The Reconquista: Part I (Shadows over Istivin)

[Branding Opportunity]

At his master's command, Beau bounds out ahead of him heading for Qualtaine's square vacant heart. As Morley gets closer to the center he begins to feel an empty feeling at the pit of his stomach, as if someone had punched him very lightly in the solar plexus. This feeling increases the closer he gets Beau stops short well away from it, and turns around to look at the ranger, a somewhat confused expression in his eyes. He seems to be saying, "You want me to go there? Are you sure?"

 

[Ranger Rick]

.... George uses his "hand of glory" to activate see invisibility....

ooc: I assume I see nothing even though I have 'see invisibility'?

 

[James Heard]

Mavic

Mavic's eyes narrowed as he saw the long line leading up to the keep. Which were imposters and whiich were true sons of Sterich? Again, his hand crept up to wring at his non-existent beard, prompting another scowl. Dismounting unhappily, he took off his riding gloves and replied somewhat stiffly, " As the Marchioness commands, we bleed... or wait."

OOC: Mavic is going to be unleashing his "are you who you say you are?" nobility radar on this stupid line in the form of Knowledge (local), (history), (nobility) checks. The only thing worse than somehow not getting his family lands secure would be sharing it with some Geoffian cavalry commander who'd spent the war performing banditry instead of killing giants.

 

[Hypersmurf]

While taking a break in the shade and looking out across the square George notices something unusual. In the center of the square there seems to be an area, roughly 35' in diameter, which the local populace is avoiding. No booths or stands are set up here, and everyone walking near it seems to unconsciously walk around it. After studying for a few minutes, you notice that not even stray dogs or pigeons will enter this area.

OOC: Magic also?

 

[Scotley]

Morley Human Ranger

Morley doesn't try to force the dog to enter the area. Indeed, having gotten a sense of it he quickly leaves the circle. "Its a strange unpleasant feeling over there," he tells the others, "sort of an emptiness, like having the wind knocked out of you. I can see why people and animals avoid it, but what is it?"

 

[Branding Opportunity]

ooc: I assume I see nothing even though I have 'see invisibility'?

OOC: Yes, correct, you do not see anything else.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

OOC: Magic also?

OOC: No, the central area does not radiate magic.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

OOC: Mavic is going to be unleashing his "are you who you say you are?" nobility radar on this stupid line in the form of Knowledge (local), (history), (nobility) checks. The only thing worse than somehow not getting his family lands secure would be sharing it with some Geoffian cavalry commander who'd spent the war performing banditry instead of killing giants.

Mavic surveys the crowd to see if he recognizes anyone and thinks he is about to come up empty-handed when he spots someone who looks familiar. Of course he looks older, and his beard is now mostly grey, but a dwarven nobleman near the front of the line looks familiar. He and his three dwarven axe-brothers are dressed in functional yet fine dress, their clan affiliations displayed proudly on the gleaming metal shields strapped to their backs. Mavic does not remember his name, but vaguely remembers having met him before the invasion at court here in Istivin. He was the third son of a dwarven lord who owned an large iron smelting facility near the headwaters of the Davish River, long held in enemy hands.

The three dwarves are speaking amongst each other in their own language, and do not seem to pay anyone much attention.

OOC: Just to explain a bit about the specifics of dwarven politics in Sterich, I wanted to let you know that although all dwarven settlements in the hills and mountains have a great deal of autonomy, they are still under the jurisdiction of the court in Istivin. Every hold sends a senior member to the capitol, and he sits on something called the Dwarven Court. This Dwarven Court is a legislative and deliberative body which handles most decisions involving these dwarven enclaves, and also serves as a conduit between the dwarves of Sterich and the predominantly human court. Everybody seems quite content with this arrangement, although there are always a few discontents who demand more freedom from the Marchioness.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Morley doesn't try to force the dog to enter the area. Indeed, having gotten a sense of it he quickly leaves the circle. "Its a strange unpleasant feeling over there," he tells the others, "sort of an emptiness, like having the wind knocked out of you. I can see why people and animals avoid it, but what is it?"

"Not magic, whatever it is," Reivik informs the pair.

OOC: Ever encountered anything like that before, DM? In person or in tales?

 

[Ranger Rick]

OOC: I assume Morley & Revik know about my 'hand of glory' and know of it's powers.

George tells both Morley & Revik that he sees nothing as he points with his right hand to his neck, shakes his head no and shrugs the other shoulder.