"This is something we've been considering. The problem for us is that you and your team can move around. The Iron Circle know we are here, and if they thought we were working against them then they could overwhelm us."
He steeples his fingers.
"But we are in agreement about the death by 3 or 4 stabs, and we will look at how we can manage that while not being blamed for it. Our outward stance towards the Iron Circle will be one of neutrality, but in actual fact we will be working against them."
"Let us consider the elves," Xander said. "We find them aloof, respectful of our boundaries, we do not go into the forest too deep because we don't need to trigger an incident. I think this will make them more amenable to negotiate. But it will be difficult to get them to leave the forest to assist us. They see us as a short lived race with short lived conflicts they don't need to get involved in. Something like adults seeing random children squabbling, just leave them to it to sort out. Unless you have some leverage - and I have no idea what that might be - I am doubtful you will get any assistance."
After everyone is finished with the meat, the plates are cleared away and the next course is brought out - poultry. There is stuffed goose, chicken, duck with gravy and fruit sauces. The meat is tender and is easily torn away from bone.
Grimbald is about to leave the table, his eyes widen as his poultry stomach is empty. He let's out a hearty laugh and sits. "Until those children start shitten in their forest, then it'll be too late"
"Indeed," replies Xander. "One can be too aloof. But the elves are wise as well, so perhaps they will see the wisdom in being proactive in this case. I think we have talked enough about serious matters. Please, ask us anything, eat, drink, and be merry."
The rest of the course passes easily. Conversation is light and friendly.
Dessert is next. While you are all full, the sweet and savoury tarts are exquisite.
Finally the last course - fruit and cheese. Summer berries in sheep's milk cream, and a variety of cheeses, some imported and some made here on the estate.
"My family and I usually retire early," Xander says, "so we will take our leave of you. You may depart any time on the morrow, we will give you any supplies you need that we have available. Please sleep well, knowing you are safe here."
The Gravelstokes all rise and leave with polite and friendly (except for Vincent) goodbyes, Lady Regan with them, but not before Esa hears in her ear "I will send someone for you".
Grimbald, as announced, helps the staff take the plates away. He speaks to the young woman about Vincent when they are alone.
"Oh, please understand nothing serious has happened. I was warned about Master Vincent, but he is handsome and so charming when he wants to be. He said things that made my head swim and I felt special. But when I would not bed him, he turned nasty, said that he would make things hard for me, made sure I would get the dull, dirty, and boring jobs from now on. This is why I am now a scullery maid, but it's actually not so bad. Master Vincent is troubled, I have overheard the Great Master say that he does not know what to do with him. Master Vincent is often cruel, and I've heard stories the older staff tell of dead and hurt animals being found when he was much younger. I didn't believe them then but I do now. Master Vincent can put on a lovely face, but he has a heart of ice underneath. Now I have said too much. I thank you Master, and now I must get to work on those dishes."
Augustin goes for a late evening jog around the compound (cant skip cardio) followed by any manual handling tasks he can assist with. He will go unarmoured, but will take his great sword so he can practice putting some weight on his mangy leg and getting the feel for it.
Esa pops a note under Augustin's door to tell him where she is going as a precaution. She will bring the bare minimum, enough that she can still utilise her magic but not unnecessary items such as bedrolls and ropes.
Rustling Leaves sat silently through the meal and passed over the meat based dishes. He just maes idle chit chat trying to find out more about how this household has survived in isolation as it seems strange to his limited knowledge of humans and how towns are normally run. He will hang around aimlessly after the meal hoping that one of the party will let him know the proper etiquette for what is supposed to happen next.
Anne leads Esa to a basement where she knocks and leaves the pixie. The door is soon opened by Lady Regan who smiles genuinely at Esa and beckons her to enter. The room beyond is without doubt a wizard's den. There are bound scrolls, tomes, grimoires and books stuffed into two large bookshelves. There is an ornate and polished wood reading desk with a chair. The desk had a ceramic urn of tea with two ceramic cups. There is a sloped writing desk with a scroll upon it, some ink in a pot, a quill, and several blank sheets of parchment laid flat. The room was lit from a glowing orb that drifted lazily in a tight circle near the stone ceiling. An unlit oil heater sat against a wall.
"Welcome to my lair!" Lady Regan laughs, performing a flourish of welcome. She has her dark hair tied into a ponytail, and her almost black eyes dance with mischief.
The pair got to talking like old friends. Esa finds out the following information:
Lady Regan is Xander Gravelstoke's third wife. The previous wives died apparently in unfortunate accidents. While tongues wag, there is no concrete evidence that their deaths were anything other than what they seem to be.
Xander has made it clear he wanted a wife who would give him no trouble, so Regan plays the part of the demure spouse and is happy to do so.
Lady Regan's family are from the Kingdom of Rethmil, further south even than Sarthel. It is one of the few nations not currently under the influence of the Iron Circle. Regan was the second daughter, so marriage to the patriarch of a well-known noble family of old Nerath was thought to be a good match.
Lady Regan is a mage, like her mother and grandmother. Xander has no interest in her magic, and does not see any role for it in his family business. He thinks of it as his wife's hobby, much like sewing or papercraft.
Xander is aware that Lady Regan is meeting with Esa, she sees no problem in him knowing that, and as long as she does not keep secrets, he sees no reason to interfere.
Vincent is a product of Xander and his first wife. He has always shown to have no empathy, and is careless and even cruel to others. He is reclusive and quiet, preferring to observe rather than interact. He and Regan are cool towards each other. Xander has expressed frustration in Vincent's lack of ability to work as part of a team.
The "family tradition" monastery is based on the "way of the shadow" and they use shadow magic as part of their discipline. In the past the Gravelstoke family were known spies and perhaps assassins. Lady Regan thinks that Xander is working towards rebuilding the family tradition to that end once again. She thinks it likely that he is keen to test themselves on the Iron Circle.
Xander himself can be cold when thwarted or if the situation requires that approach, but can also be generous and a good friend and ally. The family is mindful of the lesson learned when nobility turned on each other as the Empire was falling that good allies are to be cherished and nurtured. Xander has said openly that he does not consider the Iron Circle would make good allies.
The farm is successful because it is run like clockwork and managed well. There are tomes filled with several generations of written observations about nature in the local area, the land types, soil, animals, optimal growing times, best fertilizers, and everything to do with farming, all aimed at best practice.
While the party were being feasted by the Gravelstokes, in the ruined village of Marl a group of Iron Circle soldiers reported to Nazin Redthorn, commander of the Iron Circle forces in Harkenwold.
"The trail leads into those light woods, but no trail leads out," the sergeant reported. "They likely departed by the trail to Albridge with our supplies."
"A slight delay," said Nazin Redthron. "Annoying. Dar Gremath dares much. We will just have to wring more food and goods from the populace."
"There is also a strange mark on the door of the town hall," said the sergeant, pointing with his spear to the largest building of the village. Nazin Redthorn nodded for the sergeant to show him.
The Iron Circle commander looked at the rough image of an acorn burned into the door.
"You were right to bring this to my attention, sergeant," he said. "This is one of the signs the High Priest asked us to watch for. I will let him know immediately."
Esa seems content that there isn't anything untoward going on, and relaxes to spend some time with Regan. She enjoys Regan's company, and will allow herself to relax and enthusiastically take interest in the den, talking about her own magic and asking questions about Regan's. She tells Regan that she hopes they can learn a lot from each other. She does take note of what she has said about Vincent, but at least for now is willing to file it under "cruel stepson" as opposed to "threat".
When it seems to be time to go, Esa tells Regan that while Xander may see her as an obedient and placid spouse, Esa is glad to see the lady has a mind of her own, and to reach out if she ever needs aid or an ear. She hopes the two can become good friends in the future.
Lady Regan says she would like that and will send messages to her via Albridge.
She gives Esa a couple of scrolls.
"I wrote these out on as small sized paper as I could, but it's still a little big for you. Perhaps one of your companions can carry them for you until you are ready to cast them."
"Also if you find any books on magic, magic theory, spell books, and the like, I would like to buy them from you. I hear delvers are often finding such things."
Esa thanks her for her generosity, and will certainly come to her first with anything she might be interested in. She kisses her goodbye before returning to her room.
Vakiel will have been quiet but polite at dinner. Answering Alesia with facts about current topics but vaguely speaking around his history. He will have been keeping a feel for what was happening and what was - and wasn’t being said, attempting to discern if these Gravelstokes are like those he knew of. (Which DM covered above for Esa 👍🏻).
following the meal, Vakiel finding RL wondering aimlessly will show him to either Grimbalds room if it open, knowing the squirrel will have found a window & tree… or if locked, a room close by so RL can do similar. Vak will stay in whichever room thinking it’s safer not to seperate too much and waiting to see if Augustin rocks up.
"Worked my damned gammy leg too hard," he moaned. "When is it ever going to get better?"
The others arrived over time, except Grimbald who no one could find.
They all discussed the Gravelstokes and agreed it's not a black and white (good/bad) situation. The Gravelstokes seem to have a martial arts tradition and in the past used those skills for spying and perhaps assassination. This means they could be potentially foes in the future, but right now they have a common enemy - the Iron Circle. What happens after that will depend on what Xander - who has an close grip on the family (a squirrel grip, one might say) and which direction they take. They appear to have been on the side of civilization in the past, but the Empire is no more so the Gravelstokes could now do anything.
Esa's friendship with Lady Regan could be beneficial, even though she has no power over the Gravelstokes. Even worse if she was thought to be collaborating, then maybe she would have an "accident" just like Xander Gravelstoke's first two wives.
They agreed the plan was to take the Gravelstokes on face value for now, accept their help, and perhaps on the return trip, push them to share their plans about how they might act against the Iron Circle.
In the morning Grimbald and Rustling Leaves wake up with the sun. They head in and wake the others and shortly after Annie comes to invite them for breakfast.
Breakfast consists of bread, smoked fish, and various cheeses. There are also five packs of supplies for the party to take with them.
There are no Gravelstokes at breakfast, and it isn't until the heroes have packed up their gear and are ready to go that they meet Xander and Lady Regan out the front of the mansion.
"We all wish you a successful journey," Xander says. "Alesia and the twins left for Harken in the middle of the night. They are scouting and seeing what the Iron Circle are up to. We're also going to make offers to some Harken villagers that they can come live with us, if they wish."
"Who are you targetting?" asked Augustin.
"Initially Old Kellar, and Vine and his wife Sunrise," Xander replied. "I assume you know them."
"So the dwarf who knows more about the castle than anyone, and the shifter couple who are the only fletchers in the village," mused the paladin. "Smart. The Iron Circle have probably already put Vine and Sunrise to work making crossbow bolts for them. And Old Kellar would be useful if someone was planning to say, sneak around the inside of Harken Keep."
Xander nodded. "As you say. Information and supplies win wars. We don't have any fletchers or bowyers here, and I anticipate problems with supplies later, especially if the Iron Circle decide to move against us."
There was little else to say, so they said their goodbyes. Xander invited them to stay with them again on the return journey, and Lady Regan gave them each a hug. She also held out to Augustin a tarnished and dull silver ring with the emblem of a winged sword.
"This is an old relic of the Empire," she says, "meaning that it has a one time use of a spell. In this case it is bless and I think it is cast at a high level. I hope you will find it useful. It cannot be recharged, nobility in the Empire had them as cheap magic items they could use in an emergency."
Grimbald expresses his gratitude for the hearty breakfast and supplies with an equally hearty rib-cracking hug to any and all staff that are present. He wonders why Esa is giving him the stink-eye and assumes its Esa' resting, haughty '***** face'. He cant think of anything he's done wrong... recently.
Xander nods again.
"This is something we've been considering. The problem for us is that you and your team can move around. The Iron Circle know we are here, and if they thought we were working against them then they could overwhelm us."
He steeples his fingers.
"But we are in agreement about the death by 3 or 4 stabs, and we will look at how we can manage that while not being blamed for it. Our outward stance towards the Iron Circle will be one of neutrality, but in actual fact we will be working against them."
"Let us consider the elves," Xander said. "We find them aloof, respectful of our boundaries, we do not go into the forest too deep because we don't need to trigger an incident. I think this will make them more amenable to negotiate. But it will be difficult to get them to leave the forest to assist us. They see us as a short lived race with short lived conflicts they don't need to get involved in. Something like adults seeing random children squabbling, just leave them to it to sort out. Unless you have some leverage - and I have no idea what that might be - I am doubtful you will get any assistance."
After everyone is finished with the meat, the plates are cleared away and the next course is brought out - poultry. There is stuffed goose, chicken, duck with gravy and fruit sauces. The meat is tender and is easily torn away from bone.
Grimbald is about to leave the table, his eyes widen as his poultry stomach is empty. He let's out a hearty laugh and sits. "Until those children start shitten in their forest, then it'll be too late"
"Indeed," replies Xander. "One can be too aloof. But the elves are wise as well, so perhaps they will see the wisdom in being proactive in this case. I think we have talked enough about serious matters. Please, ask us anything, eat, drink, and be merry."
The rest of the course passes easily. Conversation is light and friendly.
Dessert is next. While you are all full, the sweet and savoury tarts are exquisite.
Finally the last course - fruit and cheese. Summer berries in sheep's milk cream, and a variety of cheeses, some imported and some made here on the estate.
"My family and I usually retire early," Xander says, "so we will take our leave of you. You may depart any time on the morrow, we will give you any supplies you need that we have available. Please sleep well, knowing you are safe here."
The Gravelstokes all rise and leave with polite and friendly (except for Vincent) goodbyes, Lady Regan with them, but not before Esa hears in her ear "I will send someone for you".
Grimbald, as announced, helps the staff take the plates away. He speaks to the young woman about Vincent when they are alone.
"Oh, please understand nothing serious has happened. I was warned about Master Vincent, but he is handsome and so charming when he wants to be. He said things that made my head swim and I felt special. But when I would not bed him, he turned nasty, said that he would make things hard for me, made sure I would get the dull, dirty, and boring jobs from now on. This is why I am now a scullery maid, but it's actually not so bad. Master Vincent is troubled, I have overheard the Great Master say that he does not know what to do with him. Master Vincent is often cruel, and I've heard stories the older staff tell of dead and hurt animals being found when he was much younger. I didn't believe them then but I do now. Master Vincent can put on a lovely face, but he has a heart of ice underneath. Now I have said too much. I thank you Master, and now I must get to work on those dishes."
She heads back to the scullery.
It's not too long before there is a soft knock at Esa's door and Annie stands there with a lit candleholder.
"Mistress asks for your company," she says.
Does Esa want to bring anything, do anything, say anything, or cast anything before she goes?
Grimbald will go to his room, ruffle up the sheets and exit via the window and observe from his tree before falling asleep.
Esa's going to have some harsh words with you, I think.
Augustin goes for a late evening jog around the compound (cant skip cardio) followed by any manual handling tasks he can assist with. He will go unarmoured, but will take his great sword so he can practice putting some weight on his mangy leg and getting the feel for it.
Stealth to hide from Esa in tree 18
also, Grimbald would have put his armor back on and gathered his possessions
Esa pops a note under Augustin's door to tell him where she is going as a precaution. She will bring the bare minimum, enough that she can still utilise her magic but not unnecessary items such as bedrolls and ropes.
She follows Annie.
Rustling Leaves sat silently through the meal and passed over the meat based dishes. He just maes idle chit chat trying to find out more about how this household has survived in isolation as it seems strange to his limited knowledge of humans and how towns are normally run. He will hang around aimlessly after the meal hoping that one of the party will let him know the proper etiquette for what is supposed to happen next.
Anne leads Esa to a basement where she knocks and leaves the pixie. The door is soon opened by Lady Regan who smiles genuinely at Esa and beckons her to enter. The room beyond is without doubt a wizard's den. There are bound scrolls, tomes, grimoires and books stuffed into two large bookshelves. There is an ornate and polished wood reading desk with a chair. The desk had a ceramic urn of tea with two ceramic cups. There is a sloped writing desk with a scroll upon it, some ink in a pot, a quill, and several blank sheets of parchment laid flat. The room was lit from a glowing orb that drifted lazily in a tight circle near the stone ceiling. An unlit oil heater sat against a wall.
"Welcome to my lair!" Lady Regan laughs, performing a flourish of welcome. She has her dark hair tied into a ponytail, and her almost black eyes dance with mischief.
The pair got to talking like old friends. Esa finds out the following information:
Does Esa want to ask any other questions?
Cut Scene
While the party were being feasted by the Gravelstokes, in the ruined village of Marl a group of Iron Circle soldiers reported to Nazin Redthorn, commander of the Iron Circle forces in Harkenwold.
"The trail leads into those light woods, but no trail leads out," the sergeant reported. "They likely departed by the trail to Albridge with our supplies."
"A slight delay," said Nazin Redthron. "Annoying. Dar Gremath dares much. We will just have to wring more food and goods from the populace."
"There is also a strange mark on the door of the town hall," said the sergeant, pointing with his spear to the largest building of the village. Nazin Redthorn nodded for the sergeant to show him.
The Iron Circle commander looked at the rough image of an acorn burned into the door.
"You were right to bring this to my attention, sergeant," he said. "This is one of the signs the High Priest asked us to watch for. I will let him know immediately."
Esa seems content that there isn't anything untoward going on, and relaxes to spend some time with Regan. She enjoys Regan's company, and will allow herself to relax and enthusiastically take interest in the den, talking about her own magic and asking questions about Regan's. She tells Regan that she hopes they can learn a lot from each other. She does take note of what she has said about Vincent, but at least for now is willing to file it under "cruel stepson" as opposed to "threat".
When it seems to be time to go, Esa tells Regan that while Xander may see her as an obedient and placid spouse, Esa is glad to see the lady has a mind of her own, and to reach out if she ever needs aid or an ear. She hopes the two can become good friends in the future.
Lady Regan says she would like that and will send messages to her via Albridge.
She gives Esa a couple of scrolls.
"I wrote these out on as small sized paper as I could, but it's still a little big for you. Perhaps one of your companions can carry them for you until you are ready to cast them."
The spells are: greater invisibility; and misty step.
"Also if you find any books on magic, magic theory, spell books, and the like, I would like to buy them from you. I hear delvers are often finding such things."
Esa thanks her for her generosity, and will certainly come to her first with anything she might be interested in. She kisses her goodbye before returning to her room.
Vakiel will have been quiet but polite at dinner. Answering Alesia with facts about current topics but vaguely speaking around his history. He will have been keeping a feel for what was happening and what was - and wasn’t being said, attempting to discern if these Gravelstokes are like those he knew of. (Which DM covered above for Esa 👍🏻).
following the meal, Vakiel finding RL wondering aimlessly will show him to either Grimbalds room if it open, knowing the squirrel will have found a window & tree… or if locked, a room close by so RL can do similar. Vak will stay in whichever room thinking it’s safer not to seperate too much and waiting to see if Augustin rocks up.
Augustin arrives, a little red faced and limping.
"Worked my damned gammy leg too hard," he moaned. "When is it ever going to get better?"
The others arrived over time, except Grimbald who no one could find.
They all discussed the Gravelstokes and agreed it's not a black and white (good/bad) situation. The Gravelstokes seem to have a martial arts tradition and in the past used those skills for spying and perhaps assassination. This means they could be potentially foes in the future, but right now they have a common enemy - the Iron Circle. What happens after that will depend on what Xander - who has an close grip on the family (a squirrel grip, one might say) and which direction they take. They appear to have been on the side of civilization in the past, but the Empire is no more so the Gravelstokes could now do anything.
Esa's friendship with Lady Regan could be beneficial, even though she has no power over the Gravelstokes. Even worse if she was thought to be collaborating, then maybe she would have an "accident" just like Xander Gravelstoke's first two wives.
They agreed the plan was to take the Gravelstokes on face value for now, accept their help, and perhaps on the return trip, push them to share their plans about how they might act against the Iron Circle.
29th day of Highsummer
In the morning Grimbald and Rustling Leaves wake up with the sun. They head in and wake the others and shortly after Annie comes to invite them for breakfast.
Breakfast consists of bread, smoked fish, and various cheeses. There are also five packs of supplies for the party to take with them.
There are no Gravelstokes at breakfast, and it isn't until the heroes have packed up their gear and are ready to go that they meet Xander and Lady Regan out the front of the mansion.
"We all wish you a successful journey," Xander says. "Alesia and the twins left for Harken in the middle of the night. They are scouting and seeing what the Iron Circle are up to. We're also going to make offers to some Harken villagers that they can come live with us, if they wish."
"Who are you targetting?" asked Augustin.
"Initially Old Kellar, and Vine and his wife Sunrise," Xander replied. "I assume you know them."
"So the dwarf who knows more about the castle than anyone, and the shifter couple who are the only fletchers in the village," mused the paladin. "Smart. The Iron Circle have probably already put Vine and Sunrise to work making crossbow bolts for them. And Old Kellar would be useful if someone was planning to say, sneak around the inside of Harken Keep."
Xander nodded. "As you say. Information and supplies win wars. We don't have any fletchers or bowyers here, and I anticipate problems with supplies later, especially if the Iron Circle decide to move against us."
There was little else to say, so they said their goodbyes. Xander invited them to stay with them again on the return journey, and Lady Regan gave them each a hug. She also held out to Augustin a tarnished and dull silver ring with the emblem of a winged sword.
"This is an old relic of the Empire," she says, "meaning that it has a one time use of a spell. In this case it is bless and I think it is cast at a high level. I hope you will find it useful. It cannot be recharged, nobility in the Empire had them as cheap magic items they could use in an emergency."
Grimbald expresses his gratitude for the hearty breakfast and supplies with an equally hearty rib-cracking hug to any and all staff that are present. He wonders why Esa is giving him the stink-eye and assumes its Esa' resting, haughty '***** face'. He cant think of anything he's done wrong... recently.
D&D beyond has censored me.