Althus, having taken time to think over all the information being presented, speaks up, "And if we are the protectors... what rules are we bound by? Protecting this Gentoa is something I can understand, and so is standing against the goals of the Hells, but it seems there is much more at work here than has yet been presented."
Viviora thinks for a long, silent moment, composing her answer. "My understanding is the the Protectors are mentioned in the Accords specifically as mortals with whom neither side may influence. Accepting the aid of an agent of the Hells or Heavens will be costly to the side that provides said aid or influence." She sighs with relief, satisfied with her answer. "That is why I must speak so carefully. Mind you, I am a junior assistant to the negotiation team of the Heavens, one who has the poorest understanding of the Accords. I was sent down here specifically because I am least likely to accidentally influence you. My directive is to provide factual answers as best as I know them and provide absolutely no advice whatsoever."
"Do you know of any other people Axonia worked with like she worked with Ritter that we might be able to seek out?" Dog asks with a bit of resignation.
"Or is there someone who represented the King in Masa for the negotiations we could talk to? Is there anyone who is aware of this situation who might be able to say more? I am very grateful for your time and effort in giving us this information but you will admit it is... circuitous and spotty."
He tries one more time. "If you were giving advice to a random group of new arrivals to Masa who asked about breaking a curse, where would you send them?"
"Do you know of any other people Axonia worked with like she worked with Ritter that we might be able to seek out?" Dog asks with a bit of resignation.
"Yes, many," Viviora admits. "Most were messengers or scribes or delivery persons. They did not have Ritter's...skillset."
"Or is there someone who represented the King in Masa for the negotiations we could talk to? Is there anyone who is aware of this situation who might be able to say more? I am very grateful for your time and effort in giving us this information but you will admit it is... circuitous and spotty."
"No," Viviora says, shaking her head again. "King Haddian had no part in the negotiations. And certain obfuscation measures are built directly into the Accords. It was part of the Dragon Chess match at work, I'm afraid."
He tries one more time. "If you were giving advice to a random group of new arrivals to Masa who asked about breaking a curse, where would you send them?"
"I'm afraid that would probably cross the line. I'm sorry," she says. "The Heavens can be of no help to you on any matters for the time being."
Bulwark's robotic monotone begins to drone from the back of the group. "Request: I require clarification. When were Accords finalised? Recent Encounter with Minotaur and devils could indicate breach, though uncertain as to if they were merely carrying out agreed upon terms. Regardless, Accords state that neither Heavens nor Hells can interfere now? If so, possible course of action: separate Neventi from amulet and note any changes. Likelihood of Hell interfering prior to Accords being signed: High. Further question: Are those defined as 'Protectors' allowed to view the Accords? Regardless-" Here he looks to Gash and Dog, "Previous goal was to reach settlement of Masa safely and return the child Gentoa to the mother Neventi. This goal has been accomplished. Recommendation: Identify next goal. Decide if you wish to follow the apparent wishes of the Accords and Neventi and deliver child to warlock, or decide upon another path."
Tock whispers to Gash, "I'll go look into the third option, be back in a couple of hours. I'll find you at the temple."
He then slips away as if looking for the bathroom and then actually is looking for the bathroom. He makes sure nobody can see him and inside the bathroom casts Disguise Self and appears similar to the regular townspeople he's been observing.
He then exits and heads back towards the Gardens. While there he will look for a pond or some such and try to summon a dryad, by invoking the name of the cloud giant or calling for a random dryad to appear and other such efforts.
Regardless if this endevour is successful, he has plans to visit the shop of the half-brother of the half-orc as well.
Bulwark's robotic monotone begins to drone from the back of the group. "Request: I require clarification. When were Accords finalised? Recent Encounter with Minotaur and devils could indicate breach, though uncertain as to if they were merely carrying out agreed upon terms. Regardless, Accords state that neither Heavens nor Hells can interfere now? If so, possible course of action: separate Neventi from amulet and note any changes. Likelihood of Hell interfering prior to Accords being signed: High."
Viviora is visibly surprised at Bulwark suddenly entering the conversation. She composes herself as she parses his odd style of speech, nodding as she comprehends. "The Accords were signed about ten days ago. They went into effect yesterday. There was a....ceasefire of sorts prior to the Accords but it allowed for a lot of...latitude that the Accords do not. Both parties are watching closely for any violation of the Accords..."
"Further question: Are those defined as 'Protectors' allowed to view the Accords?"
Viviora relaxes and shuts her eyes, giving a small sigh. She smiles wryly. "I was beginning to think you would never ask," she says.
She laughs a little as she prepares her words. "You will love this part," she says. She closes her eyes and recites a rehearsed answer. "The Accords are freely available for viewing in the Heavenic Realm of Music and Poetry and the Hellic Realm of Darkness for the duration that the Accords are in effect."
Viviora opens her eyes. "Helpful, yes? This part I can say with certainty. One stipulation of the Accords explicitly removes them from the mortal realm," she says. She leans forward conspiratorially, her eyes and tone becoming serious. "This stipulation only applies to the final, signed draft of the Accords and not any earlier drafts or notes. I'm certain that both parties have endeavored to keep said drafts and notes away from any prying eyes. I am terribly sorry to be so utterly, completely unhelpful."
He then exits and heads back towards the Gardens. While there he will look for a pond or some such and try to summon a dryad, by invoking the name of the cloud giant or calling for a random dryad to appear and other such efforts.
DM Shield:
13
After a time sitting in the garden, calling out and receiving odd stares for it, nobody arrives. Eventually, Tock determines that nobody is coming and heads to Found Treasures.
Regardless if this endevour is successful, he has plans to visit the shop of the half-brother of the half-orc as well.
DM Shield:
16 viable items in the shop.
34
28
45
12
49
At the shop, Tock finds 5 items that seem interesting enough to consider:
A shrunken head said to originate in nearby Kastaro (15gp). Kastaro is not known for this practice but as such is only a somewhat unlikely story. If it is true, the location would be interesting in that it is a port city and not terribly far from Delphendria.
A skeleton key said to originate from distant Micollos, just south of the Kenku lands. The story the shopkeeper gives is utterly fantastical. It's nearness to Kenku lands is enticing, though. (20gp)
A grinning idol that very convincingly originates from Alciondria. Obviously this is an enticing item for it's location and its convincing provenance. (20gp)
A baby carriage made of bones that is highly likely to have originated in Alciondria. It is a peculiar item, certainly, but it was made as an art piece by an artist local to the capital city, complete with the artist's signature. The artist did not always reside in teh capital, however, so there is a sliver of doubt about the origin. (50gp)
A book of Kenku children's names that is said to have originated in Micollos. Considering the type of names, this seems likely. (14gp)
“Viviora... who really killed Ritter? From the way these accords sound, it seems just as likely that Axonia had him killed to keep the Accords secret. Dead men tell no tales and all...” and then under his breath “or do they?” He looks at the magically inclined around the room with a meaningful stare.
Viviora seems shocked. This time she does not regain her composure quickly. She stammers, "I..I..don't know who committed the act. I am personally certain..." her voice turns adamant at this point, "that Axonia nor any of her team would wish any harm to Ritter. He was a devout, lovely man. News of his death is a surprise to me, perhaps to all of us. I have yet to deliver this news to Axonia, of course."
Tock is super happy with his findings and pays what's asked. He secrets away the smaller items and places the grinning idol into the baby carriage, then makes his way back to the temple to wait for the others (he will drop his disguise on the way in a suitably hidden place).
Once there he will explain his new acquisitions to the sisters if they are interested and then start pouring through the book of Kenku names, feeling suddenly very homesick.
"Unfortunately I suspect that if Ritter had any notes, they were also destroyed. Where was most of the actual work of composing the Accords done here in Masa? And how often do they take out the trash? Actually, you said that while Ritter was unique in terms of his skill set, he was not unique in that others were utilized as messengers and scribes and the like. Can you tell us who some of those are who would be likely to talk to us? Particularly scribes?"
This recent spate of answers only prompt more questions, and Dog will keep - politely - going as she answers him.
"How do you get to the Heavenic Realm of Music and Poetry? Where is it, on this plane? Do you have to die? And is there a way to talk to someone who can get there right now?"
"If I was able to learn that the accords called for Nev to put on a mind control collar and for Genny to be raised with Aucasia as Bael offered, I would be confused and seriously question the celestial negotiators, but I would go along with it. But I suspect that is not what the Accords actually say. If we told Axonia that we will accompany Nev onto her destination of raising Genny with Aucasia, what would she say? What questions are we not asking that we should to provide some kind of guidance on this? Should Nev know what is in the Accords? Did Nev say anything about the decision during the negotiations? When she was introduced to you, did she have one of these amulets on?"
"Was Hell the only side that did any kind of pre-Accords interfering (kidnapping, mind control, appearing before the protectors and telling them the Accords called for Hell to get all it wanted)? Or did Heaven also interfere, and if so, how? We never saw anything after that big battle in the army camp by the mountains. That should have nothing to do with the Accords and seems tellable."
When Tock leaves, Dog is a bit flabbergasted. After a certain point he will try to huddle with Gash and the others and ask what else they should be asking her, and who else they should talk to. He says that they need to find the most skilled cleric they can who can break curses and pay them whatever they ask to try breaking the one on Nev's amulet. Milil's temple could be an option. He asks Gash if Nev would leave on her own without her protectors.
"Actually, another question, Viviora. Is the Mother bound by the Accords? As in, if the Accords stated that she must go to her destination with the protectors, could she leave on her own or would she be bound by it and have to wait for us? And which if any temples of which deities were most involved with the Accords?"
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“Thank you.” Gash steps back and let’s anyone else talk.
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Althus, having taken time to think over all the information being presented, speaks up, "And if we are the protectors... what rules are we bound by? Protecting this Gentoa is something I can understand, and so is standing against the goals of the Hells, but it seems there is much more at work here than has yet been presented."
Viviora thinks for a long, silent moment, composing her answer. "My understanding is the the Protectors are mentioned in the Accords specifically as mortals with whom neither side may influence. Accepting the aid of an agent of the Hells or Heavens will be costly to the side that provides said aid or influence." She sighs with relief, satisfied with her answer. "That is why I must speak so carefully. Mind you, I am a junior assistant to the negotiation team of the Heavens, one who has the poorest understanding of the Accords. I was sent down here specifically because I am least likely to accidentally influence you. My directive is to provide factual answers as best as I know them and provide absolutely no advice whatsoever."
Gash steps back in front, "But -- we were constantly on the run from fiends... have the hells been punished for this?"
Gash looks at Dog, "That is probably why the minotaurs got involved."
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Viviora shakes her head. "Again, the Accords have only just gone into effect. Anything prior is not covered by the document."
"Do you know of any other people Axonia worked with like she worked with Ritter that we might be able to seek out?" Dog asks with a bit of resignation.
"Or is there someone who represented the King in Masa for the negotiations we could talk to? Is there anyone who is aware of this situation who might be able to say more? I am very grateful for your time and effort in giving us this information but you will admit it is... circuitous and spotty."
He tries one more time. "If you were giving advice to a random group of new arrivals to Masa who asked about breaking a curse, where would you send them?"
"Yes, many," Viviora admits. "Most were messengers or scribes or delivery persons. They did not have Ritter's...skillset."
"No," Viviora says, shaking her head again. "King Haddian had no part in the negotiations. And certain obfuscation measures are built directly into the Accords. It was part of the Dragon Chess match at work, I'm afraid."
"I'm afraid that would probably cross the line. I'm sorry," she says. "The Heavens can be of no help to you on any matters for the time being."
"Perhaps, you could just tell us where a priest or cleric or mage for help or hire would be? Not for anything involving the accords just in general"
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
"Any matters," Viviora says firmly.
"Understood."
Gash retreats back behind the others.
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Bulwark's robotic monotone begins to drone from the back of the group. "Request: I require clarification. When were Accords finalised? Recent Encounter with Minotaur and devils could indicate breach, though uncertain as to if they were merely carrying out agreed upon terms. Regardless, Accords state that neither Heavens nor Hells can interfere now? If so, possible course of action: separate Neventi from amulet and note any changes. Likelihood of Hell interfering prior to Accords being signed: High. Further question: Are those defined as 'Protectors' allowed to view the Accords? Regardless-" Here he looks to Gash and Dog, "Previous goal was to reach settlement of Masa safely and return the child Gentoa to the mother Neventi. This goal has been accomplished. Recommendation: Identify next goal. Decide if you wish to follow the apparent wishes of the Accords and Neventi and deliver child to warlock, or decide upon another path."
Tock whispers to Gash, "I'll go look into the third option, be back in a couple of hours. I'll find you at the temple."
He then slips away as if looking for the bathroom and then actually is looking for the bathroom. He makes sure nobody can see him and inside the bathroom casts Disguise Self and appears similar to the regular townspeople he's been observing.
He then exits and heads back towards the Gardens. While there he will look for a pond or some such and try to summon a dryad, by invoking the name of the cloud giant or calling for a random dryad to appear and other such efforts.
Regardless if this endevour is successful, he has plans to visit the shop of the half-brother of the half-orc as well.
What would Martin know of the King Viviora said knows of the Accords?
Paladin - warforged - orange
Viviora is visibly surprised at Bulwark suddenly entering the conversation. She composes herself as she parses his odd style of speech, nodding as she comprehends. "The Accords were signed about ten days ago. They went into effect yesterday. There was a....ceasefire of sorts prior to the Accords but it allowed for a lot of...latitude that the Accords do not. Both parties are watching closely for any violation of the Accords..."
Viviora relaxes and shuts her eyes, giving a small sigh. She smiles wryly. "I was beginning to think you would never ask," she says.
She laughs a little as she prepares her words. "You will love this part," she says. She closes her eyes and recites a rehearsed answer. "The Accords are freely available for viewing in the Heavenic Realm of Music and Poetry and the Hellic Realm of Darkness for the duration that the Accords are in effect."
Viviora opens her eyes. "Helpful, yes? This part I can say with certainty. One stipulation of the Accords explicitly removes them from the mortal realm," she says. She leans forward conspiratorially, her eyes and tone becoming serious. "This stipulation only applies to the final, signed draft of the Accords and not any earlier drafts or notes. I'm certain that both parties have endeavored to keep said drafts and notes away from any prying eyes. I am terribly sorry to be so utterly, completely unhelpful."
Yes. He is widely known and beloved.
DM Shield:
13
After a time sitting in the garden, calling out and receiving odd stares for it, nobody arrives. Eventually, Tock determines that nobody is coming and heads to Found Treasures.
DM Shield:
16 viable items in the shop.
34
28
45
12
49
At the shop, Tock finds 5 items that seem interesting enough to consider:
“Viviora... who really killed Ritter? From the way these accords sound, it seems just as likely that Axonia had him killed to keep the Accords secret. Dead men tell no tales and all...” and then under his breath “or do they?” He looks at the magically inclined around the room with a meaningful stare.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Viviora seems shocked. This time she does not regain her composure quickly. She stammers, "I..I..don't know who committed the act. I am personally certain..." her voice turns adamant at this point, "that Axonia nor any of her team would wish any harm to Ritter. He was a devout, lovely man. News of his death is a surprise to me, perhaps to all of us. I have yet to deliver this news to Axonia, of course."
Tock is super happy with his findings and pays what's asked. He secrets away the smaller items and places the grinning idol into the baby carriage, then makes his way back to the temple to wait for the others (he will drop his disguise on the way in a suitably hidden place).
Once there he will explain his new acquisitions to the sisters if they are interested and then start pouring through the book of Kenku names, feeling suddenly very homesick.
"Unfortunately I suspect that if Ritter had any notes, they were also destroyed. Where was most of the actual work of composing the Accords done here in Masa? And how often do they take out the trash? Actually, you said that while Ritter was unique in terms of his skill set, he was not unique in that others were utilized as messengers and scribes and the like. Can you tell us who some of those are who would be likely to talk to us? Particularly scribes?"
This recent spate of answers only prompt more questions, and Dog will keep - politely - going as she answers him.
"How do you get to the Heavenic Realm of Music and Poetry? Where is it, on this plane? Do you have to die? And is there a way to talk to someone who can get there right now?"
"If I was able to learn that the accords called for Nev to put on a mind control collar and for Genny to be raised with Aucasia as Bael offered, I would be confused and seriously question the celestial negotiators, but I would go along with it. But I suspect that is not what the Accords actually say. If we told Axonia that we will accompany Nev onto her destination of raising Genny with Aucasia, what would she say? What questions are we not asking that we should to provide some kind of guidance on this? Should Nev know what is in the Accords? Did Nev say anything about the decision during the negotiations? When she was introduced to you, did she have one of these amulets on?"
"Was Hell the only side that did any kind of pre-Accords interfering (kidnapping, mind control, appearing before the protectors and telling them the Accords called for Hell to get all it wanted)? Or did Heaven also interfere, and if so, how? We never saw anything after that big battle in the army camp by the mountains. That should have nothing to do with the Accords and seems tellable."
When Tock leaves, Dog is a bit flabbergasted. After a certain point he will try to huddle with Gash and the others and ask what else they should be asking her, and who else they should talk to. He says that they need to find the most skilled cleric they can who can break curses and pay them whatever they ask to try breaking the one on Nev's amulet. Milil's temple could be an option. He asks Gash if Nev would leave on her own without her protectors.
"Actually, another question, Viviora. Is the Mother bound by the Accords? As in, if the Accords stated that she must go to her destination with the protectors, could she leave on her own or would she be bound by it and have to wait for us? And which if any temples of which deities were most involved with the Accords?"