Six From Gate Pass - Chapter 3: Shelter From The Storm

[funkmamagoat]

Kirio, a crooked smile on his face, graces the elves with a look of bemused amusement "Well met indeed Thalan. I am called Kirio, the effusive, also originally of Shahalesti. Although it is always good to meet brethren from my long ago home; I find your request... bemusing. Last I checked, Seaquen was not part of Shahalesti, so I fail to see how the authority of the good Princess Shalosha would apply here. So then, let us say that... no, we will not allow your to inspect our belongings..."

"Now, if you would be so kind as to enlighten us as to your reasoning to explain the above causes of my confusion... well... then we may have something to discuss." Kirio bows to the three elves "Otherwise we will continue on our way and we wish you fine gentlemen the best of days..."

 

[Gregor]

Thalan smiles, and says: "It is indeed a pleasure to see countrymen, though I must insist that you allow me to perform my duties here. I, my two subordinate officers and the additional commandos in the woods around you, represent a detachment of the Shahalesti warship called the Osprey which has dropped its anchor nearby." He strokes the beak of his hawk absentmindedly while he pauses and considers his next words. "As you note, Seaquen is not under the auspices of Shahalesti, however it is no vassal city of Dassen. Its lands are independent and as such, require assistance from the enemies of Ragesia who hound those refugees seeking safety from the scourge. The crown of Shahalesti has vowed to oppose the Empire. Even now, a fleet of warships from my homeland are being led by the Princess to Seaquen in order to provide additional security and to offer formal terms of alliance. It is important for you to know that enemy agents have infiltrated Seaquen, likely colluding to hamper or crush the gathering of those who resist Ragesia. We are here to assist Seaquen in ensuring that no more Ragesians sneak into the city. Thus, I must insist that you allow us to make a brief search and know your names and places of origin. We will be professional, courteous and quick in our review."

[sblock="for Lars"]"Dreamwalker", says the voice in your heart, "why do you not answer me?"[/sblock]

 

[funkmamagoat]

OOC: knowledge check, relationship between Shahalesti and Seaquen. Taking 20 under Loremaster feat, so a total of 26 for knowledge check History

 

[Gregor]

[sblock="for Kirio"]Kirio, there is, to your knowledge, no formal existing relationship between Seaquen and Shahalesti. Their primary interaction is likely through trade, given that they are linked by the sea, and perhaps through elven spell casters seeking formalized education at the Lyceum. Seaquen has declared itself in opposition to Ragesia and as a safe haven for any fleeing the scourge. Shahalesti has also formally declared itself in opposition to Ragesia. You may infer that the two states would make likely allies, but that inference would be pure conjecture in your mind at this point, seeing as no formal alliance exists.[/sblock]

 

[funkmamagoat]

Kirio Smiles at Thalan and sighs loudly "hmmm, indeed, all very reasonable sounding. I know Seaquen has allied itself against Ragesia, but I wonder how they feel about a fleet of warships in their port?"

"Anyhow, please forgive my flippant attitude; I am never comfortable with requests that infringe on my freedoms. Know that we are also enemies of Ragesial, refugees of Gatepass in fact, barely having escaped the siege with our lives. I have already introduced myself, and see no reason why you should not know our names (Kirio lists the names of the party). We are en route to the Lyceum, there to further the fight against ragesia; we aided Lady Shaelis in her mission for Shahalesti in Gatepass, and she in ours, but I cannot say more on this. Torrent can say more if she wishes, but as you say, there are spies everywhere; on that we may even have a lead for you in finding another one in Seaquen."

"On our journey we have been attacked by an inquisitor and his minions... an unpleasant encounter to be sure, but there is one less inquisitor working for Ragesia. In our escape we were also hounded by a troupe of mercenaries, the Black Horse Company, in the employ of the empire; they also will no longer prove a tool for their use. You will also be interested to know that the forest of fire is in need of another name; the eternal flames have been extinguished." Kirio pauses and inspects the newly menacing woods for signs of the commandos, then looks to Thalan again "So you see my friend, we are in fact on the same side. We ask that you let us pass with that knowledge, I am happy to pass along what information I have of the spy in Seaquen, but I would prefer that you leave our persons untouched."

OOC: Diplomacy Check to convince thalan to let us pass unsearched. Also perception check on woods (likely futile) Also, Kirio has taken the gloves of dexterity, which leaves the mithril buckler and ring of sustenance up for grabs. I recommend Lars for the buckler, he needs all the AC he can get.

 

[Gregor]

Thalan considers Kirio's argument and rubs his chin thoughtfully. "I know of Shealis and of her mission in Gate Pass. She is known for her discretion and she does not commonly reveal her true name when in the field. If you were involved in the success of her mission, then I owe you thanks on behalf of the crown. I would also be in absence of honor were I to detain you from progressing to Seaquen. I have your names and will inform my commanding officers of your presence. Perhaps the crown may have opportunities for you once the alliance is sealed."

Thalan whispers to his hawk and it flies off into the air, headed towards the sea. The soldiers behind him seem to relax slightly and the trees and bushes rustle as four elven commandos with foliage covered armor and relaxed bows emerge to join the gathering.

Thalan then smiles and speaks again, though this time it is in his native tongue of elven and he directs his comments over Kirio's shoulder at Arnir.

[sblock="if you speak elven"]I thought I recognized you young Arnir. Hearing your name confirmed it. It has been a very long time since I saw you in our glorious home city of Calanis. I see you are well. Your father will be pleased to learn of your health. Your ... rival house may not be so pleased however. Members of that family are en route as part of Princess Shalosha's entourage and I fear your presence may complicate matters.[/sblock]

 

[digimattic]

OOC: Would anyone object to Arnir taking the Ring of Sustenance? We can roll for it otherwise.

Throughout this exchange, Arnir has looked pale and uncomfortable. Anyone watching him would have seen him wince as though hit when Kirio said his name, and he fidgets with the bow slung over his shoulder incessantly. All the colour in his face rushes back with a flush, however when he is addressed directly and you can scarcely hear him mutter under his breath a curse before he regains his sense of self and the training of his youth.

[sblock="In Elven"]"Good Thalan, my heart warms to see you." He says with a gracious bow. "I believe it has been 5 years since I last saw you in Court. I would not have thought you had the taste for work in the field, but I have little doubt that a man of your honour would prove most helpful in any negotiation. Should you see him, please tell my Lord Father that my....vacation....is proving most enjoyable and that I would be pleased to tell him of it in person some day." As he says those words, Arnir's voice drops with sadness - a rare display of an emotion beyond pride, anger or lust - before filling with thinly veiled hatred "As for the members of House Galavir, I trust they need not be informed of my presence here, lest they become...unreasonable. My loyalty to the Realm is unwavering and you have my word that I, more than anyone, wish to avoid any unpleasantness. Let us work together to see nothing of the sort takes place, in the name of the Princess herself." [/sblock]

Having said his piece, Arnir falls back, looking fatigued from the effort of providing the courtesy of nobility.

 

[funkmamagoat]

Kirio looks between Arnir and Thalan as they exchange greetings and more... After they are done he raises an eyebrow at Arnir and addresses him quietly
[sblock="if you speak elven"] Forgive me Arnir, had I known I would have perhaps attempted to hide your identity... we should talk if ever your are willing, I am not unacquainted with court shenanigans, I can at least offer support. It does not have to be now however... I had wanted to talk to you regardless, with a proposition regarding our magical talents. I know that you desire as many spells for your spellbook as possible, and there is a spell I believe would be of great use to me, Eagle Splendor. Once we reach the Lyceum, if I were to purchase a scroll of said spell for you, at my expense, and you have copied it to your spellbook, would you be willing to create scrolls of it for my use, at a modest fee for service of course, say 2 gold pieces a scroll?[/COLOR][/sblock]

OOC: I have no objections on the ring of sustenance. Knowledge checks coming... really lame knowledge checks... le sigh

 

[fromage67]

[sblock="for Lars"]"Dreamwalker", says the voice in your heart, "why do you not answer me?"[/sblock]

Lars only half-listens to the conversation with the elves. He seems queasy and uncomfortable. He rubs his eyes and shakes his head, apparently in some inner dialogue.

[sblock="for DM"]Lars hesitantly sub-vocalizes a response, "Hello? Is there someone there?" He thinks to himself, <Is this what being crazy means?>[/sblock]

 

[funkmamagoat]

Kirio notices the strange behavior of their secretive young rogue out of the corner of his eye [sblock="if you speak elven"] Think on my offers friend Arnir, I think our young rogue is having another one of his episodes... let us attend to him no? [/sblock]

Kirio warily approaches Lars, humming a few notes and gesturing his way as he goes (OOC: detect magic) "Are you alright my young friend, are you having another of your episodes? What are you experiencing?"