(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown

Leelan, having finished his note-taking, puts his manuscript preciously back into its case. Grugga’s discovery on the night hag has the gnome both shocked that such a devious creature exists, but also glad that they sent it back to where it belongs.

As the group prepares to head to dinner with the Duke, Leelan will put on the suit he purchased a while ago (post 1850).

Leelan, you make some rudimentary repairs to the book you liberated from the sanctum.  It is actually several documents, bound together.  The spine, cover and most of the contents are an old (several centuries, at least) gold-leaf gospel of Phobos, written in Old Imperial.  Another of the documents is a running diary or journal, seemingly kept up by multiple authors, also over centuries and written in a mix of Old Imperial and Common.  The last and most disturbing are pages seemingly torn from another text and inserted into this one.  They are written in an unfamiliar language and contain diagrams and ritual illustrations that are best left undescribed.

As it turns to late afternoon on June 9, you don your finery and prepare for an evening as dinner guests of the Duke of Bardstown, Gavin Schmidt.

The Duke sends a pair of carriages to collect you from the Robust Hound and they carry you the short distance to his estate, Toasted Oak Hall.  The manor sits on 8 acres of tended forest near the center of Bardstown.  On the approach you pass a bronze statue of a team of longshoremen rangling timber and barrels.  Its sits on a wide stone block that once was the foundation of a tower, one of the earliest fortifications in the old town.  The Hall itself sits on the back edge of the property at the base of the ridge, with the Castle Mastieri looming overhead.  The slope of the land and the landscaping of the trees affords views of the market and the lakeshore beyond it from the front windows.  

You are dropped off outside the front doors, where a doorman greets you.  You are informed that Duke Schmidt is presently dealing with official business, but will be down to join you for dinner in an hour.  For now, you are invited inside for cocktails with some of the Duke's other visitors.  Inside, the building reeks of wealth and opulence.  Quite literally, as many of the tables and shelves hold baskets of scented wood shavings, perfumed stones, or lighted incense.  The artwork is a mix of local landscape paintings, and classic imperial pieces that must have been imported from one of the old cities down in the south.  From somewhere there is the sound of a piano, though you cannot locate either the instrument or the musician responsible.

You are led into a lounge or parlor with great bay windows overlooking the grounds.  Servers offer a sampling of different cheeses: a white cheese with orangerind and ginger; a peppercorn cheddar cheese; a rosemary and olive oil asiago cheese; or a gorgonzola cremificato.  Thin crackers and a blueberry marmelade are also on offer.  For spirits, the servers are distributing fluted glasses of a sparkling Frizzati, though glasses of a more robust (and expense) Decati Invecchiato cabernet are also available.  They also advise that the bar is stocked with whiskeys, vodkas, gins and rums, all available upon request.

Of the other guests, there are five other souls here, all human.  Two are middle aged men enjoying cigars near one of the windows.  They seem more casual and relaxed than the other guests.  The other three, two women and one man, are younger, a bit more nervous, and terribly charismatic.  Like most of you, they look to be wearing brand new finery, and aren't entirely comfortable in it, but are doing their best to look like they belong.

Grugga wends his way through the ostentatious displays of wealth, sampling a whiff of exotic wood shavings here and a taste of odiferous cheese there. Taking a glass of bubbling liquid from a servant's tray, Grugga looks back to his compatriots and shrugs. "This is incredible... I've never seen anything like this place. I'm going to get to know the other guests a bit. Let me know if you need anything."

The Orc makes his way to the two women and the man and introduces himself, wondering if they're also mercenaries. "Hello, Grugga of Raven's Hill." He extends his hand to each in turn. "I wouldn't have dreamt of this place in my wildest dreams! I can't believe how fancy everything is. Are you folks locals?" He's not looking for any information in particular, just trying to rub elbows with the fellow guests.

On their way to the Toasted Oak Hall, Aubrey would talk more about the Duke and his politics. As they are shown inside he would comment on what has changed since he was here last time, also giving a short lesson on the artist behind the bronze statue of a team of longshoremen rangling timber and barrels, on the whole seeming quite comfortable about the visit, so far. Once inside Aubrey would simply smile at the almost overwhelming scent of luxury and find himself a fluted glass of sparkling Frizzati, sipping at it with a content smile while discreetly studying the other guests. "You do that Grugga." He says and nods to the artificer as he makes his way over to the two women and the man. Aubrey then walks over to the two  middle aged men enjoying cigars near one of the windows. "Aubrey Goldentide at your service gentlemen." He says with a courteous bow and a polite smile. 

(Did Aubrey find a place to purchase necessary components to resummon Furvus?)

(and what can Aubrey reveal about the Duke's known politics to the rest of us @dm?)

[Some history on the Duke and his politics:

Historically, the Duke of Bardstown had been the semi-autonomous ruler of the region that included the town proper, the river mouth, and the lakeshore as far east as Bluffton and as far north as the outer edge of the Endless Swamp.  While owing allegiance to the Empire nominally, the Duchy was powerful enough and far enough away from the great cities that the Dukes had a great deal of freedom in how they governed their lands.  In the years following the breach, when Vigor I moved his legions north and made Bardstown the new imperial capitol, it left the Schmidt family in a precarious position.  With all the powerful imperial families moving north, with their own titles and expectations, what room would there be for a local, 'country' noble family?  The Schmidt's answered this question by becoming the most leal and loyal of servants to the Emperor.  When certain lesser nobles in the north suggested they band together to resist imperial occupation, the Schmidt's turned them over to the judexi as a sign of good faith to Vigor I.  They gave their heirs over to be schooled and raised in the castle as wards of the Emperor.  And their used their local popularity among the common folk to preach devotion and fealty to their new overlord.  In return, the Schmidt's were allowed to retain their status as Dukes over the emperor's capitol city, and hold a status equal to the praefecti.

This relationship has remained true to the present day.  Duke Gavin Schmidt is a member of the Emperor's inner most counsel of advisors and it is said there are few nobles anywhere as devoted to his imperial majesty.  The Schmidt's are also much loved by the people of Bardstown.  With much of the local day to day governance of the city run by the Forum and the Emperor's bureacrats, the Duke has rebranded himself as a representative of the people and a parton of the arts.  He sponsors several playhouses in town and provides funding for many of the festivals and parades that are held on the local holidays.  He also makes himself available as something of a 'neutral' party when disputes arise between old imperial houses.  He is known to have representatives over to his manor for drinks and to work out any conflicts peacefully.  While he superficially does this without favor or bias, all suspect his words and counsel are in fact the words of the emperor himself, passed down through his servant.

The man himself is said to be theatric, fond of wigs and elaborate outfits, wild parties, and performance art.]

Rohuzar approaches this dinner with a sense of dread. He collects a flute of sparkling Frizzati and tries to keep to halls, staring at paintings and such so that he can escape conversations that steer towards the awkward or uncomfortable

Leelan isn’t used to this kind of luxurious setting. Soirees and parties were never quite cup of tea. He sees that his captain also seems to be somewhat struggling to feel like he belongs, and as such, he will hang by his side to make him feel at ease.

Aubrey, you introduce yourself to the two men near the window and they do the same.  One man is thin with wispy gray hair that makes him look considerably older than he is.  He introduces himself as Cedrick Fenwick, a poet, author, and currently Duke Gavin Schmidt's biographer.  The other man is thin as well, with piercing green eyes.  He seems to be suffering from sunburn or some sort of mild allergic reaction as the skin on his face and neck appears red and irritated.  He bows politely and introduces himself as Geoffy McKrinkoryn, the Duke's personal astrologer.  You gather quickly that they are regulars here, and they offer you a cigar, rolled in imported halfling tobacco.

[Yes, you were able to conjure Furvus again.  However, something unusual happens at the Duke's residence.  Attempts to bring him inside result in him being immediately shunted into the pocket dimension where he goes when you dismiss him.  He can be recalled outside the building, but inside the walls he is immediately dismissed back to the pocket dimension.]

Grugga, the other three guest laugh when you ask if they are adventurers.  They are performers, new to town and invited to spend the summer season entertaining at the Northern Star Theater.  The man is Letholdus Truegust, tall and ginger haired, with a handsome face and square jaw.  He is an actor.  One of the women introduces herself as Farfelee Redstream.  She is an acrobat by trade and stands barely 5' tall.  Her head is cut to a mohawk, but she has her dark hair styled and braided tonight for a more formal appearance.  The last woman smiles and introudces herself as Velma Chalmer.  She is a clown and tumbler, and has thick, curly blond hair.  All of them were classically trained in Danton and this is their first season on the road in a new city.  They are excited and nervous to be guests of the local nobility.  The Duke is renowned as a patron of the arts and apparently has performers as his guests quite frequently.

Rohuzar and Leelan:  While they maintain a professional demeanor, your sequestered wanderings seem to be putting the serving staff ill at ease.  They hover around you, offering charcuterie, drinks, and explanations of different art pieces in an apparent effort to keep you engaged and having a good time.

Rohuzar nods amiably until finally speaking up. "I vish... vish.... wwwwish to be alone. Please."

Aubrey gratefully accepts the cigar and enjoys it while pleasantly conversing Mr. Fenwick and Mr. McKrinkoryn. He explains that he himself is there in the capacity of being a member of the mercenary company the Red Band. He then steers the conversation to pry some about the duke and his affairs, and what stars and planets might have in store for the good duke. He is foremost being amiable and pleasant though.

Persuasion if needed: 9

(Thanks, didn't intend to bring Furvus, just didn't want to forget about him, we can say that I tried to bring him though.:-)

Leelan is saddened by the dismissal from Rohuzar, but understanding.

"As you wish.", he says with a nod.

Guilim keeps to himself much like Rohuzar has been doing, going to the bar to request a few stiffer drinks not enough to become intoxicated. He is clearly not used to dealing with such finery and like some of the other guests he looks to ne antsy. "I could work for centuries and never have a place like this to my name..."

Cedrick and Geoffy find Aubrey positively fascinating and pry him with all manner of questions about the mercenary life.  Of the Duke, Cedrick tells that the Emperor is arranging for him to be married soon... though the identity of the bride remains a secret.  The Duke himself may know, but he will not tell.  Cedrick suspects a foreign bride, as it would be in keeping with the Emperor's desire to strengthen ties with neighboring lands and shore up peace in our time.  Geoffy is delighted by Aubrey's interest in astrology, his green eyes sparkling.  The Duke has led a charmed life, with his birth falling under the sign of the Bard, while the moon was waning in the upper quadrant... a sure sign of joy and abundance.  Care must be taken with this marriage, Geoffy says with seemingly honest concern, as a spouse is the one item which the Duke's birth foretells woe and misfortune.  Luckily, the Duke's star is passing between the Castle and the Crown, which for those born under the sign of the Bard foretells miraculous good fortune.  If there is ever a time to arrange a marriage, it would seem to be now.  

The bar is able to produce an aged dark rum from the halfling islands for Guilim.  The scent is quite pleasant but it is very strong.  Guilim will have to nurse that glass if he wants to keep his wits about him.

Quote from SavageVince >>

Leelan is saddened by the dismissal from Rohuzar, but understanding.

"As you wish.", he says with a nod.

And so he leaves him be, walking over to Grugga, hoping to join in on the conversation without seeming intrusive.

 Rohuzar reaches out for Leelan. "No, not you. Them. Sorry Leelan. It is... This place reminds me of all the things I hate. And love. I never have."

Aubrey continues to pleasantly converse Mr. Fenwick and Mr. McKrinkoryn, politely explaining that he due to regulations unfortunately can't share any details of his many missions, but he nonetheless paints a vivid picture of the absolute excitement of being a mercenary, fighting evils in the darkness to keep Bardstown safe. He would be interested to know whether the gentlemen would have any own thoughts on who this mysterious bride might be and what effect that would have on politics. Surely there would be candidates that would suit the emperor. Aubrey also takes the discussion back to astrology, politely and sincerely curious over Mr. McKrinkoryn's view on whether one can affect one's destiny to some extent or if you would simply need the stars to be right?

As Leelan is about to leave, he stops when Rohuzar asks him to stay. 

"Oh…well alright then. Don’t worry, my friend. I won’t leave your side until you dismiss me.", he says, noticing that Rohuzar’s discomfort.

Grugga is pleased to meet the 3 performers and begins chatting about their line of work, and what it means to be classically trained in Danton. He also asks if they've heard of the bards of Pentwater, because those are the performers he grew up watching. He asks if they're performing soon in Bardstown and where, so he can come watch and cheer them on.

Aubrey, the author is happy to speculate.  It is no secret that Vigor II has been pushing for stronger relations with their neighbors in Fidelis and Pentwater.  Queen Barnby of Fidelis in particular has been proposing some marriages between her lords and eligible daughters of the empire.  It is also said the Emperor has an eye to the south, and forging a bond with Memnikophis, the other nation born of the old 3rd Empire.  Of course, the Duke has the ear of the Emperor and will no doubt have some say in who he weds.  The astrologer is matter of fact about it.  One cannot change their destiny, but they can make the most of it.  For example, a man's birth may indicate he is destined to die a pauper.  But this doesn't mean he cannot, by picking and choosing the right time and place for action, based on the position of his stars, attain great heights in his life, before his eventual, inevitable fall into destitution.  He agrees, solemnly, that it all depends on when the stars are right.

Grugga, they explain that in the years after the Breach, refugees from Viktoris' arts and humanities college resettled in Danton.  The Holy Empire of Valar saw the merits of their work and invested in building a new college in Danton.  As a result, the city of Danton now houses some of the finest theaters in the land, and is known as the cradle of playwrights.  Letholdus will be playing the male lead in Touch of Stone, a timeless tragedy about an obsessed artist who loses everything while trying to finish his masterpiece statue.   Velma and Farfelee will both be performing in a new rendition of Strythillmimus Shorttail; A Dragon's Farce.  This will be a new take on the popular true story of a black dragon that sets out on an ill-fated and hilarious quest of revenge against the adventurers who cut off her tail.