Kulan: Knightfall's Heroes of Carnell Game [IC]

[JustinCase]

Caerth, uneasy as he finds himself surrounded by people again, stays silent while the body is given over to Timmins and Gareth.

Not sure what to do next, the half-orc looks around to see if any animals are willing to talk to him. They're easier than people. At least, people he doesn't know. Caerth realizes that he is rather comfortable around his companions.

With an awkward smile, Caerth looks fondly at those he just fought rats, giant centipedes, and aquatic hobgoblins with.

 

[Scotley]

Phar stands straight and tall once more as the burden is taken from him. He moves with the solemnity the occasion demands. "Yes, our mission was successful, though it was a near thing. There were many dangerous foes in the old structure. We were not able to dispatch them all."

 

[Knightfall]

Caerth, uneasy as he finds himself surrounded by people again, stays silent while the body is given over to Timmins and Gareth.

Not sure what to do next, the half-orc looks around to see if any animals are willing to talk to him. They're easier than people. At least, people he doesn't know. Caerth realizes that he is rather comfortable around his companions.

With an awkward smile, Caerth looks fondly at those he just fought rats, giant centipedes, and aquatic hobgoblins with.

Caerth sees an old goat lying off to one side of the main road passing through the village. It is dozing. A small cat walks along the top edge of an old house. It seems to be eying several chickens in a nearby coop.

Lorien returns Caerth's smile with one of his own and a short laugh. He understands the big druid's meaning. The elf bard sighs, finally relaxed.

"It's good to be back here," he says to no one in particular.

Phar stands straight and tall once more as the burden is taken from him. He moves with the solemnity the occasion demands. "Yes, our mission was successful, though it was a near thing. There were many dangerous foes in the old structure. We were not able to dispatch them all."

"Well, we did tell you that there would be danger out there, but you all came back and you all don't look like your going to die this minute, eh, so well done," Gareth replies as he and Timmins carry the body up the road and into the village square.

Many of the locals gather around to see the fallen lord's body and say a prayer for him. They are quite respectful and two other men help carry the dead ruler up the northern road. When the entourage reaches the side road that leads to Pendour Manor, several guards, including Raius are waiting for them. Word traveled quickly to the manor. The guards take up the body and carry it the rest of the way to the manor with quiet dignity. The citizen's of Carnell follow behind solemnly.

Lady Elisabeth Pendour, her daughter, Lady Melantha, and Lord Gar Ebal wait at the the door to the manor watching in silence. Then the young girl begins sobbing. Her mother hushes her and orders her to 'remain dignified'. There are many wet eyes in the crowd, as well. The Captain of the House, Sir Ghal, exits the manor and orders the guards to place Lord Pendour's body on a raised dais, which has been placed on the right side of the entryway. He inspects the body and then nods to Her Ladyship.

"It is indeed him," Ghal says.

"I had hoped that his death had been a fiction," Lady Pendour says quietly. Then she looks at the crowd. "Our fallen lord has been returned to us by these brave champions. We will honor him and them at the appropriate time tomorrow. Lord Pendour's body will remain here under guard. Tell all that they are free to come and say their prayers to the gods in his honor until dawn."

The crowd murmurs in approval and many of them thank the group before or after saying a short prayer for Lord Pendour. Even Lord Ebal nods his approval towards them.

Lady Pendour waves you all forward after most of the people have gone back to their homes. "You have done as you promised, and I thank you for bringing him back to us. Please follow us inside where we can discuss your experiences out on Gurnard's Head and, other things."

Raius and Sir Ghal usher the group into Pendour Manor. You all find yourself back in the manor's main hall. Besides Lady Pendour, Lady Melantha, Lord Ebal, and Sir Ghal, you are also joined by a young man in his early twenties. He sits next to Lady Melantha and tries to comfort her.

Raius closes the halls doors and stands guard outside.

"This is Lord Xander Chartrese of Belporte. He is to be my daughter's future husband," Lady Pendour introduces the young man next to her daughter.

"I am honored to meet you all," Lord Alexander says to them with a curt nod. He is distracted by trying to keep his future bride's emotions under check.

"Perhaps you should have her taken to her room," Lord Ebal suggests to his son, Sir Ghal. "This would be tough for her to hear."

"N-no, I want to stay," Lady Melantha insists.

"Are you sure, my darling?" Lord Alexander asks. "No one will think less of you, if this is too much for you."

"I am sure beloved," she replies strokes his face. "F-father would not want me to hide in my chambers like a sullen child. If I am to be a lady of Belporte, I must learn to grieve with dignity and hear about the dangers of the world."

"Indeed," Lady Pendour says. She looks at the heroes. "The key. I have already heard that you have it." She and the others wait for it to be shown.

OOC: I've forgotten which of the PCs has the key.

 

[Thateous]

Aureus retrieves the key from one of the many pouches on her belt. She extends her arm for one of the guards to accept it. Her poor command of the common tongue makes her think twice about speaking. She looks to her companions to try and convey the message she's sure they are all feeling right now.

 

[Scotley]

Phar watches solemnly as Aureus passes over the hard one key. "We were able to secure this key with some difficulty. Sometimes the smallest things are the most challenging. I trust this will resolve your problem?"

 

[JustinCase]

Caerth shifts his weight from one leg to the other, then reversing after several moments. The half-orc druid is clearly uncomfortable with the ceremonious ways so-called sophisticated people act, so instead he keeps quiet, observes and hopes he doesn't offend.

When Aureus produces the key, Caerth stiffens slightly, remembering the hardships he and his companions suffered. He even apologized to a wererat! Even those who turned their backs on civilization sometimes cling to what they perceive to be proper ways of behaving, it seems.

The half-orc sighs. He should return to his master soon, not only to get back to a place he feels more comfortable, but also to atone for the sin Cruel Justice has shown him.

Another sigh. How he yearns for the simple truths of nature.

 

[Knightfall]

And here we go!

Caerth shifts his weight from one leg to the other, then reversing after several moments. The half-orc druid is clearly uncomfortable with the ceremonious ways so-called sophisticated people act, so instead he keeps quiet, observes and hopes he doesn't offend.

If any of those gathered in the hall notice his discomfort, they do not stare at Caerth or do anything to make him feel uncomfortable. In his discomfort, his eyes linger on the young nobleman seated next to Lady Melantha. There is something in Lord Xander's posture that tells the big druid that he to is a bit uncomfortable with the situation as well. He is distracted by the young miss and her emotional condition, which is probably normal for someone of his ilk.

Aureus retrieves the key from one of the many pouches on her belt. She extends her arm for one of the guards to accept it. Her poor command of the common tongue makes her think twice about speaking. She looks to her companions to try and convey the message she's sure they are all feeling right now.

Phar watches solemnly as Aureus passes over the hard one key. "We were able to secure this key with some difficulty. Sometimes the smallest things are the most challenging. I trust this will resolve your problem?"

"I have every hope that it will keep this blackmailer at bay," Lady Pendour replies. "At the very least, I will know what is hidden in the crypt before deciding to hand it over to this fiend or not."

"Without it," Sir Ghal adds. "This blackmailer won't be able to get to whatever is sealed in there. Personally, I think we should find out what is in there, and if it could cause the Pendour Family trouble, destroy it. Or, at least, seal it away somewhere else the blackmailer won't be able to find it."

When Aureus produces the key, Caerth stiffens slightly, remembering the hardships he and his companions suffered. He even apologized to a wererat! Even those who turned their backs on civilization sometimes cling to what they perceive to be proper ways of behaving, it seems.

The half-orc sighs. He should return to his master soon, not only to get back to a place he feels more comfortable, but also to atone for the sin Cruel Justice has shown him.

Another sigh. How he yearns for the simple truths of nature.

"That still leaves the same problem," Lord Gar Ebal says to his son. "Whoever this bastard is has access to secrets that cannot get out." He looks at Lady Pendour with great concern. "If what you told me is true, the blackmailer could ruin you and your family line. The entire estate could be lost not to mention your titles, and if the Gerousia considers it treason, you and your daughter could be banished or even executed."

"No, that cannot happen," Lord Alexander protests loudly. He looks at Lady Melantha with devotion and a bit of fear. "I cannot lose you, my love."

"Her marriage to you should protect her, Lord Alexander." Lady Pendour assures. "As for me, I cannot hide behind my husband's renown from the sins of his father and his father before him."

"We should not talk of this any more..." Lord Ebal looks at the heroes. "In mixed company."

"Father!"

Lord Ebal looks at Lorien and shakes his head. "I am sorry to say such things, but we must be practical. The less you know the better." He sighs and stands, pacing. "I admit I was wrong about you. You have done the impossible and brought hope back to Carnell. However, if you hear too much, you could be at risk from this blackmailer. I'm sure whoever it is has learned of your trip to the fortress and knows that you have come back successfully, or will soon." He looks at Phar this time. "If you stay, you will likely have to deal with a wrathful unknown person who will want you dead for getting in the way."

"I doubt they will just run away," Sir Ghal says. "And we could use all the help we can get in the coming days. Violence is real possibility if this fiend doesn't get what he or she wants."

"Do you have any ideal who this person is?" Lorien asks.

Lady Pendour sighs. "None."

"The blackmail message arrived through magic and was untraceable through divination." Sir Ghal adds. "The key is our best hope. We unseal the crypt and either hide or destroy what is hidden inside."

"It could be the history of my family, for good or bad," Lady Melantha says quietly. "It should not be destroyed."

"I will decide once I have seen it for myself," Lady Pendour insists. She stands, grabs the key off the table, and slips it into a small pouch, which she ties to her wrist. "But not until after I bury my husband. The blackmailer is likely pondering what to do next, and I will take that time to honor the Pendour name while it still has some."

She turns to Lord Ebal. "These heroes have done as they said they would. Pay them the 100 gold each they are owed and for any other expenses they require while in Carnell. And if they stay longer, that payment of their expenses will continue."

"As you wish, Your Ladyship," Lord Ebal bows to her. She thanks each of the group individually before gathering up her daughter and heading out of the hall. Lord Alexander goes with them, as does Sir Ghal.

Lord Ebal watches his son go with concern. He takes note of the look on Lorien's face. "My son will not leave her side until this matter is resolved. I worry for his safety... and his purity." A dry smile breaks across the man's face, for a second. "Now, I owe you some gold and I will be glad to pay it. Come with me."

Lord Ebal leads you out of the hall toward's his personal office.

 

[Scotley]

Phar responds to the words of concern about the violence of the blackmailer. "If this fiendish person had the power to overcome us with arms he or she would not need to rely on Blackmail and concealment. I for one will stay as long as you have need of me. I would not tax your hospitality unduly, but I will stay as long as my presence will serve some need here. I do not like the methods of your foe and would see said enemy thwarted."

 

[JustinCase]

Caerth nods when Phar begins to speak, not really listening to the words but glad that someone he knows is talking. The half-orc follows Lord Ebal to his office and unless offered a seat, he stands there waiting.

 

[Knightfall]

Phar responds to the words of concern about the violence of the blackmailer. "If this fiendish person had the power to overcome us with arms he or she would not need to rely on Blackmail and concealment. I for one will stay as long as you have need of me. I would not tax your hospitality unduly, but I will stay as long as my presence will serve some need here. I do not like the methods of your foe and would see said enemy thwarted."

Caerth nods when Phar begins to speak, not really listening to the words but glad that someone he knows is talking.

Lady Pendour thanks Phar for his strong words of reassurance that he will remain and help face the blackmailer. Sir Ghal nods his approval before escorting the lady of Carnell from the hall.

The half-orc follows Lord Ebal to his office and unless offered a seat, he stands there waiting.

The guard, Raius, follows the group down the corridor to the office of Lord Ebal. He chats casually with Lorien about what the group faced out at the old tower. He is shocked that there were so many challenges.

"We may have to take a closer look at Gurnard's Head and what might be infecting its bowels."

"If you send more soldiers out there, you need to make sure they are very careful," Lorien replies.

Once inside the office, Lord Ebal orders Raius to close the door behind him and to "stay and listen."

Once the door is shut, the Master Seneschal gathers the required writs from the group and pays them the 100 gold each they are owed. He notes the coins are noted in his ledger and counts out each payment carefully before putting each payment in a fine pouch, tied with a silk string. The pouches are stamped with the same symbols as that on the coins -- a balanced scale and a male head, which Lorien knows is the effigy of one of the founders of the Strandlands.

Once the group has been paid, Lord Ebal relaxes once again. "100 ironweights for each. Paid in full." He sits back in his chair and stretches. "You did so well, I'm tempted to put you all on the manor's payroll. However, funds are just to low for me to justify hiring you on permanently. Your living expenses will be paid while you remain, as Lady Pendour wishes, but that is as far as I can go, until the blackmailer has been thwarted."

Lod Ebal looks at Raius. "I'm assigning you to work alongside these fine people while they are in Carnell and to watch out for them when the situation calls for it." Lord Ebal notes a quizzical look on Lorien's face. "Yes, I know you probably don't need his help, but having one of the guards with you at all times should help when dealing with the locals. While most of them admire you, there could be malcontents."

"It will be good having him along," Lorien replies while glancing at Phar. "We can always use another set of eyes."

"Yes, and Raius knows Carnell well and is schooled in etiquette. Besides, he needs the practice."

Raius shifts uncomfortable at the thought of being overly diplomatic. It's not hard to pick up, even for the untrained. "I will do my very best to serve."

"We're glad to have you," Lorien nods to the guard. He wonders quietly whether or not Lord Ebal still doesn't trust them completely.

"Good, good," Lord Ebal say with a wry smile. "Now, as for Gurnard's Head, I'm very concerned with what you found there. The wererat you mentioned is troubling but what is worse are these supposed cultists the beastman mentioned. If there are cultists controlling the depths of that rocky cay, they will have to be put to the sword. We might need you all to go back and deal with them. And the ratman must be dealt with, as well. I will not have lycanthrope running around loose out there. He could infect half the population of Carnell with one bite."

He looks at Caerth and the others, "I'm assuming you have no problem ousting him from his lair? I know you made a deal with him to get the key, but this Hornauer must leave Gurnard's Head and the Strandlands. The senate would be very unhappy to learn that a wererat is loose in the freeholds."

"We shouldn't assume that he is the only one," Raius adds. "Wererat are like, well, rats. Where there is one, there are many."

"We only saw him," Lorien says. "But I can't say whether or not there are more of his kind out there. He was willing to be diplomatic, once he realized we might kill all his 'rat' subjects."

"Any one of those rats could also have been a wererat," Lord Ebal replies. He shudders. "While I'm willing to make a deal with him to leave the island, if he doesn't agree, he will be evicted by force or put in the grave."

"I vote for the grave," Raius says firmly.

Aye, I do too," Lord Ebal looks at Phar. "If you and your friends go back out there, we will pay you all whatever we can. I could also offer you the tower as payment. It would need to be rebuilt, but I'm not sure Lady Pendour would pay for that. If there are cultist out there and other monsters, I declare that whatever you find on the island is yours free and clear, even if it is tied to the history of Carnell. However, if you come across an artifact that is tied to the senate in any way, you'll have to give it up. Well, that or pay for it."

Lord Ebal sighs and stretches before standing up. "I'm getting to old for this kind of trouble," he groans. "The stress of this blackmailer has already tied me in knots, and now there are more threats to face... but not tonight." He yawns. "I suggest you get some sleep while you can. The funeral for Lord Pendour will take place just after dawn. Raius knows the formalities you will need to learn, but don't worry about it too much. This will be more somber than stately."

"There will be a few things they need to know," Raius muses while rubbing his chin. "But I'll make sure they're prepared. A the very least, they'll need a bath and some clean clothes."

"Aye," Lord Ebal wrinkles his nose. He looks at Caerth. "By the way, your mentor Aeron needs to see you for some reason. He seemed concerned, but it can probably wait until dawn. He'll be at the funeral, most likely." The Master Seneschal steps out from behind his desk and grasps each one of them on both arms with his palms facing down. "I wish you all good night."

Lord Ebal seems much older to your eyes now, as he exits his office. He gathers up an old gnarled walking stick and sets off to his own bedchamber.

"I'm sure Rosemergy has your rooms at the Gurnard's Arm ready for you," Raius notes as the group exits the office. "I will come with you and keep watch in the common room, just in case."
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OOC: Okay, so at this point, you guys are free to write your own descriptions for the night ahead. Be as creative as you want. You have free reign. If Caerth wants to go see Aeron right away, that's fine, but I won't respond again until next week. Assume that Raius keeps watch until the wee hours of the morning. He won't be tired however, as he was planning to be patrolling that night.

My next post will be at the funeral just after dawn. Someone important won't be there, for some reason. It's a mystery...