The Jade Frontier (DM: Ukingsken, Judge: Lord Sessadore)

Brenwar nods his understanding at the escort's instructions. He then washes his hands and mouth before kneeling in front of Lord Hastesh. Brenwar seems relatively at ease in these surroundings, familiar with such things when he served Senator Opaten in the past.
[sblock=INT Check]
Intelligence Check (1d20=18)
[/sblock]
 

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As the group moved towards the fortress, Miranna stayed near the back, acting as a rear guard despite the civilized setting. Once they arrived, though, she was clearly impressed by the garden- in its own way, it reminded her of some of the more pleasant parts of her former 'master's' estate in the Feywild, particularly the aesthetic combination of natural and artificial elements. In fact, she was so wrapped up in looking at things that she wasn't really listening- by the time she started paying attention to their guide's words, he had finished half of his advice...

OOC: INT check 1d20+4= 8; roll Roll Lookup
 

Shayla's practiced straight ahead gaze is shattered by the sight of the garden in which they now find themself. After a night and morning of thinking of nothing but the utter darkness that this land holds, the beauty of such a place stands in stark contrast and while normally Shayla is adept at holding her tongue, at the moment she wouldn't know what to say if she was permitted to speak. Quickly she pulls herself out of her reverie to listen to the instructions given by the guard, there is still work to do and this is the only preparation she was going to get.

Shayla is unfamiliar with any custom's that involved intricate eating or drinking ceremonies more complex than which fork to use and to dab with a napkin rather than wipe. However despite her unfamiliarity with the described ritual she believes she got it right...mechanically, though instruction and performance are often different things entirely.

[sblock=INT Check]1d20+1=11[/sblock]
 

Patronis moved to kneel as the rest did and waited his turn to serve the tea to the next in line.... slowly he watched as everyone made slight slip ups from the first that started but slowly he seemed to learn the in's and out's of what needed to be done and when his turned arrive he tried his best to stay stoic and unemotional at all.. slowly he poured what he had to and passed the equipment on to the next person...

[sblock=Int Check]1d20+2=7[/sblock]
 

As the ceremony begins, Hastesh silently stokes the coals beneath the tea pot. Stirring in a precisely measured amount of green tea and whisking it in what is obviously a ritualized pattern.

Once the tea reaches temperature he pours the first bowl and serves Brenwar who performs perfectly, remembering every detail of the procedure. You all watch in mute silence, those of you who had forgotten thanking whatever gods were watching that someone paid such close attention.

As the cup is passed to Cheysuli she fumbles slightly as she attempts to rotate the bowl properly, and Patronis almost bows to the person who drank before him, but aside from those few minor foibles you manage to puzzle your way through it. Finally the tea is done and you all take time to carefully examine the tea ware. All of the utensils are of finely wrought platinum bearing inlaid jade dragons while the cups and kettle are of jade color bearing lord Hastesh's family crest.

As the food is brought out silently by several servants Lord Hastesh finally speaks in a deep gravelly voice that could shake mountains loose from the earth.

It does my family honor to see the old ways respected, even those of you unschooled in our traditions. He smiles gently at Cheysuli and Patronis before continuing. And you sir showed the better part of discretion last night when you turned away from my doorstep. Here he inclines his head towards Mr. Bricks smiling slightly to show two rows of deadly teeth. But that is not the matter at hand. You have been sent by the Iron General to investigate and assist us, for that we are grateful. Let me lend you the wisdom of my fathers, what would you ask of me?

Lord Hastesh folds his hands and patiently awaits your reply, giving you time to converse amongst yourselves if necessary.
 

Patronis looks about to the others gathered and sighed softly before looking back to the Lord with a slight bow... I will beg mercy for my boldness M'Lord... the reason for this is I am far less.... discrete than my companions... you must know as well as we do... there is something very wrong here... I myself have felt a fiendish presence here... it has even spoken through me of sorts... now I do not wish to offend... but if I may be so bold... someone here must have answers to that which we seek here... and to not waste time I ask you this... what is going on around here behind the facade of a pristine and unsullied faces here in town.. Patronis asks and is sure his companions winces of regret will follow but he could not shake the events of last night and how SOMEONE here must have answers....
 

The way of iron teaches us that we must be unbending in our dedication to truth. Often this leads outsiders to think of us as harsh, uncompromising, and insensitive. I appreciate your candor.

First let me tell you that this town has always stunk of fiends and agents of the Oni. This was one of the reasons my great grandfather was originally granted lordship over these lands.

As to what is going on here the kobolds have become brazen this season I will admit that. There is likely some greater force driving them, although it has been some time since something wandered out of the mountains and took command of them. Either way it must be put to a stop because we can not afford to have any more disappearances, lest people begin to flee on their own towards the center of the kingdom.

I advise you do as you were sent to do and rout these kobolds. As for your fiendish visit I would look closer to home for your answers, marked one.
 

As the cup is passed to Cheysuli she fumbles slightly as she attempts to rotate the bowl properly...

<snip>

It does my family honor to see the old ways respected, even those of you unschooled in our traditions. He smiles gently at Cheysuli and Patronis before continuing. And you sir showed the better part of discretion last night when you turned away from my doorstep. Here he inclines his head towards Mr. Bricks smiling slightly to show two rows of deadly teeth.

Upon completion of the tea ceremony, Cheysuli seems a little upset at herself for not paying better attension, but her smile returns when Lord Hastesh subtley reassures Chey, only to be replaced by a shocked gasp at his comment to Mr. Bricks. Her quick succesion of emotions clearly are clearly painted on her face for all present to see (something her companions are starting to become familiar with).


As to what is going on here the kobolds have become brazen this season I will admit that. There is likely some greater force driving them, although it has been some time since something wandered out of the mountains and took command of them. Either way it must be put to a stop because we can not afford to have any more disappearances, lest people begin to flee on their own towards the center of the kingdom.


Emboldened by Patronis' directness; and the silver Lord's acceptance of it, Cheysuli speaks her inquiry as soon as it comes to her.

"Disappearances my Lord?! More than one person has gone missing? I had heard that one old fellow had gone walkabout, but that it was something he was wont to do from time to time."

I advise you do as you were sent to do and rout these kobolds. As for your fiendish visit I would look closer to home for your answers, marked one.
Cheysuli winces slightly at the title he bestowed on Patronis, but thought to herself that if he had anything to say about it, he would probably rather say it himself. So she swallows the temptation to go on the defensive and continues with her main train of thought.

"Indeed the kobolds are our primary concern, one that we wish to deal with swiftly once we have discovered where they are nesting. But I fear my Lord, that they are but a rootstock of a larger entity, one that is sapping your province of it's harmony. The spirits ache for your land to be as beautiful as your garden, though perhaps not as tame."

For a moment Cheyslui's eyes unfocus, as if she is intent upon some sensation that the others are unaware of, but she calls herself wuickly back to the discussion at hand. "Have any of your patrols located the nest, or perhaps there are some areas that have suffered more than others from the kobold's raids?"

[sblock=OOC]In case you want it, here's a skill check:
Diplomacy (1d20+4=13)[/sblock]
 

Lord Hastesh seems to consider Cheysuli carefully for a moment. Seeming pleased with your words, he begins to speak again.

You speak of the kobolds as if they are claws on a great dragon stalking it's prey, but I do not believe this is the case. This area has always been...The lord pauses a moment searching for the correct word. under a malaise. When I was a whelp adventurers came from time to time seeking remnants of the evils that once gripped our community. All they ever found were shadows to chase and empty ruins.

The kobolds lair on the other hand is something I know much of. Their clan has laired in the same cavern complex for generations, and no matter how many times my family drives them from the field of battle, they return. They are vermin, and a blemish on the draconian races. Hastesh seems incensed by this topic, a glimpse of a deep, simmering rage showing through his composed mask.

My friend Valthun can show you maps of the area and indicate the quickest routes into the hills to the lair. I would be very grateful if you could dispose of the threat presented by the kobolds. While you are correct that only one of the citizens has disappeared from within out walls, and I expect it is simply another one of his unexpected sojourns, several families whose homes are outside the walls have gone missing as well over the last month.

I would ask that you honor the Shogun's wishes and deal with these pests. Let drop this inflamatory talk of demons and cults, you have set my people on edge, dredging up memories best left forgotten. Instead focus on the real threat posed by these pretenders to draconian heritage, and give my people the peace they deserve. Would that I could do it myself, but the years have taken there toll on the garrison and we barely have enough to man the walls anymore.

The lord once more inclines his head to the group waiting for any further comment, selecting a delicious looking confection of cherry and some unknown sugared dough. He offers the tray to each of you in turn.
 
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If that is all then I will take my leave of you, there are much more mundane matters awaiting my attention.

I will have the guards show you out, if you would seek out Valthun in his tower he will assist you in your search for the kobolds.

As Lord Hastesh stands, he bows to you and waits as one of the guards enters the garden to escort you out.

[sblock=ooc] Last chance if you have any more questions to ask him at this time[/sblock]
 

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