"That was what was on the wall before," Cob says. He looks a moment longer than places his finger on Saikhan. "Do you think that means they're moving the kids sooner?"
He sits back and thinks about things a little longer.
"Chances are that everyone we want to keep tabs on will be at the party tomorrow night," Cob says putting his finger on the point southwest of town. "And it looks like it's a target. Sounds like we should still attend. Our thief might show too. Whoever she is, she's helping us."
I think we should attend the party. It will either net us more information or at the very least we get to have some fun. I have a thing or two i want to do tomorrow morning though. But for now i have some studying to get done. excuse me please.
Karm will spend the next two hours transcribing color spray into his spellbook.
“I agree, the party will be interesting. Remember we will be there to guard against something like a theft. It might not do us well to be beaten by a master thief”, Drexon says.
”And yes, I do think they moved forward the transfer of the children, which is why we missed them at the Twenty-One Jack”, he adds sleepily.
Drex, do me a favour and go to sleep now. We need you as capable as possible tomorrow. Karm continues to speak to himself turning away to focus on his book That mindreading is usefull, i might have a look into that at some point.
Cob, after reading The Forbidden Rituals in the Twenty-One Jack, you know that there are 6 more forbidden rituals you can read through. However, you don't think you can understand fully the significance of each tale written there. You can also tell from the titles that the book contains rituals concerning large-scale teleportation, immortality, time magic, planar magic, creation, and mass necromancy.
You open the one that perhaps interests you the most, The Realm of Delight: Tales from Pancarona. It is more of a children's storybook with many pictures and whimsical Sylvan poems. You spent an hour or two on it and, at a glance, it has stories about the Empress Mor-Rioghain, the ruler of Pancarona and the most powerful archfey, third only to the Dusk Weaver and the Treant Protector who had ascended to godhood. It contains the tales of her consort, Emperor Mays-Ryeh, known to be a playful trickster that helped bring smiles to children during their times of sadness and sorrow. It tells the story of chivalry and romance and freedom. It also speaks of the mystical places in Pancarona and the history behind it.
The book does not only contain the good side of Pancarona, but also the dark side. It tells the tale of the Sundered Land, the first landing of the Veistonii Hegemon on Pancarona, corrupted and haunted. It speaks of Loke the Silver Serpent that kidnapped children and ate them. It shows the corruption that took hold of the Empress' sister, Olfaenna, and her eventual banishment to the Unseelie Land.
Apart from the people and places, it also speaks of mystical items, enchanted long ago. Some are lost in the wilds, but some others are carried as legacies. There are the five legendary blades, the spear of light, and even mentions of the artefacts left behind by the champion of the Treant Protector after the War in Heaven.
There are a lot of things that interest you in that book, and you will have to read it further to know more.
The morning of Kapitu 7th is rather dreary. You wake up early to rather gloomy and cloudy weather. It looks like it will rain today.
Like yesterday, you see the people cloaked in red again. This time, they are breaking their fast with you in the Silver Sable. The people in the tavern seem amicable enough with them, giving them a friendly greeting and even stopping to converse with them. It is contrary to the rumour you heard about them being unruly, suspicious, and anarchic.
Looking at the time, you probably have an hour or two before you have to meet with Toros and go to the Clarent estate.
After the events of the previous day, and the price of his purchase, Drexon is dead to the world come morning. He takes the opportunity given by the few extra hours to simply rest. When he does rise, he is famished and orders a large breakfast which he gorges on until the others return (assuming they have ventured out).
Dvark starts his day early, taking a brief walk around the neighborhood to familiarize with the area before returning to meet the others for breakfast.
Once someone else gets there he asks " So should we do some scouting around the part venue? I know Karm said we should go and I don't think we should walk in blind."
Cob wakes up and joins the others. It takes quite awhile for him to shake off his dreams and join reality. For a long time if you asked him he wouldn’t be able to tell anyone what town they’re in or why they’re there. To Cob, the dreams last night made a night of sleep feel like months and months had passed. He’d have to read those pockets during the day and not right before bed.
He nods agreement to Dvark.
”At least if we get caught sneaking around, we can just say we were scouting out where thieves might try to break in.”
Eremoz is quiet during breakfast, watching the red cloaked figures. “I think it’s a good idea. If you guys want to check it out, I’ll hang back while Drexon rests. Just want an extra bit to decompress from last night.”
Eremoz spends his time reading up and studying his runes.
Dvark and Cob, you decide to take a walk near the Clarent estate. You don't have the time to walk there, encircle the estate, and walk back, all in an hour. It's a bit surprising to you to see just how massive this place is. The first thing you see is a 10-foot-tall wall encircling the estate. It seems to be a recent addition, built around a decade or so ago. The bricks look new and you can't really see any flaws in them at a glance.
You manage to cover about halfway around the complex before you have to return to the tavern, but you notice that it is heavily guarded. Every one hundred feet or so, there is a guard bearing the emblem of House Clarent, a red sword hilt with a golden blade on a field of black. You do not see any entrance gate during your trip. You have a feeling that everything you've seen is the back of the estate and not the front.
The two of you sit back down by Drexon, Karm, and Eremoz, and before long Librarian Toros walks into the tavern in your direction.
"Good morning, everyone," Librarian Toros greets. "Have a good rest? Ready to head to the Clarent estate? I've notified the custodian, David, to expect us." He pauses a bit when he sees Drexon's pale complexion--paler than the last time he saw him. "Uh, Mr. Drexon, you don't look so well. Did something happen yesterday?"
Cob wonders what kind of security they have to prevent someone flying over the wall, but doesn't mention it when he and Dvark are nearby in case someone is listening.
He does muse when they get back though.
"The likely easiest way in would be right through the front gate, like we're doing," Cob says. "Given how bold the thief was in the tavern, that strikes me as the move they'd make. They're not going to use magic or anything to just fly in."
"I have to admit, I feel quite drained, but I will be ok", Drexon replies to Librarian Toros.
Listening to Cob's report on the Clarent estate, he thinks back to the night before. "You are likely right, Cob. Misdirection might be the key, or hiding in plain sight. We will have to be vigilant. There will be a lot of guests, and we are unfortunately strangers here, and cannot be expected to sieve through them for those that do not belong. It will be behaviours that we need to look out for".
With that he takes a sip of the breakfast wine he has been nursing. "When do we need to leave?", he asks, unsure as to how long the journey will take.
"Now, if you're all fine with it," Librarian Toros says. "Have you eaten? I can wait if you want to break your fast first. It's not a long walk. You might have passed the estate at some point during your time here. It's quite easy to miss, but once you notice it, you won't be able to stop noticing it again."
"Fine by me, let's do this. On the way you can perhaps remind us of exactly what the job is. As a group our skill sets are varied, so whatever the requirements we should be able to cope, but better to be prepared with this information", Drexon replies to Librarian Toros.
Librarian Toros leads you toward the Clarent estate. As he said, you have passed around the area on your way to the warehouse previously. Toros leads you toward a narrow alley that is easily missed. Cob and Dvark, you realize that this path will lead to the other side of the area you scouted before.
To those who have not seen it, you are surprised to see the Clarent estate is protected on all sides by a 10-foot tall wall. It looks newly built, lacking the wear and crack that buildings more than a decade old accumulated over time. Every one hundred feet or so, a guard stands at attention with their back to the wall, eyes scanning the rooftop and the street. On each guard's uniform is an emblem of a crimson sword hilt with a golden blade on a field of black.
"The birthday party for the Lady Zelena is tomorrow," Toros says as you make your way. "As you can see, the Clarent is not lacking in protection. But, there is a rumour that this will double as a farewell party. Some people say that the Clarent is leaving Mantagard and relocating to the capital sometime soon. So, that means everyone important in Mantagard will be attending. The Lady of the House, Lady Leillana, insisted on having more protection. The city guard offered to help, but she's... picky. That's why the advert for a job was placed in the tavern. As for the details, I'm not so sure myself. David only said that you will be helping by offering a fresh perspective on the security."
You walk quite a bit before you can see anything other than a wall. The only clear view behind the wall is through a large wrought iron gate, also guarded by guards bearing the emblem of House Clarent.
Through the gate, a manor house is visible to all passersby to see. It is modern compared to the buildings around the estate, tastefully pairing cream-coloured bricks and dark wooden pillars. The manor itself is slightly elevated, standing atop what seems to be the edge of a crater that had since filled with water into a miniature lake. The entire southwest wing of the manor hangs above the lake. A sunroom on the northeast side of the building seems to double as a glass garden, filled with greeneries and flowers that are colourful enough to be visible from outside the estate gate.
Exchanging a brief greeting, Toros presents his Librarian identification to the guards. The guard looks a little sceptical before nodding to the other guard and opening the gate. The large gate creaks a little as it swings open. Those of you who can cast magic feel a tingle on the nape of your neck as if you are entering a forbidden place, but the feeling disappears soon after. However, Dvark, as you step over the threshold, you are reminded of the feeling you had when you talked with the Dusk Weaver that one time. It is as if something otherworldly, something divine, had left a trace in this place so very, very long ago.
Still focused on the recent happenings around town, Eremoz remarks, “Smart to seek out extra security. Odd happenings around town lately and a gathering of important people would lead anyone with sense to be extra cautious.”
"You would think so, right?" Toros replies with a grimace. "But the Lady is not someone as cautious. If that is the case, then she would just commission the city guard. You might not know this because you're a newcomer to the city, but the Houses of Mantagard are a political entity. The highest power is still held by the Mayor, but the houses still have a significant impact on the people. It's quite common for people to come to the houses to ask for protection instead of the city guard even after so many years since the formation of the republic."
Toros stops his stride in the middle of the estate's courtyard. A statue of the Light Bearer stands in the middle surrounded by sunflowers and other yellow or golden flowers. Karm, you notice a carving at the bottom of the statue in Celestial; it spells the word 'Ynana.'
"This statue wasn't here two decades ago," Toros adds with a long sigh. "It was because the Clarent couldn't afford to be ostentatious. The Clarent was a poor house because they lost their heirloom. All of this wealth came from Lord Daven's marriage to Lady Leillana. She's from House Pedrov, one of the richest houses in Mantagard. Her father was a good person -- a philanthropist. At the time, her father was already on his deathbed without an heir. So, to ensure his wealth was not mismanaged, he bestowed all of it to the poorest house, the Clarent, in the form of a betrothal with his daughter.
"I wasn't here yet back then, but from what Horace told me, the wedding was a disaster. Lord Pedrov was a kind person, but House Pedrov had made many enemies over the years. When he died, all of those resentful people wreaked havoc at the wedding, even stealing some of his wealth away. Ever since then, Lady Leillana has resented all the other houses that stood by and did nothing. She also hated the city guards because it was their mistake that caused her to lose her father's wealth, hence the advert at the tavern."
A cough disturbs Toros' long rant. You turn toward the direction of a building on the northeastern side of the estate. Coming from an old building, older than even the manor, is a half-elven man dressed in an impeccable suit.
"You should not have told them, my friend," the man says with a sigh. "What would happen if they're terrified like the last group? "
"Ah, right, that won't be good as the party is tomorrow," Toros says sheepishly.
"Don't mind him," the man says to the group. "I greet you welcome to the Clarent estate. My name is David Clarent, the custodian of this estate. Do not mind Toros' story too much. The people at my brother's wedding were already dealt with and will not be making an appearance tomorrow. We are more concerned with the recent happening in the city affecting my niece's celebration tomorrow. Before we continue, do you know what you will be working with? We will be contracting you for today and for tomorrow. You are recommended by Toros, but the payment is still as stated in the advert we sent, 50 copper per person. If you do a good enough job, we will give you a bonus in the form of monies or something that can be discussed later. If you have any questions or adjustments for this settlement, speak now so I don't have to continue explaining what you will be doing."
Karm studies the papers for a few moments
Yes, now i am convinced that this thief is our illusive one. Though i am not sure what i should think about the message itself. He rubs his temples.
That marked place, should we be there in 10 days, we'd have 4 days including tomorrow. depending on the time it'd be more like 3 days.
{{Does the location on the map look like a place the group could reach by the 10th?}}
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
Cob eyes the map.
"That was what was on the wall before," Cob says. He looks a moment longer than places his finger on Saikhan. "Do you think that means they're moving the kids sooner?"
He sits back and thinks about things a little longer.
"Chances are that everyone we want to keep tabs on will be at the party tomorrow night," Cob says putting his finger on the point southwest of town. "And it looks like it's a target. Sounds like we should still attend. Our thief might show too. Whoever she is, she's helping us."
I think we should attend the party. It will either net us more information or at the very least we get to have some fun. I have a thing or two i want to do tomorrow morning though. But for now i have some studying to get done. excuse me please.
Karm will spend the next two hours transcribing color spray into his spellbook.
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
“I agree, the party will be interesting. Remember we will be there to guard against something like a theft. It might not do us well to be beaten by a master thief”, Drexon says.
”And yes, I do think they moved forward the transfer of the children, which is why we missed them at the Twenty-One Jack”, he adds sleepily.
Drex, do me a favour and go to sleep now. We need you as capable as possible tomorrow. Karm continues to speak to himself turning away to focus on his book That mindreading is usefull, i might have a look into that at some point.
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
Cob flips through the books he picked up, looking to see if there’s anything else interesting in them.
”Seems like that family could use a good thief. I won’t lose any sleep over them getting robbed.”
Cob, after reading The Forbidden Rituals in the Twenty-One Jack, you know that there are 6 more forbidden rituals you can read through. However, you don't think you can understand fully the significance of each tale written there. You can also tell from the titles that the book contains rituals concerning large-scale teleportation, immortality, time magic, planar magic, creation, and mass necromancy.
You open the one that perhaps interests you the most, The Realm of Delight: Tales from Pancarona. It is more of a children's storybook with many pictures and whimsical Sylvan poems. You spent an hour or two on it and, at a glance, it has stories about the Empress Mor-Rioghain, the ruler of Pancarona and the most powerful archfey, third only to the Dusk Weaver and the Treant Protector who had ascended to godhood. It contains the tales of her consort, Emperor Mays-Ryeh, known to be a playful trickster that helped bring smiles to children during their times of sadness and sorrow. It tells the story of chivalry and romance and freedom. It also speaks of the mystical places in Pancarona and the history behind it.
The book does not only contain the good side of Pancarona, but also the dark side. It tells the tale of the Sundered Land, the first landing of the Veistonii Hegemon on Pancarona, corrupted and haunted. It speaks of Loke the Silver Serpent that kidnapped children and ate them. It shows the corruption that took hold of the Empress' sister, Olfaenna, and her eventual banishment to the Unseelie Land.
Apart from the people and places, it also speaks of mystical items, enchanted long ago. Some are lost in the wilds, but some others are carried as legacies. There are the five legendary blades, the spear of light, and even mentions of the artefacts left behind by the champion of the Treant Protector after the War in Heaven.
There are a lot of things that interest you in that book, and you will have to read it further to know more.
The morning of Kapitu 7th is rather dreary. You wake up early to rather gloomy and cloudy weather. It looks like it will rain today.
Like yesterday, you see the people cloaked in red again. This time, they are breaking their fast with you in the Silver Sable. The people in the tavern seem amicable enough with them, giving them a friendly greeting and even stopping to converse with them. It is contrary to the rumour you heard about them being unruly, suspicious, and anarchic.
Looking at the time, you probably have an hour or two before you have to meet with Toros and go to the Clarent estate.
After the events of the previous day, and the price of his purchase, Drexon is dead to the world come morning. He takes the opportunity given by the few extra hours to simply rest. When he does rise, he is famished and orders a large breakfast which he gorges on until the others return (assuming they have ventured out).
Dvark starts his day early, taking a brief walk around the neighborhood to familiarize with the area before returning to meet the others for breakfast.
Once someone else gets there he asks " So should we do some scouting around the part venue? I know Karm said we should go and I don't think we should walk in blind."
Cob wakes up and joins the others. It takes quite awhile for him to shake off his dreams and join reality. For a long time if you asked him he wouldn’t be able to tell anyone what town they’re in or why they’re there. To Cob, the dreams last night made a night of sleep feel like months and months had passed. He’d have to read those pockets during the day and not right before bed.
He nods agreement to Dvark.
”At least if we get caught sneaking around, we can just say we were scouting out where thieves might try to break in.”
Eremoz is quiet during breakfast, watching the red cloaked figures. “I think it’s a good idea. If you guys want to check it out, I’ll hang back while Drexon rests. Just want an extra bit to decompress from last night.”
Eremoz spends his time reading up and studying his runes.
Dvark and Cob, you decide to take a walk near the Clarent estate. You don't have the time to walk there, encircle the estate, and walk back, all in an hour. It's a bit surprising to you to see just how massive this place is. The first thing you see is a 10-foot-tall wall encircling the estate. It seems to be a recent addition, built around a decade or so ago. The bricks look new and you can't really see any flaws in them at a glance.
You manage to cover about halfway around the complex before you have to return to the tavern, but you notice that it is heavily guarded. Every one hundred feet or so, there is a guard bearing the emblem of House Clarent, a red sword hilt with a golden blade on a field of black. You do not see any entrance gate during your trip. You have a feeling that everything you've seen is the back of the estate and not the front.
The two of you sit back down by Drexon, Karm, and Eremoz, and before long Librarian Toros walks into the tavern in your direction.
"Good morning, everyone," Librarian Toros greets. "Have a good rest? Ready to head to the Clarent estate? I've notified the custodian, David, to expect us." He pauses a bit when he sees Drexon's pale complexion--paler than the last time he saw him. "Uh, Mr. Drexon, you don't look so well. Did something happen yesterday?"
Cob wonders what kind of security they have to prevent someone flying over the wall, but doesn't mention it when he and Dvark are nearby in case someone is listening.
He does muse when they get back though.
"The likely easiest way in would be right through the front gate, like we're doing," Cob says. "Given how bold the thief was in the tavern, that strikes me as the move they'd make. They're not going to use magic or anything to just fly in."
"I have to admit, I feel quite drained, but I will be ok", Drexon replies to Librarian Toros.
Listening to Cob's report on the Clarent estate, he thinks back to the night before. "You are likely right, Cob. Misdirection might be the key, or hiding in plain sight. We will have to be vigilant. There will be a lot of guests, and we are unfortunately strangers here, and cannot be expected to sieve through them for those that do not belong. It will be behaviours that we need to look out for".
With that he takes a sip of the breakfast wine he has been nursing. "When do we need to leave?", he asks, unsure as to how long the journey will take.
"Now, if you're all fine with it," Librarian Toros says. "Have you eaten? I can wait if you want to break your fast first. It's not a long walk. You might have passed the estate at some point during your time here. It's quite easy to miss, but once you notice it, you won't be able to stop noticing it again."
"Fine by me, let's do this. On the way you can perhaps remind us of exactly what the job is. As a group our skill sets are varied, so whatever the requirements we should be able to cope, but better to be prepared with this information", Drexon replies to Librarian Toros.
Librarian Toros leads you toward the Clarent estate. As he said, you have passed around the area on your way to the warehouse previously. Toros leads you toward a narrow alley that is easily missed. Cob and Dvark, you realize that this path will lead to the other side of the area you scouted before.
To those who have not seen it, you are surprised to see the Clarent estate is protected on all sides by a 10-foot tall wall. It looks newly built, lacking the wear and crack that buildings more than a decade old accumulated over time. Every one hundred feet or so, a guard stands at attention with their back to the wall, eyes scanning the rooftop and the street. On each guard's uniform is an emblem of a crimson sword hilt with a golden blade on a field of black.
"The birthday party for the Lady Zelena is tomorrow," Toros says as you make your way. "As you can see, the Clarent is not lacking in protection. But, there is a rumour that this will double as a farewell party. Some people say that the Clarent is leaving Mantagard and relocating to the capital sometime soon. So, that means everyone important in Mantagard will be attending. The Lady of the House, Lady Leillana, insisted on having more protection. The city guard offered to help, but she's... picky. That's why the advert for a job was placed in the tavern. As for the details, I'm not so sure myself. David only said that you will be helping by offering a fresh perspective on the security."
You walk quite a bit before you can see anything other than a wall. The only clear view behind the wall is through a large wrought iron gate, also guarded by guards bearing the emblem of House Clarent.
Through the gate, a manor house is visible to all passersby to see. It is modern compared to the buildings around the estate, tastefully pairing cream-coloured bricks and dark wooden pillars. The manor itself is slightly elevated, standing atop what seems to be the edge of a crater that had since filled with water into a miniature lake. The entire southwest wing of the manor hangs above the lake. A sunroom on the northeast side of the building seems to double as a glass garden, filled with greeneries and flowers that are colourful enough to be visible from outside the estate gate.
Exchanging a brief greeting, Toros presents his Librarian identification to the guards. The guard looks a little sceptical before nodding to the other guard and opening the gate. The large gate creaks a little as it swings open. Those of you who can cast magic feel a tingle on the nape of your neck as if you are entering a forbidden place, but the feeling disappears soon after. However, Dvark, as you step over the threshold, you are reminded of the feeling you had when you talked with the Dusk Weaver that one time. It is as if something otherworldly, something divine, had left a trace in this place so very, very long ago.
Still focused on the recent happenings around town, Eremoz remarks, “Smart to seek out extra security. Odd happenings around town lately and a gathering of important people would lead anyone with sense to be extra cautious.”
"You would think so, right?" Toros replies with a grimace. "But the Lady is not someone as cautious. If that is the case, then she would just commission the city guard. You might not know this because you're a newcomer to the city, but the Houses of Mantagard are a political entity. The highest power is still held by the Mayor, but the houses still have a significant impact on the people. It's quite common for people to come to the houses to ask for protection instead of the city guard even after so many years since the formation of the republic."
Toros stops his stride in the middle of the estate's courtyard. A statue of the Light Bearer stands in the middle surrounded by sunflowers and other yellow or golden flowers. Karm, you notice a carving at the bottom of the statue in Celestial; it spells the word 'Ynana.'
"This statue wasn't here two decades ago," Toros adds with a long sigh. "It was because the Clarent couldn't afford to be ostentatious. The Clarent was a poor house because they lost their heirloom. All of this wealth came from Lord Daven's marriage to Lady Leillana. She's from House Pedrov, one of the richest houses in Mantagard. Her father was a good person -- a philanthropist. At the time, her father was already on his deathbed without an heir. So, to ensure his wealth was not mismanaged, he bestowed all of it to the poorest house, the Clarent, in the form of a betrothal with his daughter.
"I wasn't here yet back then, but from what Horace told me, the wedding was a disaster. Lord Pedrov was a kind person, but House Pedrov had made many enemies over the years. When he died, all of those resentful people wreaked havoc at the wedding, even stealing some of his wealth away. Ever since then, Lady Leillana has resented all the other houses that stood by and did nothing. She also hated the city guards because it was their mistake that caused her to lose her father's wealth, hence the advert at the tavern."
A cough disturbs Toros' long rant. You turn toward the direction of a building on the northeastern side of the estate. Coming from an old building, older than even the manor, is a half-elven man dressed in an impeccable suit.
"You should not have told them, my friend," the man says with a sigh. "What would happen if they're terrified like the last group? "
"Ah, right, that won't be good as the party is tomorrow," Toros says sheepishly.
"Don't mind him," the man says to the group. "I greet you welcome to the Clarent estate. My name is David Clarent, the custodian of this estate. Do not mind Toros' story too much. The people at my brother's wedding were already dealt with and will not be making an appearance tomorrow. We are more concerned with the recent happening in the city affecting my niece's celebration tomorrow. Before we continue, do you know what you will be working with? We will be contracting you for today and for tomorrow. You are recommended by Toros, but the payment is still as stated in the advert we sent, 50 copper per person. If you do a good enough job, we will give you a bonus in the form of monies or something that can be discussed later. If you have any questions or adjustments for this settlement, speak now so I don't have to continue explaining what you will be doing."