go through the well known ritual of gift giving - refusal and insistence - when he stops and allows Oliver to push the periapt back into Xiao's hand.

The stranger from a strange land bows slightly. "We talk later. Xiao can explain." Xiao then smiles broadly, to show no hard feelings.

* * *​

Happier now that he has shared his concerns, Xiao returns his attention to the Tournians in the room. The silent one is still with them. Oddly, Xiao finds that somewhat comforting, despite the fact that it makes no sense. Catching the man's eye, Xiao bows his head slightly. "Yob," he mouths, then smiles broadly.

[sblock=ooc]I think that they are possessed. Not even sure if that is possible, or how it can be done. But Xiao might know - Knowledge Arcane +7. Also, Knowledge Religion +7, just in case its a, well, religious thing.[/sblock]

 

[Guest 11456]

Cylantro : Female Human

"Thank you for seeing us so promptly, Sir Arrich. Sir Vaustus will be joining us soon, I hope."

Cylantro raises an eyebrow at Oliver's mention of Sir Vaustus. Meanwhile, Ginger has jumped down out of her mistress' arms and is traipsing about the room looking around and smell here and there. Cylantro notices her companion's actions. "Ginger! Be careful where you go." The patchwork feline ignores the young woman and continues her meandering.

 

[doghead]

ic - Casual

Once again, Xiao is struck by the feeling that it is the cat, Ginger, that is the master and not the other way around. Regardless, Xiao is happy to see that one of them, whether the master or servant, is showing some interest in their environment. An environment that Xiao is finding increasingly disturbing. Maybe the cat will sniff out trouble, Xiao thinks. He finds the thought reassuring.

 

[hellrazor111]

After the question, Cray remains fairly quiet. He only talks to the small ferret to point out things Cray sees as interesting.

In one corner, the player - a servant in fine dress - sits at a double-tiered piano, looking expressionlessly at the keys. In your corner, beside the door, another servant stands at easy-eyed attention.

As they stand in the room, those closest to Cray can hear him whisper What is wrong with the peoples? They stand and move but look to be lifeless. Cray takes a look around the room, looking for anyone "pulling strings"

[sblock=ooc]
Spot 10
[/sblock]

 

[dpdx]

Fendric replies, "The Blessing of Everlasting Light be upon You, Sir... Arrich. We are the Fellowship of the White Dove, and indeed we do bring a message. It is addressed to Sir Rienne Vaustus - might we have a brief audience with him?"

Hiritus looks around the room, staying vigilant in case Fendric's polite request causes an impasse.

[Hiritus has Detect Evil active.]

 

[Guilt Puppy]

Sir Arrich dismisses your escorts with brief gesture; the servant at the doorway closes the door behind them. Shaking his head apologetically, Arrich responds to both Oliver and Fendric. "That cannot be arranged, I'm afraid. Sir Vaustus will not be meeting with unknown parties while the Blue Sails remain a threat. For the safety of the Crest. I hope you'll understand."

[sblock=Hiritus]Sir Arrich, the pianist, and the servant at the door are all evil. The aura around Arrich is faint; around the two servants it is strong.[/sblock]

 

[doghead]

ic - Casual

"That cannot be arranged, I'm afraid. Sir Vaustus will not be meeting with unknown parties while the Blue Sails remain a threat. For the safety of the Crest. I hope you'll understand."

Xiao feels a shiver of excitement run down his spine. Now we get somewhere. For Xiao is pretty certain that Fendric, and the rest of them most like, won't understand.

"Who are Blue Sails?" Xiao says out loud, not really meaning to, but forgetting himself in his excitement.

 

[Guilt Puppy]

"Who are Blue Sails?" Xiao says out loud, not really meaning to, but forgetting himself in his excitement.

"They're a mercenary army, intent, it seems, on plundering the whole of the continent. They started in the southern kingdoms, and took part in a revolution in Dalmar, but as far as I can tell it was only out of opportunity. They broke off not long after and began working their way North up the coast... No political aim, that I can estimate. They haven't made any effort to hold territory, they've just ransacked and continued forward. They've made some ingress upon the Free Cities, but the mountains have kept that slow. Their ships have stopped at the edge of the Morel - they don't dare challenge our fleet directly." He slows down, realizing he is saying much quickly. "They are a small force, all things considered. But they've had a lot of opportunities - revolutions in Dalmar and Bethel, the heir conflict in Oreskes, and the stalemate among the Free Cities... We don't want to expose any opportunities here, so we are being very protective of the Crest. Again, I hope you'll understand."

 

[doghead]

ic - Casual

"Yes, Xiao think he is understand. Xiao not know all the places mentioned most graciously, but idea is very clear. Junk Bandits. We have same problem in Middle Kingdom. But forgive one more question from foolish stranger; What is Crest?"