Vhalens thanks both the prince and Seneschal graciously, with all the courtly aplomb he can muster. When the four are given time alone to deliberate, Vhalens speaks up first. Having the elements of their task laid out so clearly before him has helped him forget his anxiety and to focus. Things got bumpy for a while but he feels himself back in the story again. When he's in the story, he always knows what to say. Calmly and quietly, he addresses his two newest friends.
"Finn, Frenevir, there's something we ought to tell you... As you know, Argentus and I traveled to Runia together. But, that's not the whole story. I wasn't sure whether or not to share all of this because we didn't really know you yet and well... Truthfully it's difficult to talk about. It deals with a loved one I fear may be lost to me forever. But it seems the story has drawn us all together nice and tightly so we might as well get used to sharing information.
Like I told the prince, Argentus and I were sent by a joint council of both our peoples' leaders in order to aid Runia. Mossen, the woman I mentioned, is my great grandmother, and my teacher, and the greatest Seanchai my people have ever known... Well... She told Argentus and I a story right before we left. It's a long story, and an important one, and I don't have time to tell it now, but I can later if you'd be willing to listen. But that's not the most pressing thing.
Before she disappeared that night, she gave us two commands. They were the last thing anyone heard her say before she walked out alone into the tundra. The first, which I admit I don't yet fully comprehend, was this: Find the Gate. The second is much clearer: Protect the King.
Whatever is going on in this land, it's clearly deeply connected with King Rudan himself. I can't say for absolutely certain, but I suspect the danger she sent Argentus and I to protect him from is something closer and more insidious than goblins. As for the wizards... Powerful magicians don't act out of carelessness. I suspect they know what they're doing, just as Mossen did. I'd leave them to their machinations for now. But if my elders feared those coins, then I do too. Someone within these walls is moving against the crown as we speak. I think the last thing we should be doing is to go running off into the forest chasing goblins or trying to summon up wizards who don't want to be found. Our quarry is already here. My vote is we follow the coins."
Frenevir listen to Vhalens history and ponders his words.
"Some could argue that clearing the routes so the army can be reinforced and the trade is secure would be protecting the king too, but I do agree with you. There is a sinister plan here, inside the city walls and we would be more useful here, following that thread, that outside it. Once we know there is no thread here we can go and clear the roads. Also, if we stop this peril here we could have some leverage among the King's men to rally them to fight the goblins that threaten their routes.
Your idea to have access to the library was a great one. I suggest we start there. We should focus on that coins, but do not forget the other dangers. May I suggest that we search for references to the coins, perhaps my memory had served us well and finding something about those chieftains of old could bring us more information to us. Also I would search for references to these omens and previous disappearances of the wizards. We may have a lead on their destination and how they pretend to return. And finally, but not least, we should search for strategy books related to Runia, and trade agreements. This way we could map the main trade routes, have a better understanding of their supply lines and have an idea of where these goblins maybe camping themselves to pest the routes. We do need knowledge to lighten the path before us, for running blindly into the darkness is both dangerous and foolish, and none of us are foolish." he stops and smirks "Well, at least not that foolish" he ends
Listening to the others, Argentus nods and comments, “A strong ally may become an implacable foe if his heart is corrupted, so making that our first priority is wise. Likewise, an ill-equipped warrior may find defeat on the brink of victory as his kit fails him. Once we have those two issues in hand, we should be able to mount a vigorous attack on the creatures strangling Runia’s trade routes.”
Gesturing to his weapons, he adds, “My skills are less suited to such tasks, but I will help as I can so that we may have the best chance of success when the battle is joined.” Argentus starts looking for books with the word Rashaad in the title.
I could just take it, Finn thought. Yeah, even with everyone here looking I could do it. I know I could. A bag of ball bearings - I could totally open and spill one with nobody seeing. The clatter and momentary mayhem would be all the confusion I needed.
Wait! No, stop! Don't reach for it yet, you fool! The distraction first, then the snatch! No.... NO. But it was so hard. Even as her mind raced over plans and schemes, her hands wanted to reach out to the coin. To hold to. To feel it. To own it. Even as the prince was speaking of the coin, Finn was scheming on how to grab it and get out of the room... Then once out of the room, it was all hers. They'd never spot her face again, guaranteed. Though that would be a shame, she had grown quite fond of this persona - Of Finn and the face she worse...
Wait, what are we saying? Pay attention, you idiot. Stop looking at the coin and make sure you know what you're saying!
“Finn Of’Gren offers her services on behalf of herself and her people…No reward is needed, ‘cept perhaps a remembering of the service of me or mine ever have a similar need.” Ok, ok... slight slip up but it should be fine. Don't act like it's a thing and it won't be a thing, right? The Fixt aren't nearly as sharp as they think, they won't give it a thought...
But Finn's slip of the tongue and realization of it seemed to shake her mind off of... Oh yes, the coin. How had she become so focused on that one small coin that she had spoken so? But the pull was strong. Almost irresistible... But she had resisted. Just. She had missed a bit, perhaps. She thinks she got the gist of what the prince had said. What she had said. But now it was time to tell the prince about the effect the coin almost...
The prince was gone. So was the seneschal. When had that happened? Damnit, she was still focused on that accursed coin! But it was gone now, out of sight, and Vhalens was talking...
I could find it though. I am sure I could. It's not far gone yet. And surely there are more than just the one...
"But if my elders feared those coins, then I do too," Vhalens said, and once more Finn found her head cleared and her thoughts her own again. The words... Finn had missed so many words. She had heard them though and felt she could still capture them in her memories... But they kept talking more and more words.
"We should focus on that coins, but do not forget the other dangers," this from Frenevir. Yes... but no. The coin was THE danger...
"A strong ally may become an implacable for if his heart is corrupted," Argentus said and Finn doubted he possibly knew how right he was...
"It's the coins!" Finn all but shouted once Argentus had finished. "That coin they showed us. The others you talked about as well, surely. It's the coins we need to sort out first!" Finn looks around at the others, realizes she may have a bit of a willd look in her eyes so pauses and takes a breath. And then another...
"Oh rot the roots! It WAS just me, wasn't it? Listen... That was not just some foreign coin. Not just the coin of some foreigner up to no good. There was something about that coin. Innate to it. Some magic or curse or I don't even know what... But that coin called out to me. It pulled me. It was as if the greed of everyone I had ever met had welled up inside of me and urged me to take that coin, swore to me that I needed it more than anything and that it could make all my wants and dreams and desires come true. I had never felt such a pull. Ever. About anything," Finn explained earnestly. "For what seemed the briefest moment, and yet also the longest moment ever.... I knew. I just KNEW that if I had that coin that... The sun would shine brighter, the water would be wetter and the roots would reach deeper into the nourishing earth. You get me?"
"Even if you think you do... If you didn't feel it..." She lets out another sigh and seems to deflate a bit, to gather herself together a bit.
"Argentus... I do not think it was the merchant who corrupted your scout but the coin itself. Maybe the merchant knew it would but..."
"Vhalens... Your elders. Surely they must have.. I don't know, sensed or detected whatever it is inside the coins... I don't know. But burying them seems wiser than the seneschal and prince flashing them around..."
"Frenevir... I don't know about the coins buying the way for souls... I tell you though, my soul feels dirtied just for having looked up it..."
"I think we need to find out the truth of these coins, be it by books or however... But I also think we need to warn the prince about them now. Whole truth known or not, I can promise you that no good is coming from those coins."
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We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
Vhalens is grateful to Frenevir and Argentus for their support. He is about to say as much when Finn interjects.
When she's finished, Vhalens is stunned into silence for a moment, looking at Finn with concern. At first he thinks this might be another one of her jokes, but no. That's not her style of humor. He nods to her and says "Alright then, it's decided. We pursue the coins. Finn, you're right. The Prince needs to know what you've just experienced. Frenevir and Argentus can go call him back in, but why don't you and I sit down here for a moment so you can catch your breath."
Finn looks well and truly shaken. He smiles at her with an expression of calm and motions back to her chair. He looks around the study for something to help calm her nerves. He has a dozen questions he wants to ask, but making sure his friend is alright comes first. He spots a crystal decanter and glasses arranged artfully on a cabinet and helps himself. Pouring a lovely amber, floral liqueur into a glass for Finn, he says "It sounds like the curse in that coin really tried to sink its teeth into you, my friend. It's no small accomplishment that you managed to shake it off. It might not feel this way at the moment, but you ought to feel proud."
He hands Finn the glass and sits next to her, telling her earnestly. "Your strength of mind has given us a head start."
"I have sensed nothing of it " says Frenevir " but I do not doubt your words. We should warn them immediately and I agree with Vhalens. Your will is strong Finn. You should be proud."
(With the successful save, and Finn's warning, the coin does not exert any undue force of desire upon any of you - it seems that the natural greed of a given subject is the trigger for the unholy influence of whatever magic lies upon, or within, the red gold coin.)
Prince Redrian and the seneschal share a sigh of relief. It is clear that, now that a decision has been made, their attentions might better cope with the myriad problems arising elsewhere. This issue, at least, they need not worry about so presently.
"As I said," speaks the seneschal, "I am more than happy to open the royal library to you, though I fear that you will not find much of great assistance. I have read most of these books myself, and nothing within them speaks of such foul magics except in whispers of enemies whose names have been blotted and stripped from the pages. Still, there are some more tangible leads you might pursue - we have the dwarf in whose possession the coin originally was. He is held in a prison not far from here - an old fortress converted for its present purpose and all but unassailable, let alone inescapable. You might also inquire after his comrades still in service here. We have questioned them gently, though I fear that they belong to a growing faction of nobles and lords who show a certain impolitic disappointment in my lord's management of Runia, in King Rudan's absence."
He provides to you the names of three prominent taverns where the known contacts of said dwarf, Durhank Lotrikson, often frequent during their off hours. He also reports to you the name of his liege lord, Lord Baruvil and gives you directions to the crown-provided quarters of Baruvil's contingent.
"There are also a few others who might prove to be useful contacts," Adds the seneschal. "The most friendly of the Guild's ambassadors is one Tovar of the Shanka clan - you northerners may have heard the name, so wide ranging is his family tree that it seems he has a relative in every backwater and farmstead where a road leads. Should you need a personal connection of virtually any kind, or at the very least a slight 'friends and family' discount on general goods, he's your man without doubt, and a long-standing friend of the crown. Sir Matthiam, as well, I should bring to your attention - Master of the Watch and the closest thing we Runians keep to a battlefield general. Should you require steel and sinew beyond your own, send him a message and be sure to introduce yourself with this badge - the royal marque - which will grant you wide access and respect amongst the nobility, so far as the Seat itself remains respected."
(Who takes the royal marque, a tree-shaped trinket of silver and gold that weighs, it seems, a little less than it should, given the dense metals involved? Proceed with planning or choices of action - or surprise me with a plan of your own! I hope to give you lots of options, but I don't mean to railroad you all in any way towards a particular path.)
((I suppose if no one has any objections, Vhalens should take it. He has the highest charisma score, and he's the only dwarf in the party, so I think he would have the most clout when talking with people. It might cause an uproar with the lords and stuff to have humans and elves flashing around a royal badge among everything else that's going on. Having a dwarf be the one to display it will at least be a LITTLE better, even though we are all kinda foreigners.
As for a plan... As much as I know Vhalens would want to go to the library, I the player think the best course of action would probably be to talk to the imprisoned dwarf first. Since we have this information now about the coin being corrupting, I think it'll make for a more productive interrogation than they've managed in the past.))
((Vhalens seems to be taking the leader/face role of the party so seems the natural pick to take the badge...))
"Whether the books reveal names or not, the effects of foul magics, and how employed, could be revealing in and of itself," Finn points out.
"As for the coin, I'm afraid it was more luck than anything else I escaped it's influence... And as I was the only one it called to I can't help but think that raises some questions... But yes, this prisoner should definitely be questioned with this knowledge in mind. It's possible, not having fought it off, that they know nothing of the coin's influence, but they may still have valuable information."
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We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
"I agree with the both of you. We need to speak with this prisoner, but I think there's plenty to learn from the archives as well. We could get some insight into how this saboteur has managed to remove so much of the city's stockpile beneath the notice of the scribes. That's not something a simple thief could accomplish. Whoever is behind this is organized. It may very well be someone within the court... I'd like to speak to Tovar of the Shanka as well, though that need not be a top priority. My family has done dealings with the Shanka. I'm sure he'll be able to provide some valuable context."
Vhalens picks up the marque from the table where the Seneschal left it for them. He examines it, noting its surprising lightness. He says "For now, I suggest we split up. Two of us should go see the prisoner, and two should head the the archive. Then tonight, let's say ninth bell, we can meet up at that first tavern the Seneschal mentioned. We can compare notes and scope the place out for any further leads."
He tosses the marque to Finn, saying "I imagine you'll need this to get into the prison. You ought to be the one to speak to the prisoner. You can talk with him about what you've experienced. Argentus, you can go with her as backup. Be vigilant. I imagine the saboteur is keeping an eye on who's coming to see the prisoner, lest they get wind of too much."
He looks to Frenevir and says "Why don't you and I go visit the library? You know the most about where these coins have come from. If we work together to go through the city records from this past year, we might be able to spot something the Seneschal has missed. And now that we know there's a curse at work, we can seek out books on that as well. I can't imagine the Seneschal has gone down that avenue of inquiry yet. If nothing else, looking into what has been torn out and redacted might give us an idea of what the saboteur doesn't want us to know."
Frenevir looks at Vhalens. He silently nods and gestures him to lead the way. His face is unreadable but as they walk towards the library he could hear some of his masters back home of how he was letting himself to be led by a naugrim. But he was in naugrim's lands after all and these was weird and uncertain times.
(Vhalens and Frenevir to the Library to search the records of Oldhall, seeking for any possible leads to the nature of Runia's current plight. Finn and Argentus to the prisonhold Dweftorren, about half a day's journey beyond Oldhall's sturdy walls.)
You part ways quickly, firm and hairy Runian mountain-horses being provided for Finn and Argentus. Their road, to the East of the city, crosses up a stern boulder-field until crossing over a long saddleback that forms a sort of plateau. Dweftorren lies at the other end of this plateau, starkly entrenched against the bare stone of several surrounding peaks. You are accompanied by a stout halfling by the name of Grengt Hinheel, an unusually dour and subdued personality for one of the short folk, who on his pony sets a moderate but taxing pace to traverse the yet snow-clogged paths to Dweftorren. By setting off as soon as plans are set, you and your guide estimate that you should arrive before nightfall, barring any unforeseen events. Your travels will occur in this thread (we'll be leaving several threads behind - this will be the main narrative one, but when splitting the party I find it appropriate to use multiple threads.) https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post/131642-travels-in-runia-the-oaken-vale
The seneschal accompanies Vhalens and Frenevir to the royal library, ushering you into its quiet confines of ordered shelves in what appears to have once been a spacious spare cellar area, now kept dry and separate from the regular traffic of the castle complex by a series of locked doors and two posted guards. At the final door, he withdraws a key from his person and, quietly whispering the words to a spell, unseals the large room. (Here is your thread: https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post/131643-mysteries-in-runia-the-oaken-library)
Upon learning of the distance of Dweftorren from their current locale, Finn Of'Gren suggests they readjust the plans slightly. "We'll hit the taverns tomorrow night instead," she says, accepting the reality of the man made construct of time. "Hopefully the books will be able to keep you two occupied until then." With the slight tweak to their schedules Finn waves a quick goodbye and heads off with Vhalens to find their guide and transportation...
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We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
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Vhalens thanks both the prince and Seneschal graciously, with all the courtly aplomb he can muster. When the four are given time alone to deliberate, Vhalens speaks up first. Having the elements of their task laid out so clearly before him has helped him forget his anxiety and to focus. Things got bumpy for a while but he feels himself back in the story again. When he's in the story, he always knows what to say. Calmly and quietly, he addresses his two newest friends.
"Finn, Frenevir, there's something we ought to tell you... As you know, Argentus and I traveled to Runia together. But, that's not the whole story. I wasn't sure whether or not to share all of this because we didn't really know you yet and well... Truthfully it's difficult to talk about. It deals with a loved one I fear may be lost to me forever. But it seems the story has drawn us all together nice and tightly so we might as well get used to sharing information.
Like I told the prince, Argentus and I were sent by a joint council of both our peoples' leaders in order to aid Runia. Mossen, the woman I mentioned, is my great grandmother, and my teacher, and the greatest Seanchai my people have ever known... Well... She told Argentus and I a story right before we left. It's a long story, and an important one, and I don't have time to tell it now, but I can later if you'd be willing to listen. But that's not the most pressing thing.
Before she disappeared that night, she gave us two commands. They were the last thing anyone heard her say before she walked out alone into the tundra. The first, which I admit I don't yet fully comprehend, was this: Find the Gate. The second is much clearer: Protect the King.
Whatever is going on in this land, it's clearly deeply connected with King Rudan himself. I can't say for absolutely certain, but I suspect the danger she sent Argentus and I to protect him from is something closer and more insidious than goblins. As for the wizards... Powerful magicians don't act out of carelessness. I suspect they know what they're doing, just as Mossen did. I'd leave them to their machinations for now. But if my elders feared those coins, then I do too. Someone within these walls is moving against the crown as we speak. I think the last thing we should be doing is to go running off into the forest chasing goblins or trying to summon up wizards who don't want to be found. Our quarry is already here. My vote is we follow the coins."
Frenevir listen to Vhalens history and ponders his words.
"Some could argue that clearing the routes so the army can be reinforced and the trade is secure would be protecting the king too, but I do agree with you. There is a sinister plan here, inside the city walls and we would be more useful here, following that thread, that outside it. Once we know there is no thread here we can go and clear the roads. Also, if we stop this peril here we could have some leverage among the King's men to rally them to fight the goblins that threaten their routes.
Your idea to have access to the library was a great one. I suggest we start there. We should focus on that coins, but do not forget the other dangers. May I suggest that we search for references to the coins, perhaps my memory had served us well and finding something about those chieftains of old could bring us more information to us. Also I would search for references to these omens and previous disappearances of the wizards. We may have a lead on their destination and how they pretend to return. And finally, but not least, we should search for strategy books related to Runia, and trade agreements. This way we could map the main trade routes, have a better understanding of their supply lines and have an idea of where these goblins maybe camping themselves to pest the routes. We do need knowledge to lighten the path before us, for running blindly into the darkness is both dangerous and foolish, and none of us are foolish." he stops and smirks "Well, at least not that foolish" he ends
PbP Character: A few ;)
Argentus:
Listening to the others, Argentus nods and comments, “A strong ally may become an implacable foe if his heart is corrupted, so making that our first priority is wise. Likewise, an ill-equipped warrior may find defeat on the brink of victory as his kit fails him. Once we have those two issues in hand, we should be able to mount a vigorous attack on the creatures strangling Runia’s trade routes.”
Gesturing to his weapons, he adds, “My skills are less suited to such tasks, but I will help as I can so that we may have the best chance of success when the battle is joined.” Argentus starts looking for books with the word Rashaad in the title.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Finn Of'Gren
I could just take it, Finn thought. Yeah, even with everyone here looking I could do it. I know I could. A bag of ball bearings - I could totally open and spill one with nobody seeing. The clatter and momentary mayhem would be all the confusion I needed.
Wait! No, stop! Don't reach for it yet, you fool! The distraction first, then the snatch! No.... NO. But it was so hard. Even as her mind raced over plans and schemes, her hands wanted to reach out to the coin. To hold to. To feel it. To own it. Even as the prince was speaking of the coin, Finn was scheming on how to grab it and get out of the room... Then once out of the room, it was all hers. They'd never spot her face again, guaranteed. Though that would be a shame, she had grown quite fond of this persona - Of Finn and the face she worse...
Wait, what are we saying? Pay attention, you idiot. Stop looking at the coin and make sure you know what you're saying!
“Finn Of’Gren offers her services on behalf of herself and her people…No reward is needed, ‘cept perhaps a remembering of the service of me or mine ever have a similar need.” Ok, ok... slight slip up but it should be fine. Don't act like it's a thing and it won't be a thing, right? The Fixt aren't nearly as sharp as they think, they won't give it a thought...
But Finn's slip of the tongue and realization of it seemed to shake her mind off of... Oh yes, the coin. How had she become so focused on that one small coin that she had spoken so? But the pull was strong. Almost irresistible... But she had resisted. Just. She had missed a bit, perhaps. She thinks she got the gist of what the prince had said. What she had said. But now it was time to tell the prince about the effect the coin almost...
The prince was gone. So was the seneschal. When had that happened? Damnit, she was still focused on that accursed coin! But it was gone now, out of sight, and Vhalens was talking...
I could find it though. I am sure I could. It's not far gone yet. And surely there are more than just the one...
"But if my elders feared those coins, then I do too," Vhalens said, and once more Finn found her head cleared and her thoughts her own again. The words... Finn had missed so many words. She had heard them though and felt she could still capture them in her memories... But they kept talking more and more words.
"We should focus on that coins, but do not forget the other dangers," this from Frenevir. Yes... but no. The coin was THE danger...
"A strong ally may become an implacable for if his heart is corrupted," Argentus said and Finn doubted he possibly knew how right he was...
"It's the coins!" Finn all but shouted once Argentus had finished. "That coin they showed us. The others you talked about as well, surely. It's the coins we need to sort out first!" Finn looks around at the others, realizes she may have a bit of a willd look in her eyes so pauses and takes a breath. And then another...
"Oh rot the roots! It WAS just me, wasn't it? Listen... That was not just some foreign coin. Not just the coin of some foreigner up to no good. There was something about that coin. Innate to it. Some magic or curse or I don't even know what... But that coin called out to me. It pulled me. It was as if the greed of everyone I had ever met had welled up inside of me and urged me to take that coin, swore to me that I needed it more than anything and that it could make all my wants and dreams and desires come true. I had never felt such a pull. Ever. About anything," Finn explained earnestly. "For what seemed the briefest moment, and yet also the longest moment ever.... I knew. I just KNEW that if I had that coin that... The sun would shine brighter, the water would be wetter and the roots would reach deeper into the nourishing earth. You get me?"
"Even if you think you do... If you didn't feel it..." She lets out another sigh and seems to deflate a bit, to gather herself together a bit.
"Argentus... I do not think it was the merchant who corrupted your scout but the coin itself. Maybe the merchant knew it would but..."
"Vhalens... Your elders. Surely they must have.. I don't know, sensed or detected whatever it is inside the coins... I don't know. But burying them seems wiser than the seneschal and prince flashing them around..."
"Frenevir... I don't know about the coins buying the way for souls... I tell you though, my soul feels dirtied just for having looked up it..."
"I think we need to find out the truth of these coins, be it by books or however... But I also think we need to warn the prince about them now. Whole truth known or not, I can promise you that no good is coming from those coins."
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
Vhalens is grateful to Frenevir and Argentus for their support. He is about to say as much when Finn interjects.
When she's finished, Vhalens is stunned into silence for a moment, looking at Finn with concern. At first he thinks this might be another one of her jokes, but no. That's not her style of humor. He nods to her and says "Alright then, it's decided. We pursue the coins. Finn, you're right. The Prince needs to know what you've just experienced. Frenevir and Argentus can go call him back in, but why don't you and I sit down here for a moment so you can catch your breath."
Finn looks well and truly shaken. He smiles at her with an expression of calm and motions back to her chair. He looks around the study for something to help calm her nerves. He has a dozen questions he wants to ask, but making sure his friend is alright comes first. He spots a crystal decanter and glasses arranged artfully on a cabinet and helps himself. Pouring a lovely amber, floral liqueur into a glass for Finn, he says "It sounds like the curse in that coin really tried to sink its teeth into you, my friend. It's no small accomplishment that you managed to shake it off. It might not feel this way at the moment, but you ought to feel proud."
He hands Finn the glass and sits next to her, telling her earnestly. "Your strength of mind has given us a head start."
"I have sensed nothing of it " says Frenevir " but I do not doubt your words. We should warn them immediately and I agree with Vhalens. Your will is strong Finn. You should be proud."
PbP Character: A few ;)
(With the successful save, and Finn's warning, the coin does not exert any undue force of desire upon any of you - it seems that the natural greed of a given subject is the trigger for the unholy influence of whatever magic lies upon, or within, the red gold coin.)
Prince Redrian and the seneschal share a sigh of relief. It is clear that, now that a decision has been made, their attentions might better cope with the myriad problems arising elsewhere. This issue, at least, they need not worry about so presently.
"As I said," speaks the seneschal, "I am more than happy to open the royal library to you, though I fear that you will not find much of great assistance. I have read most of these books myself, and nothing within them speaks of such foul magics except in whispers of enemies whose names have been blotted and stripped from the pages. Still, there are some more tangible leads you might pursue - we have the dwarf in whose possession the coin originally was. He is held in a prison not far from here - an old fortress converted for its present purpose and all but unassailable, let alone inescapable. You might also inquire after his comrades still in service here. We have questioned them gently, though I fear that they belong to a growing faction of nobles and lords who show a certain impolitic disappointment in my lord's management of Runia, in King Rudan's absence."
He provides to you the names of three prominent taverns where the known contacts of said dwarf, Durhank Lotrikson, often frequent during their off hours. He also reports to you the name of his liege lord, Lord Baruvil and gives you directions to the crown-provided quarters of Baruvil's contingent.
"There are also a few others who might prove to be useful contacts," Adds the seneschal. "The most friendly of the Guild's ambassadors is one Tovar of the Shanka clan - you northerners may have heard the name, so wide ranging is his family tree that it seems he has a relative in every backwater and farmstead where a road leads. Should you need a personal connection of virtually any kind, or at the very least a slight 'friends and family' discount on general goods, he's your man without doubt, and a long-standing friend of the crown. Sir Matthiam, as well, I should bring to your attention - Master of the Watch and the closest thing we Runians keep to a battlefield general. Should you require steel and sinew beyond your own, send him a message and be sure to introduce yourself with this badge - the royal marque - which will grant you wide access and respect amongst the nobility, so far as the Seat itself remains respected."
(Who takes the royal marque, a tree-shaped trinket of silver and gold that weighs, it seems, a little less than it should, given the dense metals involved? Proceed with planning or choices of action - or surprise me with a plan of your own! I hope to give you lots of options, but I don't mean to railroad you all in any way towards a particular path.)
((I suppose if no one has any objections, Vhalens should take it. He has the highest charisma score, and he's the only dwarf in the party, so I think he would have the most clout when talking with people. It might cause an uproar with the lords and stuff to have humans and elves flashing around a royal badge among everything else that's going on. Having a dwarf be the one to display it will at least be a LITTLE better, even though we are all kinda foreigners.
As for a plan... As much as I know Vhalens would want to go to the library, I the player think the best course of action would probably be to talk to the imprisoned dwarf first. Since we have this information now about the coin being corrupting, I think it'll make for a more productive interrogation than they've managed in the past.))
Argentus:
"Let us go see this imprisoned dwarf. Knowing what the coins are capable of may allow us to better understand his responses," says Argentus.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
((Vhalens seems to be taking the leader/face role of the party so seems the natural pick to take the badge...))
"Whether the books reveal names or not, the effects of foul magics, and how employed, could be revealing in and of itself," Finn points out.
"As for the coin, I'm afraid it was more luck than anything else I escaped it's influence... And as I was the only one it called to I can't help but think that raises some questions... But yes, this prisoner should definitely be questioned with this knowledge in mind. It's possible, not having fought it off, that they know nothing of the coin's influence, but they may still have valuable information."
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
"I agree with the both of you. We need to speak with this prisoner, but I think there's plenty to learn from the archives as well. We could get some insight into how this saboteur has managed to remove so much of the city's stockpile beneath the notice of the scribes. That's not something a simple thief could accomplish. Whoever is behind this is organized. It may very well be someone within the court... I'd like to speak to Tovar of the Shanka as well, though that need not be a top priority. My family has done dealings with the Shanka. I'm sure he'll be able to provide some valuable context."
Vhalens picks up the marque from the table where the Seneschal left it for them. He examines it, noting its surprising lightness. He says "For now, I suggest we split up. Two of us should go see the prisoner, and two should head the the archive. Then tonight, let's say ninth bell, we can meet up at that first tavern the Seneschal mentioned. We can compare notes and scope the place out for any further leads."
He tosses the marque to Finn, saying "I imagine you'll need this to get into the prison. You ought to be the one to speak to the prisoner. You can talk with him about what you've experienced. Argentus, you can go with her as backup. Be vigilant. I imagine the saboteur is keeping an eye on who's coming to see the prisoner, lest they get wind of too much."
He looks to Frenevir and says "Why don't you and I go visit the library? You know the most about where these coins have come from. If we work together to go through the city records from this past year, we might be able to spot something the Seneschal has missed. And now that we know there's a curse at work, we can seek out books on that as well. I can't imagine the Seneschal has gone down that avenue of inquiry yet. If nothing else, looking into what has been torn out and redacted might give us an idea of what the saboteur doesn't want us to know."
Frenevir looks at Vhalens. He silently nods and gestures him to lead the way. His face is unreadable but as they walk towards the library he could hear some of his masters back home of how he was letting himself to be led by a naugrim. But he was in naugrim's lands after all and these was weird and uncertain times.
PbP Character: A few ;)
(Vhalens and Frenevir to the Library to search the records of Oldhall, seeking for any possible leads to the nature of Runia's current plight. Finn and Argentus to the prisonhold Dweftorren, about half a day's journey beyond Oldhall's sturdy walls.)
You part ways quickly, firm and hairy Runian mountain-horses being provided for Finn and Argentus. Their road, to the East of the city, crosses up a stern boulder-field until crossing over a long saddleback that forms a sort of plateau. Dweftorren lies at the other end of this plateau, starkly entrenched against the bare stone of several surrounding peaks. You are accompanied by a stout halfling by the name of Grengt Hinheel, an unusually dour and subdued personality for one of the short folk, who on his pony sets a moderate but taxing pace to traverse the yet snow-clogged paths to Dweftorren. By setting off as soon as plans are set, you and your guide estimate that you should arrive before nightfall, barring any unforeseen events. Your travels will occur in this thread (we'll be leaving several threads behind - this will be the main narrative one, but when splitting the party I find it appropriate to use multiple threads.) https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post/131642-travels-in-runia-the-oaken-vale
The seneschal accompanies Vhalens and Frenevir to the royal library, ushering you into its quiet confines of ordered shelves in what appears to have once been a spacious spare cellar area, now kept dry and separate from the regular traffic of the castle complex by a series of locked doors and two posted guards. At the final door, he withdraws a key from his person and, quietly whispering the words to a spell, unseals the large room. (Here is your thread: https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post/131643-mysteries-in-runia-the-oaken-library)
Upon learning of the distance of Dweftorren from their current locale, Finn Of'Gren suggests they readjust the plans slightly. "We'll hit the taverns tomorrow night instead," she says, accepting the reality of the man made construct of time. "Hopefully the books will be able to keep you two occupied until then." With the slight tweak to their schedules Finn waves a quick goodbye and heads off with Vhalens to find their guide and transportation...
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop